Director of Lands and Natural Resources

Position Overview The Director of Lands and Natural Resources provides executive leadership and stewardship over YFN’s lands, waters, and natural resources in alignment with community values, cultural laws, and long‑term sustainability priorities. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director advances YFN’s rights and title through strategic land use planning, environmental governance, and responsible resource development, while enabling economic development opportunities that generate sustainable long‑term benefits for the community.

The Director builds and maintains strong relationships with community members, Elders, knowledge holders, governments, industry partners, and YFN’s Economic Development Corporation to support coordinated planning and investment in the traditional territory. Through strategic engagement, negotiation, and technical leadership, the Director ensures YFN exercises jurisdiction over its lands and resources in a way that balances cultural values, environmental stewardship, and long‑term prosperity.

Duties and Responsibilities Strategic Leadership and Governance

Lead and implement Lands and Natural Resources strategic goals that reflect the vision, values, and priorities of YFN as outlined by Chief and Council.

Provide strategic advice to Chief and Council and senior leadership on risks, impacts, and mitigation measures related to lands, water, wildlife, industry, exploration and land designations.

Support Chief and Council in Treaty negotiations by providing technical information, analysis, and recommendations on lands and natural resource matters.

Ensure alignment with and understanding of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), particularly as it relates to land stewardship, rights, and title.

Develop and implement policies and protocols for engagement with government and industry.

Lands and Natural Resource Management

Oversee the sustainable management and stewardship of lands, water, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.

Integrate traditional values, knowledge, and stewardship practices into resource management activities, processes, protocols, and agreements.

Ensure effective management of the referrals process, including step-wise method and proper records management systems.

Remain current with applicable legislation and reporting requirements.

Team Leadership and Capacity Building

Develop, manage, and mentor a multidisciplinary team, including lands, referrals, stewardship, and technical staff, within available funding.

Engage, direct, and manage external technical consultants (e.g., biologists, archaeologists, and other specialists).

Work collaboratively with the administration team to identify and secure funding opportunities that support departmental priorities and capacity building.

Partnerships and External Relations

Build and maintain strong relationships with provincial and federal agencies, industry proponents, YFN’s Economic Development Corporation, and other partners.

Support sustainable and environmentally responsible resource management through effective collaboration and negotiation.

Community Engagement and Communication

Foster strong communication and collaboration between Chief and Council, staff, land stewards, and community members.

Provide community education and information sharing on lands and natural resource issues, initiatives, and decisions.

Other

Perform other related duties as assigned by the Chief Administrative Officer.

Qualifications Education and Experience

Post‑secondary degree in a relevant field such as natural resource management, environmental science, forestry, fisheries, land use planning, geography, or a related discipline. A master’s degree is considered an asset.

Minimum 5 to 10 years of progressive experience in lands and natural resource management, including leadership or senior management experience.

Experience working with or for First Nations, with a strong understanding of Indigenous governance, rights, and title.

Demonstrated experience in consultation, negotiation, and engagement with government agencies, industry proponents, and community stakeholders.

Experience leading and managing multidisciplinary teams, including staff and technical consultants.

Proven experience in developing policies, strategic plans, and operational programs.

Experience with funding applications, grant management, and program budgeting is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Expertise

Strong knowledge of provincial and federal legislation, regulatory processes, and policies related to lands, environment, and resource development in British Columbia.

Understanding of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and its application to land stewardship and decision‑making.

Knowledge of traditional land use, cultural values, and Indigenous stewardship practices.

Strong leadership, organizational, and team‑building skills.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship‑building abilities, with the capacity to engage effectively with Chief and Council, Elders, and community members.

Strategic thinking and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to assess risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Strong project and financial management skills.

Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities.

Proficiency in report writing, data analysis, and presentation of technical information to diverse audiences.

Conditions of Employment

Clear Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.

Valid BC driver’s licence with a clear driver’s abstract.

Ability to travel to meetings, events, the community and traditional territory as required.

Benefits

A comprehensive group benefits plan, including extended health and dental will be available at the beginning of employment.

Optional RRSP or RPP at the beginning of employment, with employer matching up to 5%.

Vacation, statutory holidays and leave are provided in accordance with Yekooche First Nation policies and applicable legislation.

Deadline to Apply: May 15, 2026

Employment Type: Full‑Time, Permanent, Salaried

Salary: $110,000–$120,000 Annually

Where: Yekooche First Nation, Prince George, BC

Schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, standard working hours of 70 hours per bi‑weekly pay period. The work hours may vary due to travel, meetings, visits to the community or traditional territory.

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