Lands Manager

Lands Manager Cook’s Ferry Indian Band Merritt & Spences Bridge, British Columbia The Cook’s Ferry Indian Band is a Nlaka’pamux government located in the scenic Thompson River Valley of British Columbia. The Band is committed to ensuring land-based activities are managed with care, accountability, and respect for community knowledge and values. Cook’s Ferry Indian Band is currently seeking a Lands Manager to lead and coordinate all lands-related functions across Merritt and Spences Bridge. This is a leadership role suited to a strategic and community-minded professional with strong judgment, collaboration skills, and a commitment to protecting Indigenous lands and interests. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Lands Manager is a member of the leadership team and provides leadership and oversight for lands governance, referrals management, environmental stewardship, and land-based initiatives, while supporting informed decision-making by Chief and Council. Key Responsibilities You will lead the lands referrals process for all proponents seeking to work within Cook’s Ferry lands or territory, ensuring referrals are reviewed in accordance with Band policies, protocols, and compensation frameworks. This includes coordinating reviews, preparing materials and recommendations for Chief and Council, and monitoring compliance. In this role, you will provide policy, governance, and legislative analysis related to lands, title, rights, and environmental protection. You will track and assess legislation, regulatory changes, projects, and external activities that may impact community interests, and present clear information to support decision-making. The Lands Manager coordinates land-based activities and community engagement related to land use, including consultation processes, traditional use initiatives, and land-based camps. You will also oversee on-the-ground monitoring activities, including supervision of Lands Monitors, coordination of site inspections, and follow-up on compliance related to infrastructure, construction, restoration, and environmental protection. This position manages relationships with external partners such as Indigenous Services Canada, provincial and federal governments, neighbouring First Nations, consultants, and industry proponents. You will oversee lands-related grants and funding agreements, coordinating applications, managing reporting requirements, and ensuring compliance in collaboration with finance and administration. As department lead, you are responsible for the effective operation and development of the Lands Department, including staff supervision, budget management, work planning, and the establishment and maintenance of standard operating procedures. You will bring a solutions-oriented approach, remaining both strategic and operational while navigating complex priorities in a governance-driven environment. The Ideal Candidate You bring a post-secondary degree in…