Community Climate Risk & Adaptation Intern

Position Summary

Seabird Island is located in the Fraser River, near Agassiz, British Columbia. The community is committed to strengthening self-determination, cultural continuity, and sustainable land stewardship through community-led governance, planning, and services. Seabird Island Band places a strong emphasis on collaboration, respect for Indigenous Knowledge, and building resilience for future generations.

Seabird Island Band is committed to strengthening community wellbeing through effective, accountable, and culturally grounded stewardship of lands, environment, and community infrastructure.

The community is dedicated to fostering a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects Indigenous Knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. Climate resilience work at Seabird Island is community-driven and collaborative, involving staff, Elders, and community members. This role supports Indigenous-led climate planning and the development of practical tools to guide adaptation decision-making for current and future generations

The Community Climate Risk & Adaptation Intern will support Seabird Island Band’s climate resilience initiatives by gathering environmental data, conducting GIS-based analysis, and integrating community knowledge to identify priority climate risks. This role strengthens Indigenous-led climate planning and contributes directly to the development of the Climate Adaptation Strategy and Adaptive Heat Map.

The duration is approx. 13 weeks from June 2-August 30 2026  with 35 hours/week 

What You'll Do 

Data Collection & Research

Gather and organize climate, environmental, and land-use data from local, regional, and national sources.

Conduct literature reviews on climate impacts relevant to Seabird Island (e.g., flooding, extreme heat, wildlife, ecosystem change)

Support the documentation of Indigenous Knowledge and community-identified climate concerns in a respectful and ethical manner.

Maintain accurate records, datasets, and metadata to support future planning and analysis.

GIS Mapping & Analysis

Assist with the development of GIS-based maps to identify climate hazards, vulnerable areas, and community assets.

Support spatial analysis for the Adaptive Heat Map, including layering environmental, infrastructure, and demographic data.

Help update and manage geospatial datasets using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS or QGIS.)

Produce clear, visually accessible maps and graphics for community use, reports, and presentations.

SEO & Website Optimization

Perform keyword research and implement SEO strategies to improve organic search rankings.

Optimize website content and structure for better user experience and search visibility.

Monitor site performance and recommend improvements for speed and usability.

Community Engagement

Support engagement activities such as workshops, meetings, and interviews, with community members, Elders, and knowledge holders.

Assist in gathering community input on observed climate impacts, priorities, and adaptation ideas.

Help translate technical climate and mapping information into plain-language materials.

Uphold cultural protocols, confidentiality, and respectful engagement practices throughout all interactions.

Reporting & Knowledge Mobilization

Contribute to written reports, summaries, and presentations for the Climate Adaptation Strategy.

Assist in synthesizing technical data and community knowledge into actionable findings.

Support the development of tools and materials that share climate risk information with the community.

Help document lessons learned and recommendations to inform future climate planning initiatives.

Segment audiences and personalize content to improve engagement and conversion rates.

Monitor deliverability and open rates, making adjustments as needed.

Other Duties

Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.

Learning & Mentorship

The intern will receive:

Weekly coaching and supervision.

Hands-on training and mentorship from technical advisors.

Opportunities to collaborate with Lands Governance, Health, Housing, and Elders Advisory Circle.

Exposure to Indigenous governance, stewardship principles, and community-driven climate planning. 

What you'll Bring

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

Background in Environmental Science, Geography, Planning, Climate Studies, or a related field. 

Experience with GIS.

Eligible students must be enrolled or accepted for enrolment in a fulltime undergraduate or graduate program.

Students must either be returning to complete their degree programs following the internship or have completed their programs the semester prior to the start of the internship.

Skills & Attributes

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Cultural awareness and respect for Indigenous knowledge systems.

Analytical thinking and attention to detail.

Interest in Indigenous-led climate resilience and community planning.

A valid driver's license is highly recommended.

Working / Special Conditions

Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.

Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.

Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively engage and support projects, work, and initiatives.

Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of events, meetings, and engagements. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

How to Apply 

Have a question about this role before you apply? Please address any question or emails to Connie Smith to [email protected].

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter sharing how your experience aligns with this role.

Pre-Employment Screening 

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.