The Thompson-Nicola Regional District is located in south-central British Columbia, with dozens rural and urban communities spread across 44,300 square kilometres. The TNRD provides more than 120 local government services to approximately 144,000 people in 10 Electoral Areas, 11 member municipalities, and 25 First Nations.

The TNRD is headquartered in the City of Kamloops, the largest community within the regional district. The Thompson-Nicola region has a vast range of climates that experience true four-season weather, with plenty of year-round sunshine, little rain, and warm summers. Residents generally have short commutes, easy access to recreation and the outdoors, and a high quality of life. The TNRD acknowledges that we are located within the unceded, ancestral lands of the Nlaka’pumux, Secwépemc, St’at’imc, and Syilx Nations.

About the Role

Reporting to the External Relations & Advocacy Advisor, the Policy and External Relations Student position will conduct important research and assist in the relationship building and advocacy efforts with other levels of government and Indigenous communities. This position will assist in the coordination of advocacy efforts by the TNRD including planning for the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) conference. In addition, this position will work as a liaison between senior leadership of the TNRD and its member municipalities to assist in broader advocacy efforts, including those that are specific to municipalities. These efforts include but are not limited to, helping define advocacy priorities, creating documents to help in the advocacy process, and helping to secure meetings with key ministers and their staff.

This position will include:

• Policy Research and Review
• Compile information about what other relevant organizations are doing and write report of findings and recommendations
• Work with TNRD staff to identify and highlight policy and regulatory initiatives which may impact the TNRD
• Working with the External Relations and Advocacy Advisor, identify and evaluate provincial advocacy and engagement opportunities (eg. funding opportunities)
• Assist in the regional coordination effort of advocacy
• Assist with engagement activities with local First Nations and other levels of government.
• Assist in the preparation of reports, engagement findings, and correspondence

Education and Experience:

• Enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree in areas such as political science, communications, or a related field.
• Interest in community building including Indigenous relations, with an emphasis in local government. 
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic familiarity with local government regulation, operations and procedures, as well as provincial, federal and First Nations organizations.
• Basic knowledge of local First Nations and an interest in learning First Nations culture, traditions, and protocols.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills
• Self-starter with an ability to work independently with excellent team skills
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters with discretion and diplomacy
• Excellent computer skills, with a high level of proficiency of Microsoft Office
• Valid BC Class 5 Drivers License

This position is subject to approval from the Canada Summer Jobs Grant and as such, all applicants submitting an application must:

• Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period
• Be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations

This position pays $23.23/hour with an additional 14% in lieu of benefits.

Applications must include a cover letter and a resume outlining your qualifications and experience. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and will be accepted until 23:00 PST on the closing date of the competition. This position requires a Criminal Record Check and the completion of a driver’s abstract. While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those candidates under consideration will be contacted. 

Thank you for considering the Thompson-Nicola Regional District as a place to share your talents!