Join our Team!

*This position has been filled!

Executive and Finance Assistant

30 hours/week

About the Position

The Executive and Finance 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, hosting events, 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 Executive and Finance Assistant will work across the CBT to support our programs and events.

For detailed responsibilities, please see the:  job description  

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.
  • Problem solver, responsive to the organization’s needs.
  • Experience utilizing Office 365 is an asset.
  • Office administration training or another relevant education is an asset.
  • Basic accounting and bookkeeping skills, and experience with financial software is an asset.
  • Familiarity with financial processes and record keeping.
  • Detail-orientated and good organizational skills.
  • Significant experience in working in a cross-cultural setting.
  • 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 29.43, as well as a comprehensive benefit package. This is a 30 hour/week ongoing position starting as soon as possible. We encourage open dialogue regarding your optimal work week (e.g. 6 vs. 7.5 hour days; 4 day work week vs 5 days) in order to provide work/life balance. 2

To Apply

Please reach out to Rebecca Hurwitz by phone or email (250-266-0106; rebecca@clayoquotbiosphere.org) to learn more about this position. To apply, we welcome a brief cover letter and resume by August 23rd at 4 p.m. to rebecca@clayoquotbiosphere.org. Preference will be given to qualified applicants residing in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region.

The CBT embraces diversity and inclusion. 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. We’re working to create a team that is as diverse as the communities we serve and an environment where every team member brings their whole self to work.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process to ensure an enjoyable candidate experience. If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, we invite you to submit your request to Rebecca via email. All information received will be kept confidential.

About the CBT

The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is a registered charity based on the west coast of British Columbia. 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).

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August 26, 2025
We’re excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 Biosphere Research Awards! This year, the CBT has granted $38K to support three amazing projects. This funding stream supports initiatives that address key species or ecosystem threats, focus on reversing degradation trends, and promote conservation actions with broad application. Each program aligns with First Nations priorities and protocols, upholds the spirit of the UNESCO Biosphere designation, and shares research findings publicly. Read more!

CBT's Youth Summer Intern Reflects on his Experience Volunteering with Surfrider

August 26, 2025
This summer, CBT's Youth Intern, Braedon, has been supporting us in a wide range of projects across the organization and has also participated in initiatives hosted by other local non-profits. One of our goals was to offer him the opportunity to experience diverse types of work as well as acquire skills and knowledge in many different fields. Discover Braedon’s experience joining Surfrider Pacific Rim and Tourism Tofino for their “Washed Up Wednesday” beach clean. Read on for his reflections.

An Inspiring Journey: Education Award Recipient Shares Her Story

August 8, 2025
Pani Ayoubizadeh from Ucluelet received the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Education Award in 2022 and is currently studying science at the University of British Columbia, working toward her dream of becoming a cardiac surgeon. She has earned straight A’s every year so far, a testament to her incredible dedication and drive. Recently, Pani reached out to share an update on her academic journey and the personal growth she has experienced since receiving the award. Read more about her story!

Join our Team as an Alternate At-Large Director

August 7, 2025
The CBT is seeking expressions of interest in a 4-year volunteer term as Alternate At-Large Director. The CBT exists to support research, education and programs that advance conservation, the understanding of natural processes in the marine and terrestrial ecosystems and that promote the health of individuals and communities in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. The CBT relies on the vision and strategic direction of a committed Board of Directors representing a diversity of experience, skills and interests supportive of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere designation.

Reflections from Illuminate 2025: A Gathering of Shared Purpose and Bold Ideas

July 3, 2025
This past May, members of our staff and board had the privilege of attending Illuminate 2025, the national biennial conference hosted by Community Foundations of Canada, which was held in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Nova Scotia, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. More than just a conference, it was a powerful gathering of community foundations from across the country, a space for meaningful connection, shared learning, and lasting inspiration.

Janessa Dornstauder reflects on her community leadership journey

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Janessa Dornstauder is a settler who is grateful to call Ucluelet her home. Through her work with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT), Janessa builds partnerships between the diverse groups and communities in the region to achieve common biodiversity conservation goals. She recently graduated from the Leadership Vancouver Island West Coast program, and she reflects on her journey in this blog post. Read more!

