Project Manager

Westbank First Nation; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Westbank First Nation (WFN) invites applications for a Project Manager, reporting to the Manager of Engineering. You will oversee planning and execution of municipal infrastructure projects, manage external consultants, review designs, and ensure timely delivery within budget and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities include drafting terms of reference, budgeting, and coordinating with contractors and agencies. Strong communication and leadership are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil/Mechanical/Building) or equivalent from an accredited program.
• Diploma with 8 years experience in related fields (sanitary, water, transportation, buildings, parks).
• ASTTBC or APEG registration eligibility.
• PMP designation is an asset.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Manages and coordinates infrastructure and servicing projects for WFN, including supervising consultants, inspecting construction progress, reviewing invoicing, and providing status reports.
• Develops terms of reference for infrastructure projects, designs, plans, tender packages, and reports; monitors performance.
• Develops and manages project budgets from initiation to closeout; manages diverse funding sources and payments.
• Creates scopes of work for procuring professional services and construction documents.
• Develops strong external relationships with contractors, suppliers, regulatory agencies, and utilities to ensure project execution.
• Ensures compliance with government, utility, and WFN regulations throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepares and presents estimates, concepts, and reports for annual Capital Budget and rolling capital plan.
• Provides expertise on project scoping, feasibility studies, and funding mechanisms.
• Performs field inspections for quality assurance; acts as Client/Owner's Representative in contracts.
• Communicates with contractors, conducts meetings, and resolves change/ disputes.
• Coordinates grant funding applications and reporting requirements.
• Establishes quality control measures and continuous process improvements.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Contract management

Budgeting/financial reporting

Reading drawings/specs

MS Office/AutoCAD

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Civil/Mechanical/Building) or equivalent

Diploma with 8+ years experience in related fields

ASTTBC/APEG registration eligibility

PMP designation an asset

Experience with Indigenous communities an asset

Combination of related education and experience considered

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Office

Job description

Located within the traditional unceded territory of the syilx people, Westbank First Nation is a progressive and prosperous self-governing First Nation. The Okanagan Valley truly has it all, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

Westbank First Nation values diversity and we are committed to creating a healthy, strong and vibrant community through programs and services that promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being and healing. Come join our team and become part of an innovative and rewarding place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Project Manager, reporting to the Manager of Engineering, oversees the planning and execution of infrastructure projects for Westbank First Nation (WFN). Acting as the central point of contact, this role handles all aspects of project planning, coordination, and administration. While primarily managing external consultants and contractors, the Project Manager also takes on design review and construction administration responsibilities for select projects. With the ability to handle multiple capital projects and teams simultaneously, the Project Manager contributes significantly to the advancement of the annual Capital Program.

Using the latest project management standards and community/stakeholder engagement practices, the Project Manager ensures the successful delivery of infrastructure projects. These projects cover various aspects of municipal infrastructure, including sanitary collection, treatment and disposal, water distribution, drainage, transportation, buildings/facilities, and parks. While focusing on their area of expertise, the Project Manager collaborates with internal or external teams depending on the project's size and complexity.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering in either Civil, Mechanical, Building or equivalent education in a related field from an accredited technical institute or;
• Diploma with a minimum 8 years experience in similar fields, which could include one or several of the following: sanitary collection, treatment and disposal, water distribution, drainage, transportation, buildings/facilities and parks infrastructure
• Registered or eligible for registration with the ASTTBC (Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC) or Registered or eligible for registration as (Applied Professional Engineers in the Province of British Columbia or a Professional Engineer APEG)
• Extensive expertise in design and project management principles relevant to municipal engineering, construction, stakeholder engagement, collaboration, organization, planning, and adept analytical and problem-solving skills for the successful execution of infrastructure projects
• Project Management Professional (PMP) designation is an asset
• Experience working with indigenous communities/people is considered an asset
• A combination of related education and experience may be considered

REQUIREMENTS

• A valid Class 5 BC Driver's License, own transportation, and an acceptable driver's abstract which is to be submitted annually
• Successful completion of a thorough Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Search, with results meeting the standards set by WFN
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and uses discretion on all matters relating to the affairs of the Westbank First Nation

