Term Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure (MOTI) Advisor
Okanagan Indian Band
KʷU KʷLIW̓T L̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE
Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.
Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.
The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment.
Hours of work:
Up to 37.5 hours per week
Start Date:
ASAP
End Date:
10 Month TERM from start date (Potential to extend)
Deadline for applications:
Open until filled
JOB SUMMARY
The OKIB Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) Advisor plays a crucial role in managing and leading consultation activities with the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) for highway projects. This position requires a blend of strategic thinking, legal acumen, and strong leadership skills to navigate complex issues and ensure successful project outcomes while respecting Indigenous interests and minimizing negative impacts. By providing expert advice, managing consultation processes, and addressing high-stakes situations, the Advisor contributes significantly to fostering positive relationships and achieving reconciliation objectives between MOTI and OKIB.
The Advisor leads OKIB consultation activities for highway projects and in specific situations lead high economic value, high risk for legal challenges, or high political impacts. Highway projects are on Crown Land and require a determination of the impact on Indigenous Nations identified or potentially claimed or proven interests.
This position also provides advice to the Director of Operations on matters impacting Okanagan Indian Band. This position provides advice to Okanagan Indian Band Staff. This position also supports reconciliation of highway right of way through reserve lands, which includes the delivery of reserve acquisition for highway projects and/or resolving outstanding tenure matters. This would involve resource budgeting, contract management, appraisal valuations, surveys and ensuring the Provincial and Federal processes are met during negotiations. The MOTI Advisor, provides leadership to processes which endeavor to anticipate and resolve a broad range of concerns.
REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports to the Director of Operations.
JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Leads and supports OKIB consultation and negotiations for projects, which would include identifying the range of issues to be resolved through the consultation process and ensure Provincial and Federal processes are being met
- Ensures consultation processes and decisions meet current standards for engagement with OKIB community
- Provides advice and direction to OKIB staff regarding Indigenous concerns and interests and advises on appropriate consultation strategies
- Provides advice to the OKIB Director of Lands for developing consultation strategy for highway corridors to assist in the Indigenous consultation process
- Ensures Indigenous interests are considered when ministry policies and programs are developed and implemented
- Conducts research and assesses Indigenous interests, rights and title (claimed or proven) and develops reference materials, tools and systems to document information on Indigenous concerns’ issues, case law, culture, consultation requirements, and archaeological resources and provides advice to supervisor
- Builds and maintains sound relationships with OKIB community and organizations to stimulate information sharing and encourage future economic opportunities and/or partnerships
- Coordinates and leads information sharing on behalf of the OKIB with other ministries/agencies to consolidate work and avoid duplication of effort
- Supports and may lead Indigenous reserve right of way acquisition, which may be controversial; oversees the preparation of property appraisals, survey, and research assignments by contracted resources; inspects property and general locale; prepares detailed appraisal estimates on the evaluation of real property. Supports the negotiations to achieve agreement with OKIB community and legal representatives for reserve acquisition for highway right of way
- Identifies and evaluates potential partnering opportunities between the ministry and OKIB Community and drafts contractual agreements for the completion of work
- May prepare contracts for consulting services
- Prepares briefing notes on files being managed and develops options to assist with decision making
- Provides support into treaty and reconciliation negotiations
- All persons employed by the Okanagan Indian Band may be required to assist the Band in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties.
- Participate in community events as requested
- Other duties as required
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
You have education, experience, or an equivalent combination may be considered. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, have a willingness to contribute to a team and an excellent communicator.
Education
- Bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in Geography, Forestry, Natural Resources, Regional Planning, Law, Business Administration or related field
- Minimum 3 years of related experience or equivalent, OR a relevant diploma with minimum of 5 years of related experience, OR a relevant certificate with a minimum of 7 years of related experience
- Professional Lands Manager Certification Program (PLMCP), an asset
- RLEMP Professional Land Management Training and Certification, an asset
- Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence and reliable vehicle
Experience
- Participating and/or leading the consultation process with Indigenous Relations
- Negotiating agreements and settlements with Indigenous Relations
- Building and maintaining relationships with Indigenous communities
- Managing multiple projects and negotiations
- Conducting research and analysis related to land use, historical highway right of way, resource management, social or economic development issues
- Experience working with Indigenous organizations and/or communities
- Experience with acquisition, surveys, contract services, and consultation related negotiations
Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)
- Possesses cultural appropriateness in dealing with OKIB Community and members, cultural sensitivity is a prerequisite to this role.
- Knowledge of First Nations administration and legislation
- Knowledge of theories, principles and practices related to lands and resource management, real estate development and First Nations Governance systems
- Knowledge of methods, techniques and practices used in all program areas of Lands and Trust Services
- Articulate presenter of reports, findings to Council, community and third parties
- Ability to manage multiple projects and files
- Excellent organizational skills
- Knowledge of the Okanagan Band community
- Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to influence and use superior judgment in making decisions
- Excellent research and analytical skills
- Solid understanding of Governance
- Highly effective verbal and written communication
- Strong personal and professional ethic
- Sound knowledge of the social and economic issues facing First Nations
- Knowledge in formulating policy options and recommendations
CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE
$36.00 - $48.00 per/hour dependent on education and experience
Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of two ways:
Email: recruiting@okanagan.org
Mail or drop off: 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2A4
If you have accessibility needs, please contact Hollie Lachuk @ 250-542-4328 ext. 1011
The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references
Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal Applicants as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code.
