Join our team as Administrative Assistant

PLEASE NOTE: Applications are now closed for this position. 

Administrative Assistant

30 hours/week

About the Position

The Administrative Assistant will support the CBT across all program areas. The successful candidate will coordinate the day-to-day administration and operations of the CBT office, creating a welcoming space, updating administrative practices, and maintaining records. They will work closely with the Executive Director to support the Board of Directors, as well as work closely with the Finance Coordinator to assist with bookkeeping processes. The Administrative Assistant will work across the CBT to support our programs and events.

Responsibilities

Office Administration

  • Maintains a welcoming and functional office space including coordination of internal and external group use of space, maintenance of office supplies and equipment, mail, phone system and general inquiry email, and emergency preparedness. Leads our Ocean Friendly Business implementation with the goal of zero waste and utilizing environmentally friendly products.
  • Provides front-line support to all office visitors including volunteers, grantees, and donors. Welcomes guests and assists with general inquiries and information sharing.
  • Maintains contact lists, records, electronic filing, and passwords as per CBT systems.
  • Supports visits from guests such as politicians and representatives from other biosphere regions and community foundations. Coordinates access to our office and equipment as needed for visitors and partners.
  • Provides financial reporting and bookkeeping support including bank deposits, preparing expenses for processing, outgoing payment coordination, and record-keeping,
  • Participates in team meetings and planning processes.

Governance Support

  • Builds relationships with board members and helps to host meetings in a spirit of connectedness, appreciation, and service.
  • Provides support for the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Biosphere Centre Development Committee including creating a welcoming atmosphere, arranging meeting logistics, tracking meeting confirmations, recording minutes, and records management.
  • Supports year-end reporting by finalizing meeting minutes and maintaining board records for submission.

Program Support

  • Coordinates logistics for CBT events such as volunteer appreciation, grant information sessions, research gatherings, and open houses.
  • Provides administrative support for all programs and staff:
    1. Assists with hosting meetings (in-person, remote, or hybrid) and supporting guests.
    • Arranging travel, catering, and expense claims to support engagement and accessibility.
    • Records minutes for granting committees and other meetings.

About You

You are a self-starter with strong relationship development and interpersonal skills, organizational and planning skills, a high degree of professionalism, and an understanding of the history and cultures in the region. You bring:

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with staff teams and the public.
  • Independent thinker, problem solver, responsive to organization’s needs.
  • Strong computer literacy. Experience utilizing Office 365 is an asset.
  • Office administration training or another relevant education is an asset.
  • Familiarity with financial processes and record keeping.
  • Significant experience in working in a cross-cultural setting.
  • Knowledge of First Nations communities and priorities in the Biosphere Region.
  • A willingness to learn and a strong passion for the Biosphere Region.

Location

This position is based at the CBT office (316 Main Street, Tofino). Some regional travel is required, and applicants must have access to reliable transportation.

What We Offer

The successful applicant can expect an hourly salary of $25.96 - $28.76 depending on knowledge and experience, as well as a comprehensive benefit package. Working from the Tofino office, this is a Monday-Friday, 30-hour/week ongoing position starting as soon as possible.

To Apply

If you are interested in learning more about this long-term position, please reach out to Rebecca Hurwitz by phone or email (250-266-0106; rebecca@clayoquotbiosphere.org). If you would like to apply, we welcome a brief cover letter and resume by September 11th at 4 p.m. to rebecca@clayoquotbiosphere.org.

We welcome applications from Indigenous people, people with disabilities, BIPOC and racialized individuals, LGBTQ2+, and others who may contribute to the CBT's organizational diversity. If you would like to apply for a job, are scheduled for an interview, or have been offered a position within CBT and require accommodations and/or accessibility measures, please email to request. Preference will be given to qualified applicants residing in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region.

About the CBT

The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is a registered charity based on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada. Established in 2000, CBT is the only organization in Canada that is both a community foundation and a UNESCO biosphere. We pair this spirit of community with the power of a global presence to bring more people together for a shared understanding.

