Lands Team Lead

POSITION: Lands Team Lead

HOURS OF WORK: 8:30 am – 4:30pm

REPORTS TO: Director of Lands and Environment

ANNUAL SALARY RANGE: Starting at $76,500 -$ 80,000 depending on Experience and Education

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Lands Team Lead, under the direction of the Director of Lands and Environment, is responsible for the planning, coordination, and delivery of the administration, support systems, and activities that facilitate the effective operation of the Lands Division of the SȾÁUTW̱ Lands and Environment Department. The position is also responsible for overseeing, directing, supervising, coordinating, and evaluating the Lands Division in respect to the responsibilities under the Land Code and all other applicable SȾÁUTW̱ Laws.

The Lands Team Lead works closely with the Marine Team Lead and the Director of Lands and Environment to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the overall team in order to align the department with SȾÁUTW̱ priorities, cultural values, and applicable regulatory frameworks.

The Lands Team Lead integrates technical expertise in legal interpretations and the creation of land-use related laws and bylaws, land-use planning, and culturally grounded approaches, ensuring that legal and planning practices reflect traditional knowledge, support community well-being, and respond to emerging regulatory pressures. They are accountable for workflow, staff supervision, technical review, escalation of high-risk files, and ensuring the Lands Division is operating through a SȾÁUTW̱ stewardship and rights-based lens.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership & Service Delivery

• Supervise, mentor, coach, support, and provide direction to the Lands Division staff and contractors.
• Establish program goals, workplans, and performance measures aligned with departmental and SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation priorities.
• Ensure programs are delivered in a coordinated, accountable, and culturally appropriate manner to SȾÁUTW̱ members and their families.
• Monitor program outcomes, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement enhancements to service delivery.
• Collect and analyze data to inform program planning, reporting, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor individual and team performance.
• Provide regular feedback, coaching, and performance supports.
• Identify training and professional development requirements.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of Lands Division staff.
• Address workplace issues promptly and appropriately.
• Foster and promote a respectful, collaborative, accountable, and solutions-oriented team environment.

Land Stewardship & Environmental Management

• Oversee land-related monitoring and management initiatives.
• Coordinate responses to environmental risks, pollution incidents, and land-related impacts.
• Prepare summaries, briefing notes, and documentation to assist the Director of Lands and Environment in assessment and response for escalated files.
• Integrate traditional knowledge and stewardship practices into land management activities.
• Ensure compliance with land-related legislation, regulatory requirements, and funding agreements.
• Coordinate with developers through the Nation's laws for land development projects that may lead to registered leases and permits on reserve lands.
• Liaise with Legal Counsel on various land issues and participate, as required, in the Nation's law development process.

• Planning, Policy & Technical Support

• Support the development and implementation of land management plans, policies, and regulatory frameworks.
• Support the collection of data, documentation, and materials needed for project reporting and decision-making.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and supporting materials for external stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, technical documentation, and recommendations for the Director of Lands and Environment and Senior Leadership.
• Review and provide input on external referrals, assessments, and development proposals affecting SȾÁUTW̱ traditional territory.
• Coordinate environmental technical reviews.
• Coordinate with Tsawout archaeological staff and advisors.

• Community Engagement & Cultural Integration

• Promote meaningful and culturally respectful engagement with SȾÁUTW̱ members on Land Management and Stewardship initiatives.
• Support community awareness, education, and participation in Land Management programs.
• Support communication with SȾÁUTW̱ members, leadership, and other stakeholders regarding project updates.
• Support the Director and Marine Team Lead on complex consultation matters.
• Help ensure that community input, traditional knowledge, and cultural considerations are incorporated into review processes.
• Respond to inquiries related to Lands Management and associated projects under guidance from the Director of Lands and Environment.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community members, Elders, and Leadership.

• Intergovernmental Relations & Partnerships

• Develop and maintain working relationships with federal, provincial, and municipal governments, agencies, and partner organizations.
• Represent SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation in technical working groups, land management and planning processes, and collaborative initiatives.
• Support review and response to external referrals and consultation processes impacting land-based resources.

• Operational Administration & Reporting

• Assist in the establishment and achievement of program deliverables based on the Land Code and the Nation's overall strategic plan and operating goals for each fiscal year.
• Manage Additions to Reserve (ATR) proposals.
• Support the development and management of program budgets and funding allocations.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities for land management initiatives.
• Assist in the management of funding agreements and ensure reporting requirements are met.
• Maintain accurate records, monitoring data, and program documentation.
• Support the development of policies, procedures, and standards related to land management service delivery.
• Prepare regular reports, updates, and briefing materials for leadership.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, funding agreements, and regulatory requirements.

• CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strong organizational, time-management, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal staff, leadership, and community members.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for reporting and correspondence.
• Knowledge of land, environmental, or resource management principles is an asset.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of Indigenous governance, rights, and cultural practices is an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with databases or GIS is an asset.
• Ability to supervise, mentor, motivate, coach, and hold staff accountable while building a positive and respectful workplace.

• EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Post-secondary education in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Planning, Geography, Indigenous Studies, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of experience developing and implementing strategic plans, policy or bylaw development, land or resource planning, and community consultation and facilitation processes, or related programming.
• Leadership or supervisory experience is an asset.
• Knowledge of First Nations land management practices.
• Understanding of Indigenous governance, rights, and traditional ecological knowledge is preferred.
• Experience in administrative support, project coordination, or referrals management is preferred.
• Experience working with federal and provincial regulatory processes and agencies is an asset.
• Experience working with Indigenous governments or communities is an asset.
• Understanding of federal and provincial regulatory processes related to land and environmental referrals.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver's License.
• Ability to provide a clear Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector.

• WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primarily office-based with occasional fieldwork.
• Use of office equipment, computer systems, and software applications for tracking and reporting.
• Occasional travel for meetings, site visits, or community engagement.
• Occasional evening or weekend work as required.

• HOW TO APPLY

  Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and résumé outlining their qualifications and interest in the position. Attention to Kirsten Fagervik, Director of Lands and Environment, at [email protected]

  Tsawout First Nation is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community it serves. In accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to qualified Indigenous applicants, including Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit candidates.

  All applicants are encouraged to self-identify in their application if they choose. Hiring decisions will be made based on merit, qualifications, and organizational needs, while supporting SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation's commitment to Indigenous employment and self-determination.

  OTHER FACTORS

  Culture/Language

  Respect for and working knowledge of the W̱SÁNEĆ culture and SENĆOŦEN language is required.

  Personal Attributes

  maintains strict confidentiality in performing their duties and demonstrates the following personal attributes: Respect, Empathy, Strength, Pride and Equality.

  Our benefits package includes:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance

• DEADLINE: August 25, 2026 at 3:00pm