Leq’á : mel First Nation Natural Resources Manager

Natural Resource Manager

Leq’á : mel First Nation

Location : Fraser Valley, British Columbia

Leq’á : mel First Nation is located in Deroche, British Columbia, approximately 22 kilometres east of Mission. Leq’á : mel is a signatory to the Sto : lo Nation with approximately 700 members, and is governed by the Chief and Council through a Custom Election Code on a four-year election cycle. Leq’á : mel is a professionally run and governed First Nation with significant stability.

The Administration at Leq’á : mel exists to move the community forward, providing services and programs to all of members while also working towards laying the foundation for the next 7 generations. As a team, they support one another and work together to continuously deliver on their commitments to the community. Leq’á : mel has recently split the Lands management and Natural Resources functions into separate departments due to the increasing workload.

As the Natural Resources Manager, you will be responsible for directing and managing Natural Resources Department staff to work towards achieving the Leq’á : mel Leadership's strategic goals (mission, mandate, and objectives) through efficient and effective use of resources and service delivery. These activities include consultations, environmental approvals and planning. You will lead discussions related to Leq’á : mel referrals, research, and negotiations within the Leq’á : mel territory that either directly or indirectly impact Leq’á : mel ‘s Title, Rights, Stewardship of the Lands and all other interests. You will act as a liaison between other government agencies and departments, private industry businesses and any other individuals, groups or agencies operating in or doing business within the recognized Leq’á : mel Traditional Territory.

While not yet in self-government, Leq’á : mel First Nation are well into their treaty process, stage 5 of 6 (stage 6 being implementation) and are undergoing a period of expansion and development as they prepare for the implementation phase of the treaty process. Leq’a : mel First Nation hold self-governing authority as an approved Land Code Nation and as such hold sole jurisdiction over their reserve lands under their Land Code Laws. Land developments are happening in their region and they are looking to be ahead of the curve in their management and stewardship of their lands as well as developments within Leq’a : mel First Nation Traditional Territory as recognized unceded first rights holders to lands and title and stewardship of the lands.

As the ideal candidate, you are an experienced manager with a minimum of 5-7 years of progressive natural resources and / or environmental management experience, ideally in a management role for a First Nations organization. You have experience in natural resource management, including land and resource management, fisheries, and wildlife. You have a working knowledge of the BC Government’s Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and its application to natural resources management. You are familiar with government funding agreements and are a builder and developer of people and systems with the demonstrated ability to support a growing enterprise. You are personable and professional with a track record of effectively managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including governments.

Based in the Fraser Valley region of southwestern British Columbia, this is an excellent opportunity to have a meaningful and lasting impact on an Indigenous community.

To explore this opportunity further, please click 'Apply'.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Please note that we will only be in contact with those individuals moving forward with our client.