Announcing the Spring 2025 Green/Youth Neighbourhood Small Grants

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We’re excited to share this list of grassroots community projects that received a Green/Youth Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) this past spring cycle. A total of 19 projects were funded in the region! NSG makes empowering, accessible opportunities for residents from all demographics to make their communities more inclusive and vibrant places to live. Check out the blog below to learn more about the projects from the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region NSG program.

Deepening Connections: Reflections on the 2025 BC Biosphere Gathering

June 16, 2025
This past May, the CBT hosted the 4th annual BC Biosphere Gathering in our home region. Each year, this gathering brings together partners from British Columbia’s three UNESCO-designated biosphere regions, Clayoquot Sound, Mount Arrowsmith, and Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound, for a multi-day opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow stronger together as a network.

Art as Reconciliation: The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre’s Art Program

May 23, 2025
Nestled in the heart of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region, a transformative initiative from the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is redefining the role of public art in cultural renewal, place-making, and reconciliation. The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre (CSBC), currently under development in Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations territory, is envisioned as a knowledge hub for education, research, and reconciliation. At the core of this vision is a groundbreaking Arts Program, one that doesn’t just decorate a space but infuses the region with meaning. 

Province of British Columbia Invests $1 Million in Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre to Advance Rural Economic Development

May 22, 2025
he Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is proud to announce a $1 million contribution from the Province of British Columbia through the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP). This major investment signals provincial confidence in the transformative potential of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre, a $17 million facility now in the construction documentation phase in Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation territory, envisioned as a regional hub for learning, innovation, and sustainable development. 

More Than a Designation: Honouring nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) Stewardship

May 14, 2025
We’re celebrating the 25th anniversary of the UNESCO biosphere designation, when the efforts of West Coast residents towards a sustainable future were recognized as being globally significant. However, the vitality of this place and the power of its people long predate the UNESCO designation. This place is exceptional thanks to the enduring nuučaan̓uł advocacy for interconnected rights, title, and environmental stewardship.

Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Receives Transformational $1.2M Gift from the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation

February 3, 2025
The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) is honored to announce a generous $1.2 million philanthropic investment from the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation, marking a significant milestone in bringing the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre (CSBC) to life. This remarkable gift highlights our shared commitment to strengthening communities, advancing reconciliation, and fostering environmental stewardship.

Celebrating Community: Our Most Successful Holiday Giving Campaign Yet!

January 14, 2025
This past December, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) collaborated with 23 local charities to promote our shared giving platform, with the goal of standing together to strengthen local communities and ecosystems. Throughout the month, participating charitable organizations helped amplify the initiative by sharing it through their communication channels. Meanwhile, donors explored causes they cared about and supported the region's diverse needs through the Holiday Giving Catalogue.

Join the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre Local Trades Fair! (PDF) 11.38 MB

January 9, 2025
Join the Biosphere Centre Local Trades Fair! We are actively seeking local contractors and tradespeople for various aspects of construction, with a strong emphasis on mass timber construction, sustainable building practices, local material procurement, Indigenous engagement and participation and workforce development and training. Collaborate on this project to make a lasting community impact by contributing to a transformative facility that honors local First Nations and prioritizes sustainable building practices. Click here for more details!

Announcing the Fall 2024 Culture Neighbourhood Small Grants

January 9, 2025
We’re excited to share this list of grass-roots community projects that received a Culture Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) this past fall cycle. A total of 19 projects were funded in the region! Read more about the projects below from the Clayoquot Sound NSG program.

Giving Season is Here: Join the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust in Making a Difference

December 9, 2024
As the holiday season draws near, the spirit of generosity and compassion invites us to embrace the timeless tradition of giving. For those of us living on the beautiful west coast, this time of year serves as a reminder of the supportive communities and vibrant ecosystems we cherish. While we often celebrate the visible aspects of our region, we must also recognize the passionate social and environmental charities tirelessly working to uphold the vitality of the local landscapes and communities.