Marine and Forest Keeper – Boat Operator

Do you love protecting natural environments, supporting Indigenous stewardship, and spending your days on the water and in nature? Kwiakah First Nation is seeking a Marine and Forest Keeper – Boat Operator to help safeguard and strengthen our presence across the lands, shorelines, and waters of our traditional territory, based at the Kwiakah Centre of Excellence in Phillips Arm.

This is more than a job, it’s a mission. If you thrive in rugged, remote environments, have strong marine experience, and value cultural and ecological preservation, we’d love to hear from you!

What You’ll Do:

As a Marine and Forest Keeper, you will work collaboratively within a team whose focus will be rooted in regenerative forestry and the well-being and protection of the Nation’s marine territory. Key responsibilities will include:

• Increasing the Kwiakah First Nation (KFN) presences on the water, along shorelines and throughout the territory
• Conducting patrols throughout Kwiakah territory
• Engaging with visitors, sports fishers, and commercial operators in a respectful and informative manner
• Monitoring ecological health, documenting wildlife sightings and tourism activity
• Supporting data collection and reporting related to resource use and environmental impacts
• Responding to reports of violations, safety concerns or emergencies within the territory
• Supporting community outreach, education, and land use initiatives

For an in-depth overview of the role, please review the full Job Description.

What Kwiakah First Nation Offers:

• Salary: $60,000 increasing to $65,000 after passing the 3-month probationary period.
• Additional benefits:
  • Food per diem provided during rare overnight stays at the field station
  • Group Insurance, including medical and dental benefits
  • Pension Plan
  • Generous vacation allowance
• Growth: Opportunities for training and professional development
• Adventure: Field-based work in a stunning and ecologically rich part of the province

What You’ll Bring:

• High School Diploma and a minimum of 3 years’ general work experience
• Required certifications:
  • Small Vessel Operator Proficiency
  • Radio Operator Certificate
  • Marine Emergency Duties (MED)
• Minimum 3 years’ boating experience, including operating a small vessel in coastal waters such as Discovery Passage and Cordero Channel, is required
• A criminal record check is a requirement for this position
• Proficiency with computer skills, including Word, Excel, email, and using handheld devices, is an asset
• Strong communication and conflict resolution skills
• Physically fit and comfortable working in rugged terrain and remote marine settings
• A team-oriented mindset with a strong commitment to stewardship and Indigenous values

Additional Requirements:

• This is a full-time, Monday to Friday position (40 hours/week)
• Travel to and from the site will be by band-owned boat from Campbell River, operated by the Marine and Forest Keeper
• While daily travel is generally expected, flexibility is essential, weather, tides, or operational needs may require overnight or multi-night stays at the remote field station
• Work is performed extensively in isolated conditions within the territory, including in forest, marine and lake environments
• Applicants must be physically fit to carry out the duties

How to apply:

We encourage you to review the Job Description and to submit a resume that clearly outlines how your skills and experience meet the requirements of this role to TallSky Consulting.

TallSky is committed to supporting our clients in building inclusive cultures that embrace differences. Our approach reflects professional employment equity practices, and we believe in celebrating each candidate’s uniqueness. Diverse teams learn how to communicate respectfully, deliver more innovative solutions and are better positioned for long-term success.

This position will remain open until it is filled. We thank all applicants; however, after initial acknowledgement, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.