Business Unit: Lands, Resources and Stewardship Department
Location: Lax Kw’alaams, British Columbia
Reporting to: Chief Administrative Officer
The Lax Kw’alaams Lands, Resources and Stewardship Department has an exciting and immediate opening for a Full-Time Lands and Stewardship Director. As a key member of the team, the Director is responsible for safeguarding environmental, cultural, and ecological values; promoting responsible land and resource stewardship; ensuring that land management practices reflect the community’s culture, long-term vision, priorities, and rights. Working collaboratively with community leadership, government agencies and other stakeholders, the Director will lead the development and implementation of strategic land and resource management initiatives that protect the Nation’s interests while advancing sustainable environmental, social, cultural and economic outcomes.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for referral and consultation triage and review. Participate in working group meetings, conduct field visits, and interact with technical representatives of project proponents and regulators. Attend meetings, write reports and deliver presentations to a variety of audiences.
- Assist in identifying opportunities for and coordinating with other Lax Kw’alaams departments and external agencies to support departmental participation in baseline environmental assessments and monitoring.
- Assist with identifying and providing input on technical skills required of contractors assisting in file reviews.
- Liaise and coordinate with other departments as necessary to understand the strategic direction and ensure consistency in response to regulators. Cross-reference Traditional Use data with project applications and environmental assessments to preserve Lax Kw’alaams Aboriginal rights and title. Perform other tasks within the scope of the position.
- Promote community engagement by working collaboratively with leadership, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members to ensure stewardship initiatives reflect the Nation’s values, culture, priorities, traditional knowledge, and long-term vision
- Oversee the protection and stewardship of culturally significant sites, heritage resources, wildlife, and environmentally sensitive areas, ensuring traditional knowledge is integrated into land management and decision-making
- Provide strategic leadership to ensure the Department meets and exceeds established goals and objectives while aligning with the Nation’s vision, priorities, and mandate
- Receive, track, assess, manage, and respond to project applications submitted through provincial and federal authorities
- Represent the Nation’s interests in provincial and federal environmental assessment and regulatory processes affecting its territory, advocating for the protection of its lands, resources, and cultural values
- Oversee the delivery of technical, environmental, cultural, heritage, wildlife, archaeological, and stewardship services to governments, consultants, and other organizations undertaking activities within the Nation’s territory
- Direct the planning and oversight of land stewardship initiatives, including resource development activities, land use planning, GIS and spatial data management, project delivery, records management, and reporting
- Identify the need for specialized technical expertise, develop Requests for Proposals (RFPs), evaluate submissions, engage consultants and contractors, and oversee the delivery of contracted work
- Lead departmental planning, restructuring, and organizational improvements under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer
- Support the development and implementation of policies, strategies, and guidelines related to lands and natural resource management to inform project proponents, regulators, and decision-makers operating within the territory
- Monitor land and natural resource activities to ensure regulatory compliance and the application of best practices in stewardship and resource management
- Prepare and review reports, correspondence, briefing materials, and formal responses to project proponents and provincial and federal government agencies
- Oversee resource development referrals by tracking, reviewing, and coordinating responses to proposed projects, ensuring meaningful consultation and accommodation of the Nation’s Rights, Title, and interests in all land and resource activities within the territory
- Provide effective leadership, supervision, coaching, and performance management for departmental staff, including recruitment, onboarding, professional development, and performance evaluations
- Review and approve staff timesheets, leave requests, and time-off approvals in accordance with departmental procedures, the Human Resources Manual, and Collective Agreement requirements, while ensuring appropriate staffing levels and operational continuity.
- Assist with the development, administration, and monitoring of the department’s annual operating and project budgets, ensuring effective financial planning, responsible stewardship of resources, and regular financial reporting
- Identify, pursue, and secure new funding opportunities while maintaining existing funding agreements to support departmental priorities and initiatives
- Ensure departmental compliance with the Human Resources Manual and Collective Agreement
▪ Note: Perform other related duties and responsibilities within the scope of the position as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education
- Diploma or degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Forestry, Biology, Geography, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience
- Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in natural resource management, environmental stewardship, or a related field, including experience leading staff, projects, and budgets
- Strong knowledge and experience of environmental stewardship, land and resource management, and regulatory frameworks
- Experience developing policies, procedures, operational plans, funding proposals, and technical reports
- Strong leadership, communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills
- Experience working with Indigenous governments or within a cross-cultural environment is strongly preferred
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and database systems
Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Physical Demand
- May be required to spend extended periods sitting, using office equipment and computers, preparing reports, reviewing documents, and attending meetings
- May be required to spend extended periods outdoors in varying environmental conditions, including uneven terrain, changing weather conditions, and remote locations
- May be required to participate in field inspections, site assessments, and land stewardship activities within the Nation’s territory
Mental Demands
- You will have to complete several tasks and responsibilities at one time and must be prepared to deal with emergencies and stressful situations at any time
Condition of Employment
- You will adhere to the Lax Kw’alaams Band Code of Conduct, Code of Confidentiality, Social Media Policy and any other Policies in the Human Resource Manual
- Follow all guidelines harmoniously and cooperatively, creating a team approach in their duties for the Band’s future success
- Acceptable Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search
- Valid Driver’s License (Class 5)
Classification/Pay Scale
- $100K -125K per annum subject to education and experience
- You can expect a supportive work environment along with a comprehensive total compensation package. This includes a competitive salary, extended health and dental benefits, and a pension plan with contributions of up to 5%, matched by the employer
- Moving Allowance: Up to $5,000 will be reimbursed upon submission of receipts, based on the actual amount spent
Submission Deadline:
- Open until filled
- We invite all interested parties to reply in the strictest confidence to Human Resources: hr_resume@laxband.com
** Preference will be given to Lax Kw’alaams Band Members or qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry. However, we invite all qualified individuals to apply.