We are one of 1800 community foundations worldwide implementing the United Nations’ goals to reduce poverty, end hunger, ensure quality education, and protect the environment. CBT also oversees the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region designation, one of Canada’s 19 UNESCO biospheres, and sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our team works to strengthen the development of all citizens, communities, and the ecosystems on which we all depend, for a future we can all be proud of.

The CBT carries out our work in the territories of hiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht First Nation), ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht), ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations), Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (Ucluelet First Nation), and tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht Nation).

Announcing the 2024 Community Development Grants

July 23, 2024
We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Community Development grants. This year, five outstanding projects in our region have been awarded a total of $24,000 in funding. These grants are dedicated to fostering accessible, inclusive, healthy, supportive, equitable, and sustainable communities, helping to build a stronger and more united region.

Announcing the 2024 Research & Environment Grants

July 17, 2024
We're excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Research and Environment grants. This year, the CBT awarded over $36,000 in funding to six inspiring projects in the region. These projects address threats to key species and ecosystems and uplift nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) ways of knowing. Efforts also focus on habitat conservation, restoration, and protection for ecologically and culturally important species and ecosystems.

Welcoming our 2024 Summer Intern

July 15, 2024
We're excited to welcome Zahur Ashrafuzzaman (she/he/they), our new summer intern who is already making valuable contributions to a variety of projects across the organization!

Our Team's Experience at EuroMAB 2024

June 11, 2024
In early June 2024, two members of the CBT team, Colin Robinson and Janessa Dornstauder had the opportunity to attend EuroMAB 2024 in the Elbe River Landscape, Germany – a UNESCO Biosphere. Because there are so few countries in North America, Canada, and the USA participate in the European network, while Mexico participates in the Latin network. Read more about their experience! 

Marcie Callewaert Reflects on her Leadership Journey

May 6, 2024
“Participating in LVI gave me back my leadership confidence that I had lost somewhere along the way. It was a great reminder of what I am capable of and provided me with tools to strengthen my skills as I move forward in new roles. Because of LVI, I took chances that I never would have taken just a few years ago and they paid off! I am so thankful for the community of support that LVI creates during the program and in the months and years afterwards."

Share the Fare: Elevating Sustainability for the Biosphere Centre

May 2, 2024
Harbour Air, renowned as the Pacific's premier seaplane airline, has recently forged a partnership that aims to redefine the skies. Collaborating with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT), Harbour Air's mission goes beyond flight; it's about flying with purpose, with its new support for the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre.

Harbour Air Expands Share the Fare Program to Include the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

April 10, 2024
arbour Air, North America’s largest seaplane airline, announced today its partnership with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) as part of its Share the Fare program. This collaboration underscores Harbour Air’s commitment to supporting coastal communities in British Columbia and advancing sustainable initiatives.

Join us for our Annual Biosphere Region BioBlitz!

April 2, 2024
On Saturday, April 20th, participate from anywhere within the biosphere region to celebrate the upcoming Earth Day! It’s an excellent opportunity to step outdoors and learn about the amazing biodiversity in the area.

Pani's Journey : From receiving CBT's Education Award to Pursuing Medicine at UBC

March 8, 2024
Pani Ayoubizadeh from Ucluelet received the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Education award in 2022 and is currently studying science at the University of British Columbia to become a cardiac surgeon. She has recently gotten in touch to share an update on her academic journey as well as her personal growth since receiving the award.

Grant Writing Workshop

January 26, 2024
Join this half-day workshop hosted in partnership with the West Coast N.E.S.T. (CBT's regional education tourism initiative) to learn effective grant writing and fundraising strategies.

Good News for the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre Project!

January 17, 2024
In a remarkable display of commitment to community and environmental stewardship, the Wickaninnish Inn has pledged an astounding $150,000 over the course of five years to support the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre. In a generous gesture, they have already contributed $40,000 as their inaugural installment.

Announcing the fall 2023 Culture Neighbourhood Small Grants!

December 6, 2023
We are excited to share this list of grass-roots community projects that received Culture Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) this past fall cycle. This has been our most successful cycle to date, with a total of 33 projects in the region, 15 projects for Clayoquot Sound NGS and 18 for Ahousaht NSG!