Pacheedaht First Nation - or “People of the Seafoam”- are a Nuu-chah-nulth people from the southwest coast of Vancouver Island.

 Career Opportunity

SAWMILL LABOURER

Full-time, Ongoing

Working and living in Port Renfrew

Port Renfrew is a remote west coast community known for its powerful surf breaks, world-class camping, old-growth forests, fishing, and access to iconic trails like the Juan de Fuca Trail. It’s a place where people come to unplug from city life and reconnect with nature, whether that means being on the water before work, camping on weekends, or trading traffic and commutes for quiet, coastal living.

If you’re someone who values a slower, more intentional pace of life, living where others vacation, community connection, meaningful work, and time outdoors - Port Renfrew may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Staff housing options are available and negotiable, helping support a smooth transition for candidates relocating from outside the community.

Who we are

We are the Pacheedaht First Nation - a resilient, thriving community rooted in our sacred lands and waters. Our home brings peace, safety, and belonging, connecting us to one another and to our ancestors.

Guided by our teachings, we steward our territory and exercise our rights, title, and jurisdiction with care, protecting the wildlife, clean air, waters, and forests that sustain current and future generations. Pacheedaht First Nation is a proud, progressive government focused on the health, safety, and self-reliance of our people while preserving our culture, values, and language. We hold four reserves (174 hectares) within our traditional territory in Port Renfrew, about 80 km from Victoria, with an estimated 286 members, including roughly 100 living on-reserve.

About the role

Reporting to the Mill Manager, the Labourer is an entry-level position responsible for supporting the daily operations of the mill through general labour, maintenance, and assisting the mill crew as needed. This role helps maintain a safe, clean, and efficient work environment while learning mill processes and contributing to production support tasks.

We are seeking someone who brings a background in general labour, maintenance support, or hands-on work environments, and who is willing to learn, work safely, and contribute respectfully as part of the mill crew to support daily operations.

 What you will do

As the Labourer for Pacheedaht First Nation, you will:

General Labour Duties

• Pull boards and assist with handling lumber/materials during production processes.
• Stack, sort, move, and organize materials as directed.
• Assist operators and crew members with production-related tasks.
• Support loading and unloading of supplies or materials when required.

Cleaning & Housekeeping

• Sweep, shovel, and clean work areas, walkways, and production spaces.
• Remove debris, sawdust, scrap wood, and waste materials.
• Maintain clean and organized storage and work areas.
• Assist in maintaining tools and equipment cleanliness.

Maintenance Support

• Perform basic maintenance tasks under supervision.
• Assist with minor repairs and upkeep of mill property, yard, and equipment.
• Report equipment issues, hazards, or maintenance concerns to the Mill Manager.

Team Support

• Provide general assistance to the Mill Manager and mill crew as needed.
• Follow instructions and complete assigned tasks efficiently.
• Participate in daily start-up, shutdown, or cleanup activities.
• Support workflow to help maintain productivity and efficiency.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all workplace safety procedures, policies, and PPE requirements.
• Operate safely around machinery, vehicles, and production areas.
• Report unsafe conditions, incidents, or near misses immediately.
• Maintain attendance and punctuality standards.

Lived and learned experience we are seeking

To be the successful candidate for this position, you will have/demonstrate:

• Education or equivalent: Previous labour or industrial experience is considered an asset but not required.
• Willingness to learn mill operations and safe work practices.
• Skills grounded in lived experience: Strong work ethic and positive attitude.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to assist wherever needed.
• Reliable, hardworking, and safety-conscious attitude.
• Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks.
• Cultural grounding: Knowledge of Pacheedaht First Nation culture, history and local traditions.
• People & relationships: Ability to follow directions and work as part of a team.
• Basic communication skills.
• Work Readiness: Ability to lift heavy materials as required.
•  Able to stand, walk, bend, lift, and work on feet for extended periods.
• Comfortable working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Certifications & Checks: Possess basic first aid certification, or show willingness to obtain one with the support of the company.
• Clear Criminal Record Check, including the vulnerable sector, as required.

What we offer

• An opportunity to work with like-minded people and do meaningful, community-focused work.
• A pay range of $22 to 25 per hour. 
• Full-time, year-round employment.
• Additional paid time off over the festive season, plus generous sick and personal leave.
• An extended benefits plan and an employer-matched pension plan. 
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Participation in community events and festivities.
• Staff accomodation options negotiable.

Persons of Indigenous ancestry will be given preference per s16(1) CHRA.