Marine Liaison Specialist

About Musqueam

We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people. Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit www.musqueam.bc.ca 

Position Summary

Reporting to the Fisheries Manager, this position is responsible for the monitoring and operations of various Musqueam marine response activities, including overseeing training of Musqueam staff. The Marine Planning Specialist will evaluate best management practices for Musqueam marine response and provide technical and general information to other staff, leadership and community members. They will be responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing Musqueam’s marine response program, including the delivery of an Emergency Management Training and Exercise Program for all levels of employees, mainly for the Fisheries and Environmental Stewardship Department. This is a one-year termed position with opportunity to extend based on funding.

Duties

· Provides oversight and builds capacity for marine emergency response.

· Develops and maintains working relationships acts as a liaison with external contacts including government agencies and marine response organizations.

· Leads, organizes and carries-out marine emergency response exercises for Musqueam with other stakeholders.

· Acts as a First Responder in case of an emergency (i.e. spill response, earthquake, flood, etc.); available 24/7.

· Leads debriefs following marine emergency events and organizes, reviews and evaluates training to ensure feedback and learnings are captured into a continual maintenance program.

· Regularly reviews and incorporates any new and emerging trends in emergency management, and overall response and recovery in a Marine Emergency Management training and exercise program.

· Engages the Fisheries and Environmental Stewardship staff to embed emergency management and resilience awareness into everyday operations.

· Designs, develops, and delivers training program for marine response and maintains a comprehensive Marine Emergency Management Plan.

· Trains, mentors and coaches Aboriginal Fisheries Officers and oversees ongoing training for Musqueam marine response activities.

· Incorporates relevant aspects of Musqueam’s Fisheries laws (traditional and current), policies, and best management practices into Musqueam’s operations.

· Educates staff on both Fisheries and Title & Rights policies and processes.

· Advocates for Musqueam fisheries and rights.

· Identifies, assesses and evaluates data and information required to support critical decision-making processes.

· Reviews and analyzes referrals, including development of recommendations.

· Performs related duties as required.

Job Knowledge & Skills

· At least 3 years of progressive experience in an operations environment, with a minimum of 2 years of experience in emergency and/or disaster management, supplemented by a technical diploma or associate’s degree with a specialization in Emergency and/or Disaster Management.

· Knowledge of various Aboriginal, Indigenous, and First Nations related legislation, and social, economic, political and historical concerns in Indigenous communities.

· Knowledge and experience of similar program delivery in the context of Musqueam, or First Nations culture and history.

· Cultural competency and sensitivity towards Musqueam’s cultural traditions.

· Proven experience working and leading in an emergency response context.

· Previous experience conducting emergency exercises.

· Knowledge of emergency management trends, standards and regulations.

· Ability to deliver debriefs regarding operational responses.

· Experience or familiarity with Incident Management Systems (IMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS).

· Strong knowledge of computer programs, including proficiency in MS Office.

· Valid First Aid Certificate (can be provided on-the-job).

· Ability to operate small vessels.

· Ability to work both independently and in a team to achieve overall objectives.

· Excellent time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and handle shifting priorities to produce results within deadlines.

· Ability to continually use tact and good judgment in dealing with sensitive and complex issues.

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Working Conditions

· Work is performed in an office environment and outdoors/on boat

· Some evenings and weekends may be required

· Successful Criminal Record Check

· Valid Class 5 Drivers Licence