Land Use Planner

Reports To

Lands Manager

Saulteau First Nations Mission

We strive to be the Best Governed Nation, one that is proud, culturally strong and self-sufficient.  As stewards of the land, we will ensure that the best sustainable practices are followed, now and in the future.  We remain proudly determined.

Job Purpose

The Land Use Planner serves as the technical planning resource for the Lands Department, working under the direction of the Lands Manager and collaboratively with the Lands Officer. The position supports the responsible and optimal use of the Nation’s land resources by conducting technical reviews, research and analysis related to land-use planning and development.

The Land Use Planner supports the implementation, monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement of the Saulteau First Nations Land Use Plan, Comprehensive Community Plan, Environmental Farm Plan, Environmental Management Plan, Economic Development Plan, and other capital, infrastructure and strategic plans of the Nation. By analyzing regulations and technical requirements and collaborating with SFN Citizens, staff, applicants, government representatives and other interested parties, the Land Use Planner helps ensure that development projects align with applicable legislation, SFN plans and policies, environmental sustainability goals and community needs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Development Application Review & Processing

• Conduct research and analysis of land-use requirements, zoning, environmental regulations and applicable SFN plans and policies to determine the feasibility of development projects.
• Conduct technical reviews of land-development applications and proposals and provide recommendations in accordance with applicable SFN plans, policies and development objectives.
• Conduct on-site field assessments for proposed land-use submissions, as required.
• Prepare technical planning information and supporting documentation for applications.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, environmental professionals and other partners to develop and implement site plans and designs.
• Communicate with applicants, SFN Citizens, government representatives, service providers and other interested parties regarding development proposals, planning requirements and applicable SFN plans and policies.
• Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings related to land-use development projects, as requested.

Long-Range & Development Planning

• Work collaboratively with SFN departments to lead and coordinate planning projects and technical studies that shape the long-term vision and development of SFN reserve and fee-simple lands.
• Coordinate assigned project timelines, work plans and resources and monitor project expenditures within approved budgets.
• Stay current with evolving planning practices, trends, legislation and policies related to long-range, Indigenous and land-use planning.
• Lead and coordinate feasibility studies for SFN-led developments on SFN reserve and fee-simple lands.
• Support the project management of engineering, environmental, architectural and other activities required to advance projects from feasibility through development and construction.
• Review and provide comments on municipal and regional district planning referrals that may affect SFN lands and interests.
• Identify project-specific funding opportunities and provide technical information to support funding applications, as assigned by the Lands Manager.

Plans, Policies & Governance

• Collaborate with SFN’s Governance Department and other applicable departments to identify and draft land-use and assist in drafting land use related by laws.
• Complete the technical work required to support reviews and updates of SFN plans, policies, processes and bylaws under the direction of the Lands Manager.
• Assist with developing and updating policies and procedures related to the Land Use Plan, Comprehensive Community Plan, Capital and Infrastructure Plan, Environmental Management Plan and other applicable SFN plans.
• Prepare technical planning reports and recommendations for review by the Lands Manager and present them to Chief and Council or other applicable organizations when requested.

Community Engagement & Land Administration

• Provide technical planning support for designations, leases, permits, licences and other land interests and their registration in the Indian Lands Registry System.
• Provide technical planning support for additions to reserve, treaty land entitlement, treaty land agreements and fee-simple lands owned by the Nation under the direction of the Lands Manager.
• Design and support project-specific engagement activities involving SFN Citizens, Chief and Council, SFN staff and external parties under the direction of the Lands Manager.
• Prepare technical information for communications and notifications regarding planning projects and development applications.
• Provide technical planning information and participate in discussions with Indigenous Services Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, and other applicable agencies, as assigned by the Lands Manager.

Ideal Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or certificate in land-use planning, geography, environmental studies, lands management or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and related experience will be considered.
• Minimum two years of related experience in land-use planning, development, land administration or a related field.
• A bachelor’s degree in urban planning, environmental science, geography or a related field is an asset.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities or First Nations lands is an asset.
• Experience conducting community or public meetings and presenting information to SFN Citizens, leadership and other interested parties is an asset.
• Valid BC Driver’s Licence.
• Ability to provide a satisfactory criminal record check with the vulnerable sector.

Ideal Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of applicable land-use and environmental legislation, zoning requirements, regulations, policies, systems and processes related to First Nations reserve lands.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, legal surveys, site plans and development plans accurately.
• Proficiency with GIS and other mapping software is an asset.
• Ability to collect and analyze data, conduct interviews and develop surveys.
• Knowledge of Saulteau First Nations economic, cultural, and political environment is an asset.
• Ability to solve problems, make effective decisions, resolve conflicts, and manage time effectively.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal and customer-service skills, with the ability to interact effectively with SFN Citizens, staff, applicants, government representatives and other interested parties.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, organize work effectively and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of the Indian Act land-management system, Indian Lands Registry System and ISC Land Management Manual is an asset.
• Ability to draft clear, concise and practical land-use and environmental laws and policies.
• Ability to design and deliver community engagement and notification activities, including collecting and analyzing engagement information.
• Knowledge of the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management and self-governing reserve land-management systems is an asset.
• Proficiency with Adobe products, SketchUp or other three-dimensional modelling software is an asset.

Work Conditions

• Office work is primarily performed between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Thursday. Overtime may be required with prior approval.
• Travel may be required within SFN community and surrounding community.
• Outdoor work in varying weather conditions may be required.
• The position may involve extended periods of walking during site visits and field assessments. Lifting or moving items weighing up to 25 pounds may occasionally be required.
• Wage Range: $35.83-$40.72