Lands Manager

Position Title: MANAGER, LANDS

Reports to: Director, Natural Resources

Supervision of: Land Code Coordinator

Lands Clerk

Planner & Permitting Coordinator

Environmental Compliance Coordinator

Job Overview

Reporting to the Director, Natural Resources, the Manager, Lands is responsible for the leadership and oversight of the Haisla Nation Council's reserve lands program. The position leads the administration and implementation of the Haisla Land Code, Haisla Nation land laws, policies, procedures, and land instruments applicable to Haisla reserve lands. Responsibilities include reserve land use planning, land interests and registrations, surveys, leasing, permitting, development review and approvals, compliance and enforcement, records management, and other reserve land administration functions. The Manager, Lands works closely with Haisla Nation leadership, members, departments, legal and technical advisors, and the Lands Advisory Board Resource Centre (LABRC) to support effective, transparent, and culturally grounded management of Haisla reserve lands.

The Manager, Lands is responsible for the leadership, management, and supervision of the Planning & Development Officer, Environmental Compliance Coordinator, Lands Clerk, and Land Code Coordinator.

Organizational Status

The Haisla Nation is the band government of the Haisla people. Our mission is to build a powerful, prosperous and proud community, healthy in mind, body and spirit. We believe in building a strong and thriving community, with healthy and happy members and a sustained and prosperous environment. We are about 1962+ people, with approximately 532 living in Haisla (Kitamaat Village). We have lived off the land and waters of our traditional territory for thousands of years, and it remains the focus of all we do.

Duties & Responsibilities

Program Leadership: The Manager, Lands supports the reserve lands program in achieving strategic and operational objectives.

• Work with the Director, Natural Resources to develop and implement reserve land use plans, laws, policies, and procedures consistent with the Haisla Land Code and organizational priorities.
• Support the implementation of appropriate monitoring and evaluation frameworks for all departmental deliverables to drive continuous improvement and impact of the Haisla Nation Council’s services.
• Implement program policies and procedures.
• Ensure all required reporting is completed accurately and on time.
• Monitor and report on reserve land use trends, risks, and opportunities, providing strategic advice to leadership on matters within the reserve lands program's mandate.

Program Operations: The Manager, Lands oversees and manages the day-to-day operations of the reserve lands program.

• Oversee the daily operations of the reserve lands program, including all projects, applications, registrations, and initiatives within the portfolio.
• Ensure reserve land administration is consistent with the Haisla Land Code, Haisla Nation land laws, applicable federal requirements, policies and procedures, and professional standards.
• Work with program staff to gather, maintain, and input current and historical reserve land information into land registry, records management, and GIS systems.
• Maintain accurate records of reserve land interests and instruments, including allotments or certificates of possession, leases, permits, licences, easements, surveys, and related documents.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of reserve land records and registrations within Haisla Nation Council's jurisdiction, addressing administrative matters related to interests, surveys, boundaries, encumbrances, and land instruments.
• Work with legal advisors, surveyors, federal officials, LABRC, and other technical specialists to resolve reserve land administration issues and support the creation, registration, and management of land interests.
• Proactively evaluate the individual and overall performance of the Haisla Nation Council's reserve lands projects and services on a regular and ongoing basis; use collected data and information to make needed improvements.

Financial Management: The Manager, Lands manages the program's budgets, ensuring sound financial management.

• Manage and oversee program budgets and reporting requirements.
• Direct program staff in maintaining appropriate fiscal controls to ensure operations are within the scope of the annual budget.
• Support the allocation of funds and forecasting.
• Ensure program activities are in compliance with policies, procedures, and legal standards.

People Leadership: The Manager, Lands supports the capacity and capability of their direct reports, including their professional development. The Manager, Lands is a resource and mentor to the team, providing guidance and direction on risks, issues, or problems to ensure services achieve intended benefits and meet expectations.

• Foster a respectful workplace and cooperative working relationships with all employees.
• Ensure employees are appropriately trained and aligned with the Haisla Nation Council’s mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.
• Work with the HR department to identify capacities needed (skillsets and competencies) to achieve departmental goals.
• Lead the hiring, evaluation, professional development, discipline, and dismissal of departmental staff.
• Build the capacity of program staff by implementing processes for orientation, training, and performance appraisal.
• Monitor the attendance of program staff and manage attendance issues including absenteeism, authorizing overtime, leave requests, vacations, etc.
• Support the HR department in ensuring human resource and labour relations processes are effective, efficient, and timely.
• Support the HR department in ensuring the workplace meets all health and safety guidelines.
• Serve as a role model regarding the organization’s values and leadership principles.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Land Management, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• 7 to 10 years of experience providing operational leadership, particularly in reserve land management, land administration, planning, development, or a related field.
• NALMA Aboriginal Lands Manager Certification or eligibility to receive.
• Experience working for a band government or Indigenous organization is an asset.
• Extensive knowledge of reserve land administration, land use planning and development, land interests and registrations, surveys, leasing, permitting, and compliance and enforcement.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management, the Haisla Land Code, First Nation land laws, and LABRC resources and processes.
• Strong proficiency in reading and interpretation of maps and satellite images.
• Strong understanding of land use, zoning, development, permitting, and enforcement principles applicable to reserve lands operating under a First Nation land code.
• In-depth understanding of Haisla cultural values and the legal, political, and administrative environment affecting First Nation reserve lands.
• Ability to set goals and implement an operational plan for the reserve lands program.
• Ability to provide leadership to direct reports and ongoing support for their performance and development.
• Strong proficiency in using land management software, GIS and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with an attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills with the ability to professionally connect with and influence a diverse group of individuals.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead projects and work with diverse individuals to identify issues, design solutions, and evaluate results.
• Strong people leadership skills, including experience with building and leading high-performing teams.
• Satisfactory completion of criminal records check (with vulnerable sector screening if relevant).

Why Join Us?

We are proud to offer a supportive and inclusive work environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Extended health and dental coverage
• Pension matching up to 5.5%
• 10 days of standard vacation
• 5 days of paid self-care days
• 10 days of paid sick leave
• 10 paid days during the Christmas office closure
• 5 days of other leave for personal matters (e.g., medical appointments or household emergencies)
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Cultural leave and wellness initiatives

Salary Range: $73,000.00 - $85,000.00 annually

Position Type: Full-Time

Closing Date: Will remain open until the position is filled

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.