Indigenous Food Sovereignty (IFS) Support Staff

  JOB POSTING

 

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) is a fast-growing vibrant organization committed to the development and progress of its Band Members and Community.  As such, the TteS invites applications from qualified, highly motivated and dynamic individuals to fill the following position.

 

POSITION TITLE:                 Indigenous Food Sovereignty (IFS) Support Staff

(1 Full Time, 1 On Call)

DEPARTMENT:                        Community Services

SUPERVISOR:                          IFS Lead

TERMS:                                    Full Time, Permanent

REFERENCE #:                         2026-071

 

Purpose of Position:

To support the planning, delivery, and maintenance of Indigenous food sovereignty initiatives, including community gardens, food harvesting, preservation, and land-based learning activities. This position assists the Food Sovereignty Lead in promoting access to traditional and local food systems for community wellness and cultural revitalization.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

Garden and Land-Based Work – 50%

• Assist with planting, watering, weeding, harvesting, and maintaining garden and greenhouse spaces.
• Support traditional food practices such as foraging, berry picking, and fish or meat processing (as appropriate and trained).
• Help with food preservation activities like canning, drying, or freezing.

 

Program and Event Support – 25%

• Set up and clean up for workshops, cooking sessions, harvest feasts, and community events.
• Prepare tools and materials for activities led by the Food Sovereignty Lead or Knowledge Keepers.
• Assist with community engagement efforts, including youth or school programming.

 

Community Engagement and Knowledge Sharing – 15%

• Welcome and support Elders, families, and participants in food-related programming.
• Share own knowledge when appropriate and demonstrate respect in learning from others.
• Help ensure culturally safe, inclusive, and positive spaces during activities.

 

Recordkeeping and Reporting – 5%

• Keep basic logs of planting, harvests, and garden maintenance.
• Take photos or notes to support storytelling, program tracking, or grant reporting.

 

Other Duties as Required – 5%

 

 

Financial Responsibility:

N/A

 

Supervision or Training Duties:

No direct supervision but may assist with volunteers or youth participants under the direction of the Food Sovereignty Lead.

 

Special Requirements:

• Clear Criminal Record Check
• Understanding of, or willingness to learn, Secwépemc cultural values and protocols.
• Occasional evening or weekend work required to support community events and seasonal timelines.
• Physically able to lift 40 lbs, kneel, and perform repetitive tasks
• Valid First Aid and/or Food Safe an asset

 

Working Conditions

• Combination of indoor and outdoor work, often in physically active and changing environments.
• Work may include exposure to weather, insects, animals, and land-based terrain.
• May require travel within the territory or region to gather food, connect with partners, or attend training.

 

Professional Certification, Education and Experience:

• Experience in gardening, land-based work, food preparation, or community programs is an asset.
• Willingness to learn traditional food knowledge and environmental practices.
• Lived or cultural experience is valued equally with formal education.

 

Skills and Abilities

• Reliable, respectful, and eager to learn.
• Able to follow direction and complete physical, outdoor tasks.
• Good communication skills and a positive, team-oriented attitude.
• Interest in food security, cultural sustainability, and working with community members of all ages.

 

Benefits for Full Time (excludes on call staff):

• Extended health, dental, and vision
• 7.6% Registered Pension Plan (RPP) matching and Life insurance

 

HOURS OF WORK:      Normal Day shifts – 7 hours. Non-normal shifts may be required.

PAY GRADE:                Starting at $18.78 to 20.65/depending on experience

 

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc thanks all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act and pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights code, it is TteS Policy to practice preferential hiring for Aboriginal peoples. Candidates who wish to qualify for preferential consideration must self-identify.

 

Deadline for the Job posting is May 25, 2026 by 2:00pm

 

Submit Job Application Form, cover letter, resume, and references

online: https://tkemlups.ca/employment/

or at our Human Resources office #320 Chief Alex Thomas Way.

Office Hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm &

closed for lunch from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

 

We require each applicant to fill out

an online application form which can be found at:  https://tkemlups.ca/employment/

 

Any late submissions or submissions without the job application form will not be considered.

 

 

Apply Now