02 Jan
Williams Lake First Nation
Williams Lake
ABOUT WILLIAMS LAKE FIRST NATION (WLFN)
The Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN), or the T’exelcemc (people of WLFN) have belonged to the Secwepemc (or Shuswap) Nation for over 6500 years. Today, the WLFN community includes a growing population of over 800 registered members who live on reserve in Sugar Cane, in nearby Williams Lake, BC, and across the globe.
We are Culturally Centered, Future Focused. WLFN provides staff with an excellent benefits package, RSP matching up to 8%, 3 weeks' vacation upon completion of probationary period, and many other benefits.
Deadline for Applications: January 24th, 2025.
POSITION
Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer.
Employment Type
Permanent, Full-Time (35 hours per week).
Probation Period
3 months from the date of hire.
Education Required
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or related field.
Experience Required
- Three to five years of natural resources and/or environmental management experience, ideally in a management role for a First Nations organization.
Overtime Status
Exempt
JOB SUMMARY
The Natural Resource Director leads and manages the Natural Resources Department, ensuring effective program delivery and sustainable resource management. As the Director, you will be responsible for advancing the strategic goals of Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) Leadership, including its mission, mandate, and objectives, by ensuring the efficient and effective management and protection of the Nation’s natural resources. This role involves managing departmental staff, budgets, and operations, including external engagement, environmental planning, and negotiations on issues impacting Title, Rights, and Stewardship of WLFN. The Director acts as a liaison with government agencies and industry,
while fostering relationships and upholding the principles of the BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). With expertise in land and resource management, fisheries and wildlife, the Director is a senior leader that develops systems, supports team growth, and secures funding to advance the Nation’s goals.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Natural Resources
1. Develop a departmental strategic plan (short term, mid-range, and long term) for Natural Resource activities based on forestry, mining, water, fisheries, wildlife, land development, and other activities impacting WLFN Traditional Territory.
2. The Director will participate in the development and implementation of a WLFN Stewardship Plan.
3. Review and respond to studies, reports, permit applications, and management plans,
identifying potential impacts on WLFN rights and interests.
4. Coordinate WLFN’s participation in Environmental Assessments with proponents and serve as WLFN’s representative on Technical Committees.
5. Facilitate WLFN’s engagement in the development of provincial and federal regulations and policies, including representing the Nation at engagement sessions and coordinating written submissions.
6. Lead negotiations and the implementation of protocol agreements, impact benefit agreements and other agreements with various proponents.
7. Complete grant applications and complete all associated reporting requirements and deadlines.
8. Represented WLFN’s interests at forums, working group meetings, project site visits, and bi-lateral meetings with other First Nations, proponents, and governments/ministries.
9.
Brief and provide recommendations to the CAO and WLFN Leadership at regular Chief and Council meetings through clearly written briefing notes.
10. Liaise with government and third-party interest groups regarding protocol development and information gathering.
Human Resources and Administration
1. Provides leadership and guidance to employees under your supervision. Provides productive and solution-oriented working relationships with other WLFN departments, WLFN Leadership, and community members.
2. Works with Human Resources (HR) for the recruitment, orientation, performance review and development of staff.
3. Builds and develops employees and systems in order to support a growing enterprise.
4. Ensures employee compliance with WLFN policies and procedures.
5. Coordinates and leads staff meetings, and clearly communicates WLFN information to all staff.
6.
Keeps the Chief Administrative Officer informed of sensitive and important issues and events.
7. Ensures there is a system of checks and balances for the maintenance of accurate and confidential files and records; complies with reporting requirements.
8. Develops a communication strategy for public awareness of programs and events.
9. Supports the mission, vision, and values of WLFN.
10. Contributes to the WLFN’s ongoing success by accomplishing other duties as required or assigned.
The duties listed are provided as examples of area of responsibility and are not intended to create limits to responsibility but to help understand the scope of the position. All staff are expected to be team oriented and maintain confidentiality of all information gained while working with the organization.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge
- Experience in natural resource management,
including land and resource management, fisheries, and wildlife.
- Working knowledge of the BC Government’s Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and its application to natural resources management.
- Familiarity with government funding agreements.
- Knowledge of First Nations Land Management Act
- Experience in negotiating agreements and contracts.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office software at an intermediate/advanced level.
Skills and Abilities
- Personable and professional with a track record of effectively managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including governments.
- Ability to motivate and develop team members.
- Ability to maintain accuracy in working with data and complex information.
- High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.
- Ability to schedule, budget,
and work under pressure.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills, very good judgment, and strong initiative.
- Ability to multi-task, to identify priorities, be creative and maintain a detailed work plan.
- Ability to recognize opportunities for improvement and efficiency.
- Operates as part of a team and is flexible about the boundaries and functions of the job.
- Recognizes and respects all cultural diversity and understands Indigenous culture.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Office environment
- To be aware of sensitivity, confidentiality and urgency of requests while balancing other work commitments.
- Travel may be required
- Non-standard hours of work – may be required to accommodate the community needs and that may consist of evenings and weekends.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Criminal Record Check.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid BC Driver’s License and Driver’s Abstract.
- Must provide a vehicle in good operating condition and appropriate vehicle insurance to meet program requirements OR access to company vehicle is provided and requires a valid Driver’s License.
Preference will be given to those of Aboriginal Ancestry - per Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act.
We thank all those individuals who applied. Given the large number of applicants we receive for our job postings, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Are you interested in relocating but want to know more about why you should make the move to the Cariboo? Learn more here! Make the Move - Cariboo Regional District (cariboord.ca)
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