Interim Director of Public Works & Housing (1 Year Term)
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 and a total compensation package which includes: - 8% Vacation Pay
- Paid Director’s Days off (one per month)
- Extended Health and Dental Benefits
- 15 Statutory Holidays
- Paid Winter Holiday Break
- Discounted Silver Star lift passes
- Cultural Leave
- 15 Paid Sick Days
- Paid Personal Leave
- Employee Assistance Program
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week Start Date: ASAP End Date: One year Term Deadline for applications: September 4, 2026 JOB SUMMARYAs a key member of the OKIB management team, the Interim Director of Public Works and Housing provides strategic and operational leadership for Public Works, Capital Projects, Water Systems, Asset Management, and Housing operations. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Interim Director ensures the effective delivery of Public Works and Housing services while supporting organizational priorities including those related to wildfire recovery and infrastructure restoration.
The Interim Director provides technical, operational, and project management support to the priorities established by Chief and Council, the Director of Operations, and the Bradley Creek Wildfire Recovery Team.
REPORTING STRUCTUREReports to the Executive Director (ED).
JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESOperational and Project Management - Develop and implement strategic capital and infrastructure plans, including funding proposals, RFP development and management, and regulatory reporting.
- Collaborate with other departments on inter-departmental projects.
- Prepare and present the PW&H annual work plan, monthly reports and briefing notes to Council as required.
- Provide dispute resolution and advocacy support to individual Band members.
- Participate in field-based activities, including monitoring and research.
- Oversee operation and quality control of water systems on reserve.
- Lead the oversight of PW&H departmental strategy and planning documents, including the Land Use Plan, Water-Wastewater Plan, and Community Plan.
- Develop MOUs with stakeholders on projects, programs, or asset management matters.
- Ensure community values and interests are reflected in all departmental activities.
- Identify opportunities to incorporate climate adaptation, wildfire mitigation, and infrastructure resilience improvements into reconstruction projects.
- Support the identification and pursuit of recovery funding opportunities and capital funding programs.
- Monitor project progress and provide regular reporting to the Director of Operations and Recovery Team.
- Contribute to the integration of recovery planning into broader asset management, land use, housing, and community planning initiatives.
- Assist in developing policies and procedures that strengthen OKIB's long-term emergency preparedness and infrastructure resilience.
Bradley Creek Wildfire Recovery Support- Provide operational leadership and technical support to the Bradley Creek Wildfire Recovery Team.
- Assist with the implementation of recovery priorities and action plans approved by Chief and Council and the Recovery Team.
- Coordinate Public Works and Housing resources in support of wildfire recovery activities.
- Support post-wildfire damage assessments for housing, water systems, roads, drainage infrastructure, and community facilities.
- Provide technical information, project status updates, and recommendations to the Recovery Team and Executive Director.
- Coordinate contractors, consultants, engineers, and service providers engaged in wildfire recovery projects.
- Assist with the preparation of funding applications, cost estimates, recovery reports, and supporting documentation.
- Support community engagement activities related to infrastructure restoration and housing recovery.
- Collaborate with Indigenous Services Canada, Emergency Management BC, neighbouring governments, utilities, and other recovery partners as directed.
- Ensure recovery initiatives are implemented in accordance with approved budgets, funding agreements, and organizational objectives.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation to support recovery funding and reimbursement programs.
Strategic Planning and Research - Support and help deliver organizational goals and strategic objectives in consultation with Chief, Council, and the Executive Director.
- Provide strategic information on long-term departmental impacts of key issues, decisions, and activities.
- Participate in emergency preparedness planning with regional and municipal stakeholders.
Housing Program Management - Approve all expenditures related to Replacement Reserve allocations.
- Ensure timely maintenance response for leased or rented Band properties.
- Support the Housing Officer on sensitive matters such as inspections, collection notices, and Housing Policy enforcement.
- Collaborate with the Housing Officer and Finance Department to address and manage rental arrears consistently.
- Develop systems to support CMHC policy and regulatory compliance.
Financial and Human Resource Management - Develop and manage an annual budget aligned with strategic goals.
- Supervise and evaluate staff through coaching, consultation, and professional development planning.
- Promote a respectful, safe, and healthy work environment for staff, vendors, contractors, and visitors.
- Conduct orientations and training for departmental staff, contractors, and consultants.
- Ensure timely submission of all external project reporting to funding, regional, or legislative bodies.
- Monitor expenditures to remain within budgetary limits; prepare required internal reports.
- Present quarterly, annual, and project-specific reports to OKIB Chief and Council, the community, and other stakeholders as directed.
- Oversee key aspects of the OKIB Tangible Capital Asset policy.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FORYou 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 degree in Engineering or a related field.
- Membership with the Professional Engineers of BC is considered an asset.
- Certification in Project Management, Housing Construction, Business, Urban Planning, Land Management, or Environmental Management is an asset.
- Proficient in computer use and office software.
Experience- Minimum five years of demonstrated experience managing a team, public infrastructure, and projects, preferably in a First Nations context.
- Minimum five years of experience managing projects and budgets, including those funded by federal agencies.
- Experience in tangible capital asset and maintenance management.
- A combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)- Strong knowledge of construction standards, building codes, and maintenance requirements.
- Familiarity with ISC Capital and Asset Management processes.
- Knowledge of CMHC policy and regulatory standards.
- Proven interpersonal and collaborative decision-making skills.
- Understanding of ISC-funded infrastructure programs and funding protocols.
- Familiarity with the Okanagan Band community and culture.
- Strong leadership, conflict resolution, and decision-making abilities.
- Strategic thinking and ability to synthesize diverse perspectives into actionable plans.
- Excellent time management, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Cultural sensitivity and awareness.
- Solid financial and human resource management capabilities.
CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE$115, 000 - $130, 000 per annum dependant on education and experience.
Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of two ways:
Email: recruiting@okanagan.orgMail 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. 
