Development & Compliance Officer

Development & Compliance Officer

Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Department: Lands
Reports To: Lands Manager
Wage Scale: $29 to $35 per hour, depending on experience

Located approximately 22 kilometres east of Mission, British Columbia, Leq’á:mel First Nation (LFN) is home to approximately 800 Leq’á:mel Xwélmexw (People). Governed by Chief and Council under its Custom Election Code, LFN exercises its inherent right to self-government throughout its Lower Mainland Territory. We welcome candidates who understand Leq’á:mel culture and traditions or are eager to learn.

Join Our Team

Turn your attention to detail into a meaningful impact in the community. Leq’á:mel First Nation is seeking a Development & Compliance Officer to support land development, permitting, inspections, compliance, administration, and public education.

Reporting to the Lands Manager, you will serve as a key contact for applicants, contractors, community members, and partner agencies. Working with the Lands team, you will help deliver timely service, uphold Leq’á:mel Land Laws, and support the responsible stewardship of Nation lands.

What You’ll Do

• Review, coordinate, and track development and permit applications, from completeness checks and internal circulation through approval conditions and record-keeping.
• Guide applicants, consultants, contractors, community members, and internal departments through development, permitting, and compliance processes.
• Receive and document concerns related to land use, development, and Land Laws; conduct inspections, community monitoring, and patrols to assess compliance.
• Prepare enforcement correspondence and records and work collaboratively to resolve issues whenever possible.
• Develop presentations, website content, guidance materials, reports, briefing notes, surveys, and other public education or engagement resources.
• Identify recurring concerns, recommend practical process improvements, and coordinate with legal counsel, the RCMP, and regulatory agencies when required.
• Support departmental initiatives, special projects, and other related duties as assigned.

What You Bring

Qualifications and Experience

• A diploma or degree in planning, geography, land administration, public administration, natural resource management, building technology, law enforcement, or a related field, combined with relevant experience in compliance, enforcement, investigations, permitting, inspections, land administration, or local government.
• Knowledge of development processes, land-use controls, and applicable legislation, with the ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, permits, regulations, and Land Laws.
• Clear, professional communication and strong interpersonal, conflict-resolution, and de-escalation skills.
• Excellent observation, investigation, analysis, documentation, records management, organization, and time-management skills.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage competing priorities while working independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word and Outlook.

Preferred Assets

• Experience with Indigenous organizations, First Nations governments, or not-for-profit organizations, together with knowledge of Leq’á:mel culture and history or a genuine willingness to learn.
• Knowledge of First Nation Land Management, Land Code authorities, and First Nation governance.
• Experience with records management systems, land registry systems, or GIS.

Working Conditions

• Full-time, on-site work in Deroche, BC, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; remote work is not available.
• A mix of office and field work, including computer-based duties, site visits, inspections, community monitoring, and patrols.
• Occasional travel for meetings, conferences, training, community engagement, and site visits.
• Candidates must live within a reasonable commuting distance of the workplace.

Employment Requirements

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

Why Join Leq’á:mel First Nation?

Make a meaningful contribution to the responsible development, protection, and stewardship of Leq’á:mel lands while strengthening land administration, supporting fair and effective compliance, and helping deliver responsive service to the community.

What You’ll Gain

Leq’á:mel First Nation offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

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

How to Apply

Please submit your résumé and cover letter to:
Stella Laidman, Human Resources Coordinator
[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.