Supports watershed governance, organizational systems, policy development, and internal education through research, documentation, and governance support activities.
Junior Watershed Governance & Policy Assistant
Federal Student Employment Category: Public Administration, Policy & Governance
Employment Status
Full-time, temporary student summer position
Location
Medicine Hat, Alberta
Term
July 2 – August 26, 2026 (8 weeks)
Compensation
$21–$23/hour | 37 hours/week
POSITION SUMMARY
SEAWA is seeking a highly organized and analytical student as a member of the NextGEN Watershed Team to support governance modernization, policy development, organizational systems improvement, and watershed governance education during the summer field season.
This position focuses primarily on internal documentation, policy drafting and revision, records management systems support, procedure development, and governance documentation. The successful applicant will assist with drafting, organizing, reviewing, and improving policies, procedures, onboarding resources, and governance materials that support SEAWA’s long-term organizational development and collaborative watershed planning activities across southeast Alberta.
The position works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary NextGEN Watershed Team composed of students and staff with diverse academic backgrounds, lived experiences, and areas of expertise. Team members are expected to contribute respectfully within collaborative and systems-focused working environments that support organizational learning, accountability, and continuous improvement.
The role is best suited to students with strong writing, research, and organizational skills who are comfortable working with policy documents, governance systems, legislation, procedures, and structured administrative materials. Applicants should be able to work carefully with confidential information while maintaining organized records, version control, and professional documentation practices.
Students will gain practical experience working within nonprofit governance, watershed policy, organizational systems development, legislative research, board governance, and collaborative environmental planning processes.
ABOUT SEAWA
The South East Alberta Watershed Alliance (SEAWA) is the Watershed Planning and Advisory Council (WPAC) for southeast Alberta. SEAWA works collaboratively with municipalities, Indigenous communities, landowners, stewardship organizations, researchers, agencies, and community members to support watershed stewardship, knowledge development, monitoring, and long-term watershed planning across the South Saskatchewan River sub-basin and Pakowki Lake watershed.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Governance & Policy Development
Assist with drafting, editing, reviewing, and organizing organizational policies and procedures.
Support updates to governance documents related to operations, finance, communications, records management, and program delivery.
Prepare briefing notes, summaries, templates, and supporting governance materials.
Assist with policy organization, version control, and digital governance reference systems.
Legislative Research & Organizational Systems
Conduct research related to Alberta legislation, nonprofit governance requirements, and organizational compliance practices.
Prepare concise summaries outlining operational implications and governance considerations.
Support the development of governance calendars, onboarding materials, and internal organizational tools.
Assist with records organization and internal documentation improvement initiatives.
Watershed Governance Education & Communications
Support the development of Watershed 101 education materials for elected officials, board members, and committees.
Assist with preparing presentations, orientation materials, and internal education resources.
Support governance-related communication and organizational rollout activities where required.
Research & Administrative Support
Assist with research related to grant compliance, reporting expectations, governance practices, and organizational systems.
Support formatting, organization, and tracking of governance-related materials and documentation.
Follow SEAWA confidentiality procedures, records-management expectations, and documentation standards.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Applicants must have completed at least two years of post-secondary education in a relevant field such as:
Public Administration
Public Policy
Political Science
Law or Legal Studies
Environmental Studies
Indigenous Governance
Business Administration
Sustainability or related disciplines
Graduate students are welcome to apply.
Technical Skills & Competencies
Strong writing, editing, and organizational skills
Ability to review and summarize legislation, policies, and procedural documents
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Experience in preparing professional documentation and briefing materials
Ability to work carefully with confidential or sensitive information
Ability to work both independently and within collaborative project environments
Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management
Additional Requirements
Legally entitled to work in Canada
Ability to work in-person in Medicine Hat, Alberta is considered an asset, but Hybrid or Remote work settings will also be considered.
* SEAWA is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace.