Position Title: Manager, Forest & Range
Position Type: Full-Time
Reports to: Director, Natural Resources
Supervision of: Field Project Supervisor (Terrestrial)
Forest Technicians / Field Crew
Guardian Watchmen (terrestrial assignments)
Contractors and consultants (as required)
Job Overview
Reporting to the Director, Natural Resources, the Manager, Forest & Range provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of Haisla Nation’s terrestrial stewardship programs, including forest management, range use oversight, ecosystem monitoring, climate resilience planning, wildfire risk reduction, cultural use forestry, and land-based restoration.
The Manager, Forest & Range is accountable for the development and implementation of forest and range management frameworks, ensures compliance with provincial and federal legislation where applicable, aligns with Haisla Nation laws, stewardship priorities, and rights and title assertions. This role integrates Haisla governance and wa’wais authority into land management decisions, and collaborates with internal and external partners to protect and revitalize terrestrial ecosystems throughout Haisla traditional territory.
The Manager, Forest & Range exercises decision-making authority over program priorities, operational planning, and resource allocation, and provides leadership, direction, and supervision to the Forest Technicians, Field Project Supervisor, Guardian Watchmen (terrestrial), and other stewardship staff.
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 2023+ people, with approximately 700 living in 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 & Strategic Stewardship
- Develop, implement and oversee forest, range, and terrestrial ecosystem management frameworks aligned with Haisla Nation’s Stewardship & Sovereignty Framework, Land Code, OCP, and Rights & Title assertions.
- Integrate cultural knowledge, wa’wais houses’ authority, and matrilineal governance protocols into land and resource decision-making processes.
- Lead long-term strategic planning for climate adaptation, wildfire risk reduction, biodiversity protection, and ecosystem resilience.
- Provide senior technical oversight of terrestrial monitoring programs, including wildlife, vegetation, forest health, invasive species, range condition, and habitat connectivity.
- Ensure program compliance with Haisla Nation bylaws, Land Code, and relevant provincial and federal legislation.
- Review and provide recommendations on forestry, road use, and land-use applications, permits, referrals, and tenures.
- Prepare and present technical briefing notes, reports, and recommendations to senior leadership and Council.
Program Operations & Land-Based Management
- Ensure effective operational delivery of terrestrial stewardship initiatives, including cultural forestry projects, trail and land access maintenance, wildfire mitigation, and ecosystem monitoring programs.
- Oversee range management activities, including assessment of grazing impacts, vegetation recovery, and compliance with Haisla expectations and agreements.
- Provide oversight of field safety programs, data collection standards, monitoring protocols, and restoration methodologies.
- Approve annual and seasonal work plans, field schedules, and resource requirements for field crews Support and provide direction to Guardian Watchmen on terrestrial assignments, including patrols, compliance monitoring, wildlife observations, and reporting.
- Lead planning and implementation of ecosystem rehabilitation, riparian restoration, erosion control, and nature-based solutions.
- Collaborate with the Marine Stewardship Manager to ensure integrated management of land–sea ecosystems, watershed health, and cumulative effects.
External Relations & Rights Assertion
- Build and maintain relationships with provincial agencies (FLNROD, BC Wildfire Service, BC Parks), forestry licensees, neighbouring Nations, and industry proponents.
- Represent Haisla Nation in technical working groups, forestry and range negotiations, environmental committees, and joint stewardship initiatives.
- Lead or support negotiation and review of forestry, range, and land-use agreements to ensure alignment with Haisla rights, title, and environmental priorities.
- Ensure consistent interpretation and application of Haisla stewardship principles across all partners and proponents.
- Participate in cumulative effects assessments, watershed planning tables, and regional or basin-wide planning initiatives.
Financial Management
- Manage and oversee program budgets, grant funding, and project-based resourcing.
- Support the development and administration of grant applications for terrestrial restoration, wildfire mitigation, climate adaptation, cultural forestry, and ecosystem monitoring.
- Ensure financial accountability through forecasting expenditure tracking, and reporting. Review contractor invoicing, work plans, and deliverables to ensure alignment with approved scopes, budgets, and outcomes.
People Leadership
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and supervision to Forest Technicians, Field Project Supervisor, and designated Guardian Watchmen.
- Lead performance management, workforce planning, training, and professional development initiatives for the terrestrial stewardship team.
- Support staff capacity-building in safety, field operations, GIS, monitoring tools, and Haisla stewardship values. Oversee scheduling, timesheet approval, attendance management, and field rotations.
- Foster a respectful, culturally grounded, and safety-focused work environment consistent with Haisla values and organizational standards.
Skills & Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- 7–10 years of progressive experience in forest management, range oversight, resource stewardship, or related operational fields.
- Registered Professional Forester (RPF) or Registered Forest Technologist (RFT) designation preferred; eligibility for registration is an asset.
- Demonstrated experience leading field teams and managing complex, multi-stakeholder natural resource initiatives.
- Experience developing policies, management frameworks, or strategic plans related to land or resource management is an asset.
- Experience working for a band government or Indigenous organization is an asset.
- Strong understanding of forest ecology, silviculture, cumulative effects, and landscape-level management.
- Knowledge of wildfire risk assessment, FireSmart principles, fuel management, and emergency response planning.
- Experience interpreting forestry legislation, range policies, tenure systems, and ecosystem-based regulations.
- Strong proficiency with GIS and spatial data management tools (ArcGIS, QGIS, or equivalent).
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and various databases, search engines and Outlook/email.
- Strong ability to integrate cultural values, traditional knowledge, and stewardship principles into operational programs.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written. With the ability to professionally connect with and influence a diverse group of individuals including leadership, community members, and external partners.
- Strong analytical, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to lead diverse teams, support staff development, and manage conflict in a respectful and culturally grounded manner.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines.
- Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License with access to a reliable vehicle.
- Ability to work in remote field conditions and travel throughout Haisla traditional territory.
- Satisfactory completion of a 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
Number of Openings: 1
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.
Required
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Experience developing or implementing management frameworks, policies, or strategic plans related to land or natural resources.
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Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder land or resource management initiatives.
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Demonstrated experience leading field-based teams and supervising technical staff.
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7 - 10 years: Progressive experience in forest management, range oversight, natural resource stewardship, or related operational fields.
Preferred
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Experience integrating cultural knowledge and stewardship principles into operational programs is an asset.
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Practical experience interpreting forestry and range legislation, tenure systems, and environmental regulations.
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Experience working with Indigenous land governance, stewardship programs, or a band government is a strong asset.
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Registered Professional Forester (RPF) or Registered Forest Technologist (RFT) designation preferred (or eligibility for registration considered an asset)
Required
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Bachelor's degree or better in Environmental and Earth Science or related field
Preferred
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Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
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Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
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Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Preferred
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Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
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Peer Recognition: Inspired to perform well by the praise of coworkers
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Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
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Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
