Manager, Lands Full Time

POSITION PURPOSE

The Manager, Lands provides operational leadership for the planning, management, and delivery of lands and land-based natural resource programs within the Department of nism̓aakukqinʔaała Lands and Resources (Always our land). Reporting to the Director of Lands & Resources, the Manager is accountable for program performance, budget stewardship, staff leadership and development, policy and procedure development, and the day-to-day management of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Treaty Settlement Lands and land resource programs. Stewardship programs reside under a separate manager; the Manager, Lands works in close partnership with the Stewardship Program Manager and their team to deliver land stewardship on Treaty Settlement Lands, and with the Manager of Community Planning to ensure a cohesive, culturally grounded, and sustainable approach to the management of lands and wildlife. The Manager represents Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government in land and resource discussions with external agencies and partners, and ensures all programs advance Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ laws, policies, cultural values, and Treaty obligations.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Leadership and Team Development
* Provides day-to-day leadership, direction, and guidance to the Lands program team, setting clear expectations and priorities.
* Supervises staff including recruitment participation, onboarding, work planning, performance management, coaching, and professional development, in partnership with Human Resources.
* Builds a collaborative, safety-focused, and culturally respectful team environment, and models Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ values in all interactions.
* Acts as a member of the departmental leadership team and provides delegated authority for the Director as assigned.
* Maintains strict confidentiality on all matters concerning Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government, employees, and the community.

Program Management and Service Delivery
* Oversees the day-to-day operations and delivery of lands and resource programs, ensuring services are timely, consistent, and culturally responsive.
* Establishes program work plans, service standards, and performance measures, and monitors delivery against them.
* Ensures programs comply with Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ laws, policies, Treaty obligations, and applicable federal and provincial regulations.
* Identifies and resolves operational issues, escalating matters of significant risk or policy consequence to the Director.
* Works in partnership with the Stewardship Program Manager, whose team leads stewardship programs under a separate reporting line, to align land stewardship activities on Treaty Settlement Lands.
* Coordinates with the Community Planning function to align resource management strategies across the department.

Financial and Resource Stewardship
* Manages assigned program budgets, monitors expenditures, approves spending within delegated authority, and reports on variances.
* Prepares and administers funding proposals, contribution agreements, and reporting requirements for internal and external funders.
* Ensures programs are financially sustainable and that equipment, vehicles, facilities, and other resources are used effectively and maintained.
* Oversees contractor and consultant scopes of work, procurement processes, and contract performance within Government policy.

Policy, Planning and Continuous Improvement
* Contributes to the strategic and annual planning processes for the Lands & Resources department.
* Develops, recommends, and implements policies, procedures, and operational standards that guide land, resource, and wildlife management.
* Develops long-term plans for sustainable land use and resource management that reflect Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ knowledge, values, and community priorities.
* Anticipates emerging challenges, risks, and opportunities and recommends practical solutions to the Director.

External Relationships and Representation
* Builds and maintains constructive working relationships with federal, provincial, and regional agencies, neighbouring Nations, industry, academic partners, and community organizations.
* Represents Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government at technical tables, working groups, and in land and resource related discussions, negotiations, and agreements as delegated.
* Prepares briefing materials, technical reports, and recommendations for the Director, Executive, and Legislature as required.
* Supports community engagement, information sessions, and cultural activities related to lands and resources.

Health, Safety and Cultural Responsibility
* Ensures safe work procedures, field safety protocols, and applicable WorkSafeBC requirements are understood and followed by staff and contractors.
* Ensures work on the land is carried out with respect for Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ protocols, cultural sites, and traditional practices.
* Promotes the integration of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ language, teachings, and traditional knowledge into program design and delivery.*

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required:
* Bachelor’s degree in Land Use Planning, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Public Administration, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience will be considered.
* Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in land and resource program management, including at least two (2) years supervising staff.
* Demonstrated experience managing program budgets, funding agreements, and reporting requirements.
* Working knowledge of Indigenous land rights, title and treaty interests, and applicable land and resource legislation and regulations.
* Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines in a small-team environment.
* Current Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence and access to a reliable vehicle.
* Satisfactory criminal record check.

Preferred:
* Experience working within a modern treaty Nation or self-governing Indigenous government.
* Knowledge of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government structures, laws, and the Maa-nulth Final Agreement.
* Experience with GIS, land referrals, or land registry and tenure administration.
* Formal training in leadership, supervision, or project management.
* Knowledge of the Nuu-chah-nulth language, culture, and protocols.

CORE COMPETENCIES
* Operational leadership and people management
* Sound judgment and delegated decision-making
* Budget and funding agreement stewardship
* Strategic and long-range planning
* Relationship building and intergovernmental collaboration
* Written reporting and technical communication
* High degree of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality
* Cultural competency and respect for Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ traditions and protocols
* Intermediate computer skills including MS Office

WORKING CONDITIONS
* Office-based at hitac̓u, BC with regular fieldwork on Treaty Settlement Lands
* Exposure to outdoor conditions, uneven terrain, and variable weather during field activities
* Flexible hours including occasional evenings and weekends for community meetings and field operations
* Travel within Vancouver Island and to meetings off-Island as required

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS
* Genuine respect for Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ traditions, culture, and protocols
* Commitment to advancing Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ stewardship values and community priorities in all program decisions
* Participation in community and cultural events as appropriate to the role

WHAT WE OFFER
* Competitive base salary
* Extended Health and Dental Benefits (applicable from day one!)
* Enrolment into Municipal Pension Plan
* 4-weeks’ paid vacation (with incremental increases for years of service)
* Paid personal and flex day
* Paid days off during the Christmas break
* Hybrid work arrangements (subject to operational requirements)

Please note: eligibility for the benefits and programs listed above varies by employment type, schedule, and applicable program criteria. The specific benefits and programs accessible to the successful candidate will be discussed during the interview process.

This job description is intended to convey the general nature and level of work expected. YG reserves the right to amend and update responsibilities to meet operational needs. Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ citizens are encouraged to apply.