Referrals Officer

Leq'á:mel First Nation | Employment Opportunity

Referrals Officer

Position Type: Permanent, Full-time

Location: Deroche, BC

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Reports To: Natural Resources Manager

Leq'á:mel First Nation (LFN), located 22 kilometres east of Mission, continues to assert its inherent right to self-government across its traditional territory in the Lower Mainland. LFN is home to approximately 800 Leq'á:mel Xwélmexw (People) and is governed by Chief and Council under its Custom Election Code.

Learn more about Leq'á:mel First Nation: https://leqamel.ca/

About the Role

The Referrals Officer coordinates development, land-use, forestry, and natural-resource referrals affecting Leq'á:mel First Nation (LFN), including matters under the Leq'á:mel–Matsqui Strategic Engagement Agreement (SEA). The role reviews forestry activities under the Forest and Range Practices Act, including forest licences and cutting permits, and supports First Nations forestry and natural-resource stewardship.

Reporting to the Natural Resources Manager, the Officer assesses, tracks, and coordinates responses from governments, Crown corporations, and project proponents. Working with the Natural Resources team, GIS Technician, Guardians Program Coordinator, and technical advisors, the Officer helps protect Leq'á:mel rights, title, lands, resources, and cultural interests.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage referrals: Receive, assess, prioritize, assign SEA Engagement Levels where applicable, track, respond to, and follow up on referrals while maintaining records and deadlines.
• Coordinate consultation: Organize responses, correspondence, meetings, and site visits with governments, proponents, First Nations, community members, staff, contractors, and technical advisors.
• Review projects and authorizations: Manage matters involving BC Hydro, MOTI, the Water Sustainability Act, and forestry activities under the Forest and Range Practices Act, including forest licences and cutting permits.
• Assess impacts: Review and summarize referral materials, maps, legislation, policies, and technical information affecting Leq'á:mel rights, title, lands, resources, and cultural interests.
• Support stewardship: Assist with community engagement, Guardians Program and monitoring activities, negotiations, and referral policies, procedures, and records systems.
• Provide project support: Track data, budgets, grants, and expenses; coordinate contractors; and maintain referral and document-management systems.
• Prepare reports: Draft summaries, briefing materials, recommendations, correspondence, and follow-up reports for the Natural Resources Manager and LFN leadership. Participate in training and perform related duties as assigned.

What We Are Looking For

Education, Training, and Experience

• Post-secondary education in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• At least one year of relevant experience in referrals, consultation, forestry, natural resources, environmental management, regulatory authorizations, project coordination, records, or data tracking.
• Experience with Indigenous rights and title, consultation, development referrals, or natural-resource stewardship.
• Knowledge of First Nations forestry and stewardship, forest licences, cutting permits, GIS, mapping tools, databases, or online referral portals is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Knowledge of Leq'á:mel culture, protocols, governance, traditional territory, and community values, or a willingness to learn.
• Understanding of the Duty to Consult, Strategic Engagement Agreements, Indigenous rights and title, UNDRIP, DRIPA, and relevant land, water, environmental, transportation, and forestry legislation and processes.
• Strong organizational, research, analytical, problem-solving, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, databases, online portals, GIS and mapping tools, data tracking, document control, and timeline management.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Working Conditions

• Full-time, on-site work in Deroche, with periodic travel and occasional evening or weekend commitments.
• The role involves substantial computer work, records administration, and document review. Reliable transportation to the Deroche office is required.

Position Requirements

• Valid Class 5 driver's licence and reliable transportation.
• Satisfactory criminal record check.

Benefits and Perks

Leq'á:mel First Nation offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Extended health benefits.
• Dental coverage.
• Life insurance.
• Pension matching.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and personal days.
• Paid statutory holidays.
• Paid Christmas break.

Based in scenic Deroche, this role offers the opportunity to help protect and steward Leq'á:mel lands, resources, and cultural interests.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter to:

Stella Laidman, Human Resources Coordinator
Email: [email protected]

In accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry.

This position will remain open until filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.