Lands Program Manager

Position Summary 

Seabird Island is committed to fostering land stewardship, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values First Nations knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a Lands Program Manager to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance land governance, planning, and resource management for Seabird Island Band members.

Under the direction of the Director of Community Infrastructure, the Lands Program Manager provides culturally informed land management and administration Lands Registry, Land Code, Land Use Plan, transfer/lease agreements and related policies and procedures to regulate the land use, to obtain the highest benefit of land use and preservation for members. This role involves developing, implementing, and monitoring land use plans, negotiating agreements, and overseeing regulatory compliance. The Lands Program Manager will also engage in community relations activities to support members and promote sustainable land use.

Work that matters 

Sq’éwqel (Seabird Island Band) is located 1 kilometer from Agassiz, BC on the beautiful Fraser River, 120 km east of Vancouver. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient community. Our work spans a diverse range of services including housing, education, health, wellness, early childhood development, community infrastructure, and cultural vitalization. By joining our team, you will be part of an organization that values First Nations knowledge, promotes self-advocacy, and strives to create a holistic and culturally safe environment for all community members.

Benefits and perks 

Benefits vary by job type, apply after a successful probationary period and are confirmed in the interview and hiring process.

• Extended health and dental benefits,
• Accrued vacation and sick time,
• Pension plan with matching employer contributions
• Access to internal training programs, professional development, and skill enhancement
• Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team
• Equitable hourly rates
• Casual dress code

What you’ll do 

Lands Advisory Committee

• Act on the activities outlined in the Lands Advisory Committee strategic plan.
• Ensure community and outside adherence to the Seabird Island Land Code and Land Use Plan
• Manage Lands Advisory Committee meetings, execute action items, make recommendations based on everyday application of the Seabird Land Code
• Keep informed and work with the Lands Advisory Committee on ongoing program activities and issues, land use strategic planning and evaluation.
• Work with the Lands Advisory Committee to improve on or develop, and implement, protection policies, procedures, legislation, and regulations.
• Recommend amendments to the Land Code to the Lands Advisory Committee.
• Through the Strategy Advisor communicates with Council about land issues; where required, orient new council to land management laws, policies, and practices.

Program Management:

• Improve / implement systems, instruments, and procedures for all types of land transactions, including ownership transfers, leases, rights of way, and resource usage related permits.
• Monitor compliance of land use permits and water license conditions.
• Interpret land documents.
• Create and maintain systems to record all legal interests in Seabird Island lands (reserve and otherwise).
• Manage exterior and interior boundary surveys, and mapping preparation for community and economic development needs and designations.
• Monitor and reply to development engineering needs, various permitting development (bylaws, setbacks, development permits, etc.), lease negotiations and various other development related activities.
• Manage the response to requests for consultation and accommodation through the coordination of resources (archaeologists, lawyers, consultants, staff, community, and finances), including the negotiation of funding for consultation and eventual impact and benefits agreements.
• Provide research and operational support by researching, collecting, and analyzing information using a variety of research methodologies.
• Resolve disputes and, if not possible, refer disputes to the dispute resolution panel set out by the Land Code
• Work with the department director to negotiate rates for different uses of land and collect and deposit revenue from land under Land Authority guidelines; for example, negotiate and decide on the following interests:
  • Member agreements of use within laws, regulations, and policies
  • Recording financial transactions
  • Other matters delegated by the Land Authority.

Staffing

• Work with staff to maintain files on land, including a record of all reserve lands and any binding agreements/contracts for land use, certificates of possession of lands, residential areas, survey and mapping products, including the management of photos, maps, and imagery databases.
• Work with staff to handle member inquiries, applications and monitor community and outside entity land use.
• Provide staff leadership to ongoing land use strategic planning and evaluation.
• Provide staff leadership to improve and implement protection policies, procedures, legislation, and regulations.
• Provide mentoring and training to Lands staff.
• Oversee / work with staff to register instruments and other duties related to the various registries and databases.
•  Work in conjunction with Human Resources, as required, on staffing, job descriptions, performance management, discipline, attendance, safety.
• Be involved in the planning and execution of Band strategic plans involving Lands.
• Authorize timesheets and time off for staff.

Financial Management and Reporting:

• Assist in developing the program budget.
• Manage the program budgets for lands administration.
• Prepare all required reports for Director of Community Infrastructure.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values

What you bring 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field. We also recognize and value cultural knowledge and experience gained through other forms of education and training, including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
• Certified Lands Manager Designation or equivalent required.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience working within First Nations communities, focusing on lands management preferred.
• Experience with Framework Agreement, Transfer Agreement, Land Code and associated federal legislation on First Nations Land Management.
• In-depth knowledge of First Nations history of land transactions
• Experience dealing with contract law and contract management.
• Familiar with land registry practices and policies
• Excellent interpersonal skills, use of good judgment/reasoning, and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Preferred:

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.

Cultural Competency:

• Deep understanding of First Nations cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.
• Knowledge of social, economic, political, and historical realities impacting Indigenous communities.

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq’éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
• Must possess a valid class 5 driver’s license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively attend events, training, workshops, etc. at other locations.
• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of events, meetings, and engagements. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

Reports to: Director of Community Infrastructure

How to Apply

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to Lands Management. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Pre-Employment Screening

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.