Lands & Stewardship Director

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

Lead land stewardship in alignment with the community’s culture, priorities, rights, and long-term vision; Responsible for referral and consultation triage and review, including working group meetings, field visits, and interactions with technical representatives; Assist in identifying opportunities for and coordinating with departments and external agencies for baseline environmental assessments and monitoring; Assist with identifying and providing input on technical skills required of contractors; Liaise and coordinate with other departments and cross-reference Traditional Use data with project applications and environmental assessments; Promote community engagement by working collaboratively with leadership, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members; Oversee protection and stewardship of culturally significant sites, heritage resources, wildlife, and environmentally sensitive areas; Provide strategic leadership to ensure the Department meets established goals and objectives; 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; Oversee delivery of technical, environmental, cultural, heritage, wildlife, archaeological, and stewardship services; Direct planning and oversight of land stewardship initiatives, including resource development, land use planning, GIS, project delivery, records management, and reporting; Identify the need for specialized technical expertise, develop RFPs, evaluate submissions, engage consultants and contractors, and oversee contracted work; Lead departmental planning, restructuring, and organizational improvements; Support development and implementation of policies, strategies, and guidelines related to lands and natural resource management; Monitor land and natural resource activities for regulatory compliance and best practices; Prepare and review reports, correspondence, briefing materials, and formal responses; Oversee resource development referrals and ensure consultation and accommodation of the Nation’s Rights, Title, and interests; Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and performance management for departmental staff; Review and approve staff timesheets, leave requests, and time-off approvals; Assist with development, administration, and monitoring of the department’s annual operating and project budgets; Identify, pursue, and secure new funding opportunities and maintain existing funding agreements; Ensure departmental compliance with Human Resources Manual and Collective Agreement; Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

Diploma or degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Forestry, Biology, Geography, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and 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; Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and database systems; Adherence to Lax Kw’alaams Band Code of Conduct, Code of Confidentiality, Social Media Policy and other policies in the Human Resource Manual; Ability to follow guidelines harmoniously and cooperatively; Acceptable Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search; Valid Driver’s License (Class 5)

Nice to have

Experience working with Indigenous governments or within a cross-cultural environment; Preference given to Lax Kw’alaams Band Members or qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry

Benefits

Competitive salary; Extended health and dental benefits; Pension plan with employer contributions up to 5%; Moving allowance up to $5,000 reimbursed upon submission of receipts; Supportive work environment