The BC Nurses’ Union (BCNU) is a strong, dynamic voice for nurses and nursing in British Columbia, representing more than 50,000 members. BCNU provides collective agreement negotiation and support to its members, as well as professional and advocacy services in the field of research, clinical practice, leadership and education. As the voice of the nursing profession in the province, we advocate for nurses and patients to ensure safe, quality, public health care for all. Job Title: Education Officer Regular Full-Time Reporting to: Coordinator, Education Posting #: USW-021-26 Pay Grade: 5 level 1 ($107,162.52 annually, plus $8,420 salary differential per year) Starting: May 2026 Posting Period: May 8 to 17, 2026
Position Overview Responsible for providing union educational services and programs to the members and staff of the British Columbia Nurses’ Union (BCNU) at the provincial, regional, and worksite level.
Key Responsibilities Contributes to the development, implementation, and evaluation of an education program of union/social justice, labour relations, health care and leadership education for the BCNU. • As part of a collaborative Education team, contributes to the planning, development, implementation and evaluation of BCNU’s core programs of general member, steward and leadership education. Seeks to ensure that all programs are aligned with BCNU’s organizational strategy and priorities, and that the ideas, concerns, and input of relevant stakeholders (staff, Council, members, etc.) are built into processes of design and implementation. • Actively works, through formal and informal mechanisms, to understand the evolving needs of BCNU members in different positions in the organization, and to have this understanding guide the work being done in the team. • Actively supports the efforts and mandate of the Human Rights and Equity Officer, endeavoring to ensure that a human rights and equity frame is applied to all work undertaken in the team, and directly supporting the work of this colleague as assigned. • Contributes to the Education team’s vision for learning technologies. Participates in the implementation of a new learning management system (LMS) and other e-learning tools. • Assists in the evaluation of program effectiveness and recommends solutions. • Consults with the Coordinator, Education on progress of projects and issues of concern.
Designs and facilitates courses and educational events. • Designs and develops courses for delivery by self and others; develops and selects accompanying learning materials and supports (written and multi-media); develops content and coordinates resources for conferences and other larger-scale learning events; designs and facilitates team building and team learning sessions for steward teams; adheres to BCNU branding guidelines. • Supports the development of online and blended courses through planning, designing, and modelling effective teaching and learning practices in digital learning environments. • Manages the LMS content library and course curriculums. Works with others (as subject matter experts) to co-create, update, and revise educational content as required.
Provides education-related advice to management, colleagues, and members. • Supports staff and education facilitators in other departments to develop educational tools and courses they require. Trains and mentors other staff to deliver/facilitate education as requested. • Works directly with steward teams, providing education and team building support, as assigned by the Coordinator, Education.
Sustains knowledge in issues of labour relations and collective agreements. • Keeps in regular contact and connection with the Servicing Department and the Sr. Education Officers to ensure current knowledge of relevant collective agreements and labour relations issues. • Attends GAC/Tech meetings.
Acts as a resource person to the Union’s Council and committees of Council as required. • As directed by the Education Coordinator, provides active support to committees of Council, most notably in the areas of steward recruitment and retention, member engagement, and steward/leadership development. • Provides information, reports and recommendations as requested.
Liaises with other organizations and institutions engaged in labour and leadership education. • Enhances the effectiveness of the team’s work through self-directed and team-engaged professional learning, and linking with counterparts in other Unions, organizations and institutions.
Oversees the work of and provides work direction to assigned administrative staff. • Works with administrative staff and other staff to establish clear timelines and systems for any production and administrative work required to support activities. • Participates in the efficient and cooperative use of resources and personnel. • Delegates work appropriately to administrative staff.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications The successful applicant must have: 1. College or University education in an approved adult education program, Social Sciences, and/or Nursing program including or supplemented by courses in adult education or an equivalent combination of education and related experience. 2. Demonstrated ability and progressive experience (3 - 5 years) in instructional design, needs assessment and course development/delivery in adult education and the administration and coordination of adult education programs. 3. Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver education. The ability to facilitate dialogue relevant to: 1) supporting members, stewards, and leaders in their roles and 2) strengthening the organization’s capacity to deliver on its mission, vision and values. 4. An understanding of learning technologies and the ability to manage e-learning tools and courses. Previous experience with learning management systems (LMS) is preferred. Knowledge of and experience in the use of social media in supporting education and/or engagement efforts considered an asset. 5. A demonstrated personal commitment to the pursuit of social justice, equity, and democracy; and significant experience in working with pedagogy that holds these values central (e.g., popular education). 6. A demonstrated knowledge of trade union and nurses’ employment issues and the general environmental conditions of nursing. Experience as a nurse is preferred. 7. Experience as a labour relations officer including processing grievances, negotiating local agreements, and presenting cases at arbitration and labour board hearings is preferred. 8. A demonstrated knowledge of the collective agreement, labour legislation, union policies and procedures, and other issues, in a labour relations context. 9. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; skill and comfort in working with conflict and diversity; good judgment in navigating a political environment; and a desire and ability to work collaboratively with others, within and beyond the team. 10. A willingness to travel throughout the province and a valid driver’s license.
Why work at BCNU?
BCNU speaks up and speaks out for safe, quality, public health care. We pride ourselves in providing protection, representation, and services to all members and in supporting our employees. Our organizational values are rooted in respect, integrity, and collaboration, guiding us in building a workplace culture where everyone feels they can bring their authentic selves to work. We recognize and prioritize cultural and psychological health and safety. As part of our dedication to equity and justice, we honour the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action and are actively engaged in advancing Indigenous-focused initiatives.
We offer an inclusive workplace with a comprehensive range of benefits and resources to promote well-being, career growth and work-life balance. This includes but is not limited to: • Competitive compensation and extended health and dental benefits package • Municipal Pension Plan • 4 weeks vacation entitlement to start • Hybrid work environment • Education and professional development opportunities
If you are seeking an opportunity to join a passionate and committed team, we’d like to hear from you!
Please also reach out to us at talentacquisition@bcnu.org to let us know of any accommodations you require through our application and selection process.
