We're looking to hire a student or recent graduate to support a regional climate adaptation planning project that will improve resilience across two municipalities and three Nuu-chah-nulth communities. A PDF version of the job posting below can be found here.
Title: Climate and Health Adaptation Intern
This unique internship — hosted by the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust in partnership with Island Health — will help develop community-led regional climate adaptation planning in Central Region Nuu-chah-nulth Territory on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The intern will work closely with Island Health staff from the Healthy Environments and Healthy Communities teams to build on previous regional health research and make recommendations on the development of collaborative climate adaptation planning for two municipal and three Nuu-chah-nulth governments.
This role involves working closely with the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District, local governments, Island Health, and other community partners. The role has potential to be expanded into a longer contract at the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust. Hiring preference will be given to candidates residing in, or near, the participating communities, however applicants from outside of the region are encouraged to apply.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Collaborate with Clayoquot Biosphere Trust staff and Island Health Healthy Environments and Healthy Communities staff to support collective action towards climate resilience.
Assist in the development and execution of local climate adaptation planning.
Conduct community research and analysis, including reviewing existing maps, community plans, and conducting interviews to identify community assets, gaps and strengths in community climate action.
Prepare comprehensive reports summarizing findings and recommendations to advise on community climate resilience development, with consideration to DRIPA, OCAP, and cultural safety.
Contribute to updating and building on a community climate resilience data repository
Establish and maintain positive relationships with internal and external partners, supporting collaborative efforts.
Perform other related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education, Training, and Experience
Applicant must be a current part-time or full-time post-secondary student or 2026 graduate. The program funding this internship is intended to support students at UBC, UVIC, SFU, or UNBC; however, exceptions can be made for candidates not associated with the above universities if they reside in or near the participating communities.
Applicant may come from diverse educational and work experience backgrounds, including Public Health, Geography, Planning, Environment, Agriculture, Foods and Nutrition, or related fields.
Preference for candidates with a background in literature reviews, community engagement, working with First Nations and municipalities, or planning.
Demonstrated passion for climate action and community engagement with solid understanding of best practices and program delivery.
Commitment to supporting Indigenous sovereignty and reconciliation through a climate lens.
Skills and Abilities
Ability to work independently and proactively identify necessary tasks
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong research, analysis, writing, and knowledge translation skills
Effective communication skills, capable of developing and maintaining positive relationships with a variety of partners
Knowledgeable in climate action, cultural safety, community engagement, and planning; GIS or related mapping tools are an asset but not required
Mentorship – This position is made possible with funding from the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, which provides cohort learning opportunities related to climate resilience for successful applicants. The successful applicant will also work closely with a scholar-practitioner to connect sustainability and health theory to this applied project.
Timeline – Flexible start date no later than July 2026; hours per week are also flexible, but the contract will conclude by the end of the year. However, there is potential to expand the role into a longer contract with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust for local candidates.
Wage – The position will be structured as a contractor role paid $30/hour. The successful applicant will be responsible for invoicing the CBT for hours worked.
Location - remote/hybrid in Central Island; candidates residing in or near participating communities (preferred) would have more opportunity for in-person work and community engagements.
Contact – please send a cover letter and resume to colin@clayoquotbiosphere.org. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is hired.
