Guardians Program Manager

The ʔAkisq̓nuk First Nation (AFN) is seeking a passionate and strategic Guardians Program Manager to lead, and grow our Guardians Program—a transformative initiative to protect and care for our lands, waters, and resources.

Reporting to the Director of Lands and Resources, the Guardians Program Manager is responsible for the program’s structure, policies, staffing, and operations. Once established, the Manager will oversee a team of Guardians and lead the long-term direction, growth, and impact of the program.

ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation is a member Community of the Ktunaxa Nation. AFN exists for the Community. Externally, we are here to serve the Community, and internally, we are our own Community, comprised of different departments unified by our Vision, Mission, and Values. As a team, through our own roles and departments, the AFN Organization works together to achieve our strategic plan “Our Thinking” and continue to progress and move our community forward.

Job Type: This role is full-time working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday working onsite in the office.

The primary responsibilities include:

• Hire, train, and lead a passionate team of Guardians, ensuring safety, culture, and high performance are top priorities.
• Oversee program delivery including fieldwork, monitoring, environmental response, and coordination with external partners.
• Secure and manage funding, budgets, reporting, and program administration.
• Engage community members, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers to embed traditional knowledge and values in all activities.
• Collaborate with partners across governments, NGOs, and Indigenous Nations to strengthen land governance and stewardship.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Completion of a degree in environmental studies, resource management, indigenous studies, fish and wildlife or a related field is required.
• Five years of progressively more responsible experience creating and running a similar program.
• Strong background in land stewardship, Indigenous governance, or environmental management.
• Proven ability to manage teams, budgets, and partnerships.
• Deep respect for and experience working with Indigenous knowledge, culture, and values.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and provincial legislation, regulations, and policies related to environmental protection.
• Knowledge of Indigenous land rights issues and effective land management practices.
• Knowledge of environmental science, and land-based policy, and regulations, including BC’s DRIPA and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples an asset.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, external stakeholders, and technical experts.

What we offer:

• Competitive base salary (starting salary $85,000 to $95,000 per annum)
• Discretionary office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, as determined by the Council each year
• Paid annual vacation and sick days
• Employer-paid Group Benefits which includes Life Insurance, Health and Dental benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Critical Illness, and Long-Term Disability, available after 3 months of service
• Matched pension plan program with employer matching up to 5.5% of the employee’s salary, available after 4 months of service
• Live and work in the most beautiful place in British Columbia

ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. In accordance with our commitment to reconciliation and employment equity, preference may be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. We encourage Indigenous applicants to self-identify in their application. We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.