Field Assistant

Location: Coast Salish territories (Regular in-person work in Anacortes plus travel)
Position Type: Non-exempt, part-time (20-30 hours/week), seasonal position (June-September, with opportunity to extend)
Reports to: Executive Director & Executive Assistant
Compensation: $22-26/hour, depending on experience

About the Coast Salish Youth Coalition

The Coast Salish Youth Coalition (CSYC) is an Indigenous-led nonprofit that empowers tribal youth through environmental stewardship, traditional foodways, and intergenerational knowledge sharing. We build bridges between tribal communities, public land agencies, and local communities, creating space for healing, connection, and Indigenous leadership.

Position Summary:

The Seasonal Field Assistant will support on-the-ground ecological restoration and education across Coast Salish territories. Working closely with the CSYC team, this position plays a hands-on role in restoration fieldwork, youth mentorship, and community programming centered on culturally significant plants, traditional foods, and Indigenous ecological knowledge. This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about Indigenous-led land stewardship, youth empowerment, and environmental education.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with ecological and cultural fieldwork, including community event preparation & facilitation and ecological stewardship projects.
• Support intergenerational gatherings, cultural events, and community workdays alongside elders, tribal partners, and youth.
• Support and lead Indigenous youth in the field, modeling safety, cultural respect, and a trauma-informed empowerment and understanding.
• Act as a positive role model and leader for youth, supervising them during multi-day overnight field events and projects.
• Assist with habitat stewardship activities as needed.
• Support with prepping, maintaining, cleaning, and organizing field gear.
• Prioritize respectful, culturally-informed, non-conflict/direct communication with co-workers, community partners, and tribal community members.

Required:

• Respect for and interest in Coast Salish or related Indigenous plant knowledge systems and cultural protocols
• Experience or strong interest in Indigenous stewardship practices, youth mentorship, and environmental field work
• Ability to work multi-day camps with overnights in remote locations
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including travel to remote field sites
• Comfortable working with and mentoring youth in outdoor and educational settings
• Must be able to participate in physically demanding field work, long days outside in challenging conditions, and camping in remote areas.
• Must be able to lift 25-50 lbs regularly.
• Reliable, collaborative, communicative, and able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a background check
• Demonstrated ability to rely on experience, training, and independent judgement in determining how to plan and execute responsibilities
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

Preferred:

• Tribal affiliation and/or existing relationships within Coast Salish communities
• Prior experience with field youth crews, conservation corps, or similar programs
• Familiarity with tribal sovereignty, Indigenous land management, and cultural protocol
• Experience with field data collection, restoration projects, or other stewardship activities
• Knowledge of Coast Salish territories, culture, and history

We Offer

• A flexible, supportive, and Indigenous-led work environment
• Mentorship and hands-on learning in ethnobotany, ecological restoration, and Indigenous-led stewardship
• Connection to a growing network of tribal youth leaders, elders, land managers, and conservation partners

Statement of Inclusivity

The Coast Salish Youth Coalition is committed to building a workplace rooted in respect, equity, and Indigenous values. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and especially encourage Indigenous candidates, Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of historically marginalized communities to apply.

CSYC applicants are protected from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.

We recognize the importance of creating inclusive spaces where youth, elders, partners, and diverse community members feel seen, heard, and valued in the shared work of healing, land stewardship, and cultural revitalization.