Leq’á : mel First Nation Lands Manager

Lands 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 its members while also working towards laying the foundation for the next generation. 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 Lands Manager, you will contribute to the success of the Administration by managing and maintaining authority over the Leq’á : mel Land Code including planning, amending, and overseeing its administration and implementation. This involves managing and administering land use, land management, by-law enforcement, estate and will work, and protection for future generations. You are also responsible for supporting economic development activities directly related to the administration and residential housing and community maintenance activities. This position manages and provides leadership to the Lands Department, providing staff with day-to-day direction and supervision, collaborates closely with the Natural Resources department and will share a surveying resource.

While not yet in self-government, Leq’á : mel 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’á : mel 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 underway within Leq’á : mel Reserve Lands and they are looking to be ahead of the curve in their management and stewardship of their lands. Leq’á : mel has purchased fee-simple land in the area that was an operating farm but is zoned for commercial / residential use. They are investigating opportunities for the development of these purchased fee-simple lands that adjoin their reserve boundary. Leq’á : mel has partnered with two neighbouring First Nations who together have acquired fee-simple lands within a neighbouring municipality and are conceptualizing development opportunities that will benefit all three Nations. There are some legacy issues (pre-treaty negotiations) that require surveying and clarification, and have civil infrastructure in need of upgrading. The Nation has moved beyond their humble state of trailer park managers a few years ago to become commercial development partners with a solid foundation for growth.

As the ideal candidate, you bring a track record of success in lands management and development, community planning, permitting, resource management or another relevant area, as well as progressive experience in a management capacity. While not required, previous experience working in or with a First Nation or Indigenous environment is considered an asset. Strong financial acumen, experience in developing policies, grants and proposals, and an understanding of lands, economic development, environmental protection, GIS / mapping, infrastructure / public works, and housing policies and laws are critical to success in this role. You will also bring strong leadership and relationship skills and an abiding interest in the well-being of the community.

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