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.

• 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. Coordinate reviews, prepare materials and recommendations for Chief and Council, and monitor compliance.
• Provide policy, governance, and legislative analysis related to lands, title, rights, and environmental protection. Track and assess legislation, regulatory changes, projects, and external activities that may impact community interests, and present clear information to support decision‑making.
• Coordinate land‑based activities and community engagement related to land use, including consultation processes, traditional use initiatives, and land‑based camps. Oversee on‑the‑ground monitoring activities, supervise Lands Monitors, coordinate site inspections, and follow‑up on compliance related to infrastructure, construction, restoration, and environmental protection.
• Manage relationships with external partners such as Indigenous Services Canada, provincial and federal governments, neighbouring First Nations, consultants, and industry proponents. Oversee lands‑related grants and funding agreements, coordinate applications, manage reporting requirements, and ensure compliance in collaboration with finance and administration.
• Lead 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. Bring a solutions‑oriented approach, remaining both strategic and operational while navigating complex priorities in a governance‑driven environment.

• Post‑secondary degree in environmental sciences, natural resource management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least five years in a managerial or supervisory role within lands or natural resource management, with responsibility for staff, budgets, programs, or projects.
• Experience working with First Nations governments, ideally within an Indian Act lands context, and comfortable coordinating referrals, regulatory processes, land use activities, and engagement with proponents and government agencies.
• Experience in sectors such as energy, forestry, mining, infrastructure, restoration, or agriculture is considered an asset.
• Organized leader with strong planning, communication, and relationship management skills; sound judgment, discretion, and cultural humility; and a demonstrated commitment to protecting Cook’s Ferry lands, culture, and future generations.
• Ability to translate complex policy, technical, and funding information into clear recommendations and action.

The salary range for this position is $80,000–$110,000, commensurate with education and experience. Cook’s Ferry Indian Band offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid holidays, a Christmas office closure, statutory holidays, health and dental coverage, and an employer‑matched pension plan. Relocation assistance may be available.

This position is based in Merritt and Spences Bridge, British Columbia, with responsibilities across both communities. Hybrid work arrangements are possible, with regular travel required between locations. The Thompson River region offers exceptional access to outdoor recreation while remaining close to major centres such as Kamloops and Kelowna, and approximately 3.5 hours from Vancouver.

In accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act, preference may be given to Indigenous candidates.