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages and coordinates infrastructure and servicing projects for WFN, including but not limited to hiring and supervising consultants' work; inspecting project construction progress, reviewing and approving invoicing, and provide ongoing status reports on key projects
• Develops and reviews comprehensive terms of reference for infrastructure projects, designs, plans, tender packages, and reports, for engineering, construction and maintenance services, and monitor their performance on behalf of WFN
• Develops and manages project budgets from initiation to project closeout, including managing diverse funding sources. Reviews and authorizes payments to external service providers and suppliers
• Creates scopes of work for procuring professional services and construction documents
• Develops strong external relationships with contractors, suppliers, regulatory agencies, private organizations, and utility groups to ensure successful project execution and adherence to industry practices
• Ensures compliance with government, utility, and WFN regulations, standards, legislation, and approvals for infrastructure construction projects throughout the project lifecycle
• Prepares and presents project estimates, concepts, and reports for the annual Capital Budget and rolling capital plan to meet Council and infrastructure directives
• Provides expertise on infrastructure projects, including project scoping, conducting studies related to area and region servicing, and implementing various funding mechanisms
• Performs field inspections to ensure quality assurance in accordance with WFN requirements
• Acts as the Client or Owner's Representative in contracts, conducting meetings, corresponding with contractors, and resolving change negotiation and dispute resolution issues
• Accepts completed works from contractors on behalf of WFN, including conducting walk-throughs, warranty period inspections, and creating deficiency lists
• Resolves complaints, disputes, and inquiries regarding WFN laws, policies, and infrastructure
• Works with the project team to address contract disputes and provide timely insights on project scheduling and budgeting
• Collaborates with internal and external key stakeholders as well as hold public meetings to discuss projects and provide guidance aligned with infrastructure project standards, requirements and WFN initiatives
• Recommends and implements revisions to WFN laws to ensure consistency with engineering and construction best practices, as well as promote sustainable development
• Prepares engineering drawings using computer-aided drafting methods and conduct research to prepare technical reports
• Assists with grant funding applications and coordinates with grant administrators for reporting requirements
• Conducts regular inspections and audits to continuously improve processes and tools, ensuring their effective use and sustainability and implement necessary corrective actions
• Establishes and enforces quality control measures to ensure project deliverables meet or exceed industry standards
• As part of the overall Project Delivery management team, assists with setting and achieving goals for the department and developing and implementing short-term, mid-range, and long-term plans
• WFN employees may be assigned emergency service duties when necessary. Duties may differ from regular responsibilities
• Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the Westbank First Nation policies, standards, and procedures, and as assigned by the Manager of Engineering

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Extensive knowledge of municipal, provincial, and federal regulations governing land and infrastructure development, as well as construction contract law, including CCDC and MMCD documents, RAIC, public tendering, bonding and surety, and bid depository rules
• Familiarity with public administration and local government practices
• Proficient in developing, implementing, and maintaining detailed Critical Path schedules
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including presentation abilities and the capacity to foster effective teamwork, collaboration, and strong working relationships with project stakeholders, co-workers, maintenance staff, consultants, and others
• Ability to collaborate effectively with project proponents and manage and supervise internal and external project teams to ensure the successful completion of capital projects
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in MS Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), AutoCAD
• Ability to read and understand drawings and specifications
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision while demonstrating initiative, sound judgment, creativity, and innovation in problem-solving
• Simultaneously manage multiple capital projects in compliance with laws, regulations, and WFN policy and procedural guidelines
• Strong analytical, research, planning, prioritization, and execution skills, with excellent critical thinking, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities and timelines effectively
• Familiar with WorkSafeBC requirements for owners and prime contractors in municipal construction projects
• Thorough understanding of current infrastructure and construction materials/methods for above and below-ground linear, architectural, mechanical, electrical, and structural disciplines
• Proficient in developing and managing capital and operational budgets for projects ranging from $100,000 to $5,000,000, including meeting financial reporting requirements
• Demonstrates empathy and consideration when addressing confidential situations, sensitive matters, and community, organizational, and council issues and needs

The median salary or this position is $88,037.

Westbank First Nation offers a competitive and thoughtfully designed total rewards package that reflects our commitment to employee wellbeing and long-term success. In addition to a competitive base salary, employees are eligible to participate in the Municipal Pension Plan, a defined benefit pension plan with a 9.31% employer contribution following the eligibility period along with comprehensive extended health and dental coverage.

Our unique and generous flexible time-off provisions are designed to promote work-life-family balance and overall wellness. At WFN, we also prioritize continuous growth and leadership development by investing in meaningful education and professional development opportunities that support both individual advancement and organizational excellence.

To learn more about Westbank First Nation please visit our website at https://www.wfn.ca.

This opportunity will close at midnight on Sunday, November 8, 2026

While we recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, preference will be provided to qualified WFN Members & Indigenous applicants.