Job Summary:
Territorial Resource Stewardship (TRS) is one of the four components of Skwlāx te Secwepemcúl̓ecw (SteS) Governance, alongside Administrative Operations, Wellness, and Business Development. Each governance component reports to Chief and Council and the CAO through its respective Executive Director (ED).
TRS is responsible for ensuring that SteS on-reserve lands and territorial resources are managed, conserved, and used sustainably. Its work is grounded in cultural values and guided by Secwepemc traditional law, while also integrating Western science practices and principles to balance stewardship with economic opportunity.
PURPOSE OF POSITION
The purpose of this position is to lead the effective and efficient delivery of all aspects of SteS territorial resource stewardship, ensuring healthy and productive lands and waters while safeguarding SteS Indigenous title, rights, and the financial interests of SteS corporate entities active in the natural resources and construction sectors.
This position oversees the SteS Guardian, Fish and Wildlife, Cultural Heritage, Archaeology, Emergency Management, and On-Reserve Lands departments, each of which operates within multiple layers of legislation and policy, including frameworks developed by SteS and other Secwepemc governance entities. As a result, the position plays a key role in special initiatives and provides strategic, policy, and operational guidance to support sound planning, effective governance, and the management of social and environmental impacts within a strong regulatory framework.
The Executive Director provides advice and support to department heads across all activities and ensures operations remain efficient, effective, and collaborative within a team-based environment.
WORK FEATURES AND CONTACTS
The ED-TRS works closely with, takes directions from, and reports directly to Chief and Council, the CAO, and the Council Portfolio for Territorial Resource Stewardship. The role also works in close collaboration with relevant SteS corporate entities technical experts, and governance departments, while building and maintaining strong relationships with external industry and government partners.
The position is accountable for a wide range of legislative, contractual, and operational decisions, often requiring careful consideration of competing interests and priorities. The successful incumbent must balance economic development opportunities with the long-term sustainability of Guardianship, Fish and Wildlife, Cultural Heritage, Archaeology, Emergency Management, and On-Reserve Lands. Decisions must reflect the objectives of Chief and Council, Crown permitting agencies, SteS membership, and SteS corporate procurement opportunities. Strong judgment, timely decision-making, and the ability to engage in the community, where appropriate, are essential to this role.
The ED-TRS participates with Chief and Council, and interacts with Band employees, and internal and external representatives across various levels of SteS governance and SteS-owned corporations, as well as non-Band representatives, including but not limited to:
- Chief and Council and SteS Membership;
- Executive Director, Administration Operations
- Chief Executive Officer and General Managers, Skwlax Group Ltd.
- Band committees and working groups;
- Other Indigenous communities;
- Local, Provincial and Federal government agencies
- Legal and other consulting advisors(s);
- Industry, other stakeholders and special interest groups.
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES / DELIVERABLES
- Develops, assesses, implements, and promotes sound, sustainable resource management plans at the territorial, watershed, landscape, and site-specific levels.
- Develops and maintains territorial resources use permitting and permit monitoring processes, ensuring compliance with SteS laws and policies, and the protection of cultural, environmental, and social values.
- Develops and oversees the Territorial Guardianship program in collaboration with adjacent Indigenous resource managers.
- Protects SteS assets and advances financial interests by working with the Finance Director on revenue control and collection systems, including negotiating revenue-sharing arrangements with the Province, to support sound and sustainable program development.
- Promotes leading edge, progressive SteS jurisdiction over and participation in the land and resource sector through revenue sharing, joint decision making, co-management and land/resource/cultural protection arrangements with local, provincial and federal governments, and where applicable the private sector.
- Leads and participates in a variety of external committees and working groups to protect and advance SteS’s territorial resources stewardship objectives.
- Participates and leads initiatives to strengthen community relationships and negotiate various partnership agreements or joint ventures to protect and advance SteS territorial resources stewardship objectives.
- Provides strategic and expert advice to Chief and Council, senior management, and staff on the interpretation and application of legislation, policy, and directives, with particular attention to emerging recognition and reconciliation initiatives.
- Develops, monitors, reports on and implements a 5 Year Strategic Plan and annual operations plan/budget.
- Oversee the transition of the current referrals and consultation management system to the emerging shared decision-making process with local, provincial and federal permitting agencies.
- Leads and supervises staff, including setting and evaluating performance goals, coaching, team building, and mentoring, while contributing as a collaborative member of the management team.
- Liaises between departments, Pillars, and SteS Corporate entities and ensures organizational strategies are effectively aligned and implemented.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Administers the Territorial Resources Stewardship budget in accordance with prevailing SteS Financial Laws, Policies and Procedures.
SUPERVISION, TRAINING AND MENTORSHIP DUTIES
This position directly supervises all TRS staff and either provides, or ensures access to, appropriate training and mentorship opportunities to meet evolving needs and support continuous improvement. The ED-TRS manages complex issues, solves problems strategically, and provides leadership by articulating goals, building commitment, securing resources, and achieving results.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Post-secondary degree in natural resource management, business administration, biology, geology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Considerable current and progressive experience in land and resource management is required, including accountability for managing and operating programs within a government or corporate setting.
- Considerable knowledge of natural resource disciplines and activities including fisheries, wildlife, aquatic resources, cultural heritage, archaeology, mining and on-reserve land administration.
- Demonstrated ability to manage staff effectively and address human resources matters appropriately.
- Working knowledge of GIS and database management.
- Must have a valid BC Driver’s license.
- Frequent travel for periods of several days is a normal part of work.
In addition to wage 15 days paid vacation 15 earned paid Sick/wellness days 5 earned paid personal leave days After successful completion of 3 months' probation employees also received: - 5.5% matching contribution to pension - Extended Dental and medical benefits 100% paid by the Band - Office hours of 8 am to 3 pm to help promote a work-life balance
In addition to wage 15 days paid vacation 15 earned paid Sick/wellness days 5 earned paid personal leave days After successful completion of 3 months' probation employees also received: - 5.5% matching contribution to pension - Extended Dental and medical benefits 100% paid by the Band - Office hours of 8 am to 3 pm to help promote a work-life balance
In addition to wage 15 days paid vacation 15 earned paid Sick/wellness days 5 earned paid personal leave days After successful completion of 3 months' probation employees also received: - 5.5% matching contribution to pension - Extended Dental and medical benefits 100% paid by the Band - Office hours of 8 am to 3 pm to help promote a work-life balance
In addition to wage 15 days paid vacation 15 earned paid Sick/wellness days 5 earned paid personal leave days After successful completion of 3 months' probation employees also received: - 5.5% matching contribution to pension - Extended Dental and medical benefits 100% paid by the Band - Office hours of 8 am to 3 pm to help promote a work-life balance
