Lands Manager

Lands Advisory Board; Deroche; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Lands Manager to lead their Lands Department. This pivotal role involves managing land use, ensuring adherence to land codes, and collaborating with community members for sustainable development. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Indigenous governance and environmental management, with a passion for community engagement. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage and pension contributions, while allowing you to work in the serene surroundings of Deroche. Join a supportive team and make a meaningful impact in the community.

Benefits

Comprehensive health plan

Dental coverage

Life insurance

Pension matching

Paid vacation days

Paid sick leave

Paid personal leave

Paid statutory holidays

Paid time off during Christmas

Qualifications

• 5+ years in management, especially in lands management and development.
• Knowledge of land use, environmental protection, and Indigenous governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lands Department, manage land use and protection.
• Draft and implement laws related to land management.
• Provide strategic direction to Chief and Council.

Skills

Land Management

Environmental Protection

Indigenous Governance

Community Planning

Negotiation Skills

GIS/Mapping Interpretation

Education

Bachelor's in Environmental Management

Registered Professional Forester

Anthropology

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Reports To: Administrator

Wage Scale $90,000 to $120, 000

Leq’á:mel First Nation is located 22 kilometers east of Mission. LFN continues to assert our inherent rights of self-government over our Territory, which covers a vast area of the lower mainland. LFN has approximately 600 members and is governed by Chief and Council through Custom Election Code. Applicants must have a demonstrated knowledge of and Leq’á:mel culture, and traditions, and a willingness to learn.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Senior Management position of Lands Manager leads the team in the Lands Department, providing leadership and direction by managing and maintaining adherence to the Leq’á:mel Land Code and Land Laws including planning, amending, and overseeing its administration and implementation. This involves managing and administering land use, land management, and protection for future generations. The Lands Manager supports and collaborates with economic development activities, residential housing and community maintenance activities.

Reporting directly to the Band Administrator, the success of the position rests on the incumbent’s ability to correctly interpret, communicate, and lead the implementation of plans as it relates to land management to the employees within the department. The Lands Manager enjoys a peer relationship with the other Senior Managers within the Administration.

This hands-on position works within an office environment, with situational involvement in projects outside and in the community

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• • Provides strategic direction and recommendations on the implementation of the Leq’á:mel Land Code and Land Laws to Chief and Council, Administration, and to the Community. Make recommendations on any necessary amendments.
  • Lead and manage all Lands department employees, providing daily and project-based communication, advice, and direction as requested and required. Leads by example as to conduct, standards, quality and quantity of work expected.
  • Draft, administer, and implements laws, regulations, and policies as they apply to the implementation of the Leq’á:mel Land Code, including obtaining approval from Chief and Council, and Community (as applicable). Seeks support from consultants and legal counsel as needed.
  • Provides regular reports on Land Codes to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Takes initiative to research other First Nations Land Codes, Land Laws and policies to further enhance Leq’á:mel Land Code and Laws. Liaise with the First Nation Land Management Resource Centre on relevant supports available to Leq’á:mel First Nation.
  • Supports community members with requests for lands transactions and housing information; oversees all activities related to lands transfers and provides support to Lands Clerk with registration of documents.
  • Develops environmental policy related to land use, resource use and land development
  • Oversees all environmental assessments and activities as well as archaeological assessments providing support to the Lands Clerk as needed.
  • Implements the Leq’á:mel Land Use Plan and ensures all proposed Land Development is following the Leq’á:mel Land Use Plan. Reviews and updates the Leq’á:mel Land Use Plan as needed.
  • Oversee all property management activities, providing support to the Housing Manager on housing and maintenance activities as required.
  • Liaises with external funding agents and stakeholders, responding to inquiries, providing reports, and developing proposals for funding, seeking support from consultants when necessary.
  • Provide support to the Economic Development Corporation in governance and policy development, and ensure proposed projects comply with the Leq’á:mel Land Code, Land Use Plan, Land Laws, and development procedures.
  • Organizes and facilitates Community Meetings to report on Lands, Environment and Economic Development activities.
  • Participates in special projects on an as-needed basis, liaising with other First Nations/organizations related to land governance. Protection and preservation.
  • Manages a Council approved annual budget for the Lands Department.
  • Collaborate with the Family Advisory Committee on a regular basis regarding land issues, laws development proposals and community engagement.
  • Oversee the enforcement of Leq’á:mel laws as required for the safety and well-being of the lands and community.

TRAINING, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE

• • Lands and Natural Resource management, Environmental management, Indigenous Governance, Registered Professional Forester, Anthropology, or Land-Use Planning, Policy and Political Sciences. A combination of some of these trainings is an asset and relevant experience may be considered.
  • At least 5 years of progressive experience in management capacity, managing a department and employees
  • A minimum of 5 years working in lands management and development, community planning, resource management, permit approvals or other relevant areas
  • Thorough knowledge of land use, land management, and environmental protection principles and practices. Skilled in drafting and implementing laws, regulations, and policies related to land management under a code
  • Understanding of GIS/Mapping interpretation, infrastructure, public works, land claims/treaty, and self-government
  • Comprehensive knowledge related to lands in the following areas: Government and Policies/Programs, Sustainable Development, Traditional Use Studies, First Nations Concerns/Objectives, Socio-economic development, Culture and Environmental Assessment, Aboriginal Rights and Title, Self Government
  • Previous experience working for a First Nation or an Indigenous organization is an asset Having a deep understanding of cultural awareness and traditions. Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on First Nations people and communities. Knowledge of social, economic, political, and historical realities impacting First Nations communities
  • Ability to multi-task, working on multiple projects simultaneously with the ability to prioritize deadlines
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work towards both short- and long-term goals
  • Experience working with MS Office Suite
  • Strong negotiation and consensus-building skills
  • Experience making formal presentations to various stakeholders
  • Criminal Record check with Vulnerable Sector, dated within 30 days of employment
  • Clear class 5 drivers’ license. Must have a reliable vehicle

Working Conditions

• • Typical Working Hours: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, the Lands Manager may be required to attend meetings, conferences, and oversee projects outside of normal business hours.
  • Location: The Lands Manager will primarily work in the Lands Office and will need to travel to surrounding areas of Leq’á:mel First Nations as part of their role.

Benefits and Perks Working for Leq’á:mel First Nations

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and work-life balance. You’ll enjoy an extensive extended health plan, including dental coverage and life insurance for peace of mind. We also match your pension contributions, ensuring your financial future is secure. Additionally, the role comes with paid days off, including vacation, sick, and personal leave, along with all statutory holidays. You’ll also receive paid time off during the Christmas break, allowing you to enjoy the holiday season fully.

Located in the picturesque community of Deroche, Leq’á:mel offers the unique privilege of working in a beautiful, serene environment while being part of a supportive and caring team.

If you meet the criteria above, we invite you to apply. Please send your cover letter and resume to Stella Laidman at [e-mail] This position will be open until filled with a successful applicant