Forest Campaigner

The Wilderness Committee has an exciting opportunity for a passionate organizer and social justice activist who is an experienced campaigner interested in becoming part of our dynamic and diverse team across the country. This position is based in our Victoria office and is a permanent, full-time position based on 37.5 hours/week.

The Wilderness Committee is a grassroots, people powered wilderness preservation group with a history of more than 40 years on the front line of environmental battles across Canada, with offices in Vancouver, Victoria, Winnipeg and Toronto. Recognizing that enshrining Indigenous rights and title is fundamental to addressing the biodiversity and climate crises, we have helped protect millions of hectares of wilderness, defended the most at-risk species in government offices and court rooms, and worked tirelessly to fight irresponsible fossil fuel development wreaking havoc on the climate as we advocate for a just transition to a post-carbon society.

The Forest Campaigner is responsible for leading our on the ground campaign work on the west coast with a particular focus on ending old-growth logging and the destruction of at-risk ecosystems, preserving wilderness areas and at-risk species in partnership with First Nations, community groups and allies, advocating for a sustainable forestry sector that upholds Indigenous rights and labour rights, defending protected areas from industrial development and advocating for a transition away from destructive projects and towards sustainable local economic models. The Forest Campaigner will spearhead a diversity of strategies from grassroots organizing to proposing legal challenges and leading on-the-ground wilderness expeditions to speaking at rallies against attacks on environmental policies. While based on Vancouver Island, they will have a strong knowledge and understanding of the province-wide status of old-growth forests and the policies and regulations through which they are managed.

The Forest Campaigner will have a good understanding of the links between climate change, biodiversity loss and species extinction, and work with allies to increase public awareness and action on protecting nature.

As the successful candidate, you will have a passion for our vision and values and have experience building, organizing and leading strategic campaigns for social change. You will have a good understanding of the links between biodiversity loss, extinction and climate change, with on-the-ground knowledge of old-growth forests and other at-risk ecosystems, especially on Vancouver Island and the coast. You will be a strong writer, communicator and public speaker, with experience as a media spokesperson. You will have demonstrated experience working directly with urban and rural communities, and alongside or part of First Nations communities in support of Indigenous rights and title. You will understand the links between increased knowledge and awareness as a motivator for taking political action and advocating for legislative change. You are looking for your next position in the fight for environmental and social justice.

As a Wilderness Committee Campaigner, it is your responsibility to:

• Represent the Wilderness Committee with allies, First Nations leaders and community members, politicians, the public, supporters and donors, and industry stakeholders
• Act as a spokesperson for the organization with stakeholders and the media
• Develop, implement and monitor campaign strategies to achieve long-term campaign goals
• Build relationships with allies, First Nations, government officials, community members and other stakeholders, maintain extensive contacts, and collaborate on activities
• Engage the public on campaign issues, coordinate events, rallies, townhalls and other strategic campaign activities
• Create educational campaign materials and communication tools, and provide opportunities for advocacy on campaign issues
• Maintain a general knowledge of recent and relevant information, and do background research on policies, industries and trends

You will have:

• At least 3 years experience in activism, campaigning or organizing in environmental or other social justice movement with experience in managing and planning projects
• Demonstrated ability to identify appropriate tactics strategic to reaching short and long-term goals
• Current knowledge of forest and wildlife defense issues in BC and on Vancouver Island, with specific knowledge on old-growth forests and species at risk
• Demonstrated public speaking and media spokesperson skills
• Direct experience in community outreach and organizing including diverse communities and First Nations
• Strong research and written communication skills for both traditional and social media
• Basic photography and videography skills
• Strength of will and determination to drive a campaign
• Effective networking and excellent interpersonal skills
• Computer and social media experience
• A class 5 driver’s license and ability to drive on highways and logging roads
• Backcountry leadership skills, gear and first aid training an asset

You will be:

• Passionate about the Wilderness Committee’s mission and core values
• Analytical, creative, and used to thinking outside the box
• Able to handle a large volume of work, with excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks
• A self-initiated problem solver who is reliable and enthusiastic
• Adaptable and flexible to work in collaboration with others as well as independently
• Committed to creating a positive and healthy workplace environment
• Able to handle flexible hours including occasional evening and weekend work

Salary: $64,000 annually, with an increase on May 1st each year.

The Wilderness Committee is committed to employment equity as an ongoing process. We encourage qualified applicants from underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous persons, racialized communities, persons with disabilities, and members of sexual or gender minority groups.

Conditions of employment: This is a full-time, permanent unionized position with BCGEU Local 2003 and thus all pay and benefits are determined by the Collective Agreement including annual paid vacation time and a year-end closure, comprehensive medical and dental benefits, a health savings account and a retirement saving plan. The Wilderness Committee will trial a 4-day, 32-hour work week on January 1, 2024. We have a hybrid workplace model.

Closing Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 5pm Pacific Time or until we find the right candidate. No phone calls or drop-ins please. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis as qualified applicants are received, so please apply early.

If you have a combination of skills and experience that you think make you a good candidate for this position, please don’t hesitate to apply. We look forward to hearing from you. Please send a cover letter and a resume in a SINGLE PDF with Forest Campaigner in the subject line to hiring@wildernesscommittee.org.