EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

· Graduation from a post-secondary program in Lands Management, Estates, or Community Planning with 3 years’ experience in a First Nations setting; OR
· Graduation from a related field with 5 years of experience in a First Nations setting;
· Must be willing to enroll in and complete the NALMA Professional Lands Management;
· Certification Program, which includes one year at Vancouver Island University and one year of technical training through NALMA;
· Experience working with Indigenous Services Canada land systems (ILRS, NetLands) is an asset;
· Experience drafting and interpreting land instruments, permits, and leases;
· Experience with legal survey processes and working with external professionals;
· Valid Class 5 driver’s licence and reliable vehicle plus a clean driver’s abstract and appropriate insurance;
· Clean criminal record check required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

· Strong knowledge of the Indian Act, Matrimonial Real Property Act, and land management policies;
· Working knowledge of ILRS, NetLands, and legal/technical requirements for land transactions;
· Exceptional administrative and organizational skills, with attention to detail and file management;
· Strong verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and presentations;
· Ability to interpret and apply federal, provincial, and Indigenous land legislation;
· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with members, staff, and agencies respectfully;
· High level of discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment;
· Dispute resolution and problem-solving skills;
· Competency in Microsoft Office and land management databases;
· Knowledge of cultural protocols and sensitivity to the traditions of the WSÁNEĆ peoples;
· Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and to exercise sound judgment and discretion when dealing with sensitive issues;
· Ability to deal effectively and efficiently with occasionally aggressive or demanding individuals to provide or obtain information to clarify or resolve issues;
· Ability to effectively communicate and respond to routine requests or inquiries from staff, members and stakeholders;
· Strong work ethic including the ability to take initiative; to attend work on a regular and consistent basis, and to demonstrate a collaborative approach to problem solving.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

To support Tsartlip First Nation in managing all aspects of reserve and designated land administration under the Resources, Lands & Environment Management Program (RLEMP), including land transactions, lease compliance, surveys, and documentation, while ensuring adherence to applicable legislation and policies. The Lands Officer will also work towards completion of the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA) Professional Lands Management Certification Program (PLMCP).

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Coordinates and processes land transactions, including creation, transfer, and registration of real property;
· Obtains legal surveys for Tsartlip land development; liaises with surveyors and landowners;
· Maintains accurate and confidential records on land files, leases, permits, and cemetery documentation;
· Issues burial certificates and ensures cemetery documentation is updated and properly stored;
· Responds to community inquiries about land interests, Matrimonial Real Property (MRP), and federal land regulations;
· Researches, drafts, and recommends policies on land administration, lease agreements, and property development;
· Prepares reports, correspondence, briefings, and presentations for Chief and Council, management, and members;
· Ensures compliance with Indian Act, Land Management Manual, ILRS, NetLands, and all other relevant legislation and directives;
· Supports community members in navigating land services, including understanding consent requirements, survey processes, and documentation;
· Maintains active communication with ISC, NALMA, legal advisors, and other external agencies on land matters;
· Participates in land use planning, environmental reviews, and development projects as required;
· Monitors lease terms and conditions to ensure compliance with service agreements and applicable laws;
· Ensures that environmental and legal requirements related to land transactions are met;
· Supports conflict resolution and dispute management on land-related issues;
· Prepares and submits documentation such as Land Transaction Information Reports, Inspection Reports, and Transaction Checklists for AANDC review;
· Participates in community education, engagement sessions, and workshops related to lands and estates;
· Attends relevant training and workshops identified by the Director;
· Monitors areas of responsibility for opportunities for improvement and innovation and works proactively to implement these;
· Attends departmental and staff meetings and events as required;
· Adheres to departmental policies and procedures, and all other policies, bylaws and laws adopted by Council as well as legislated policies;
· Ensures that service quality standards are maintained and consistently delivered in all areas of responsibility;
· Maintains strict confidentiality and exercises sound judgment and discretion when dealing with sensitive issues;
· Presents a professional, positive and helpful attitude at all times;
· Promotes a safe work place; ensures that all established safety procedures are followed;
· Carries out other duties essential to the position as directed by the Director.