ABOUT WILLIAMS LAKE FIRST NATION (WLFN)

The Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN), or the T'exelcemc (people of WLFN) have belonged to the Secwepemc (or Shuswap) Nation for over 6500 years. Today, the WLFN community includes a growing population of over 800 registered members who live on reserve in Sugar Cane, in nearby Williams Lake, BC, and across the globe.
We are Culturally Centered, Future Focused. WLFN provides staff with an excellent benefits package, RSP matching up to 8%, 4 week's vacation upon completion of probationary period, and many other benefits.

Deadline for Applications: Open until filled.

POSITION

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Engineering, Planning and Public Works is responsible for staff leadership, administrative management, and the overall operation of the Department of Public Works. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in implementing Williams Lake First Nation's (WLFN) key strategic goals focusing on enhancing – infrastructure, assets, and services.

The Director of Engineering, Planning, and Public Works is accountable for the proper management of engineering services and maintenance of roads, culverts, drainage, and water/wastewater operations. The Director develops long-term capital plans and ensures appropriate preventative maintenance plans are in place to support public works assets. The Director of Engineering, Planning, and Public Works is required to develop project plans, purchase supplies, allocate resources, estimate, and monitor job costs, assist subordinates in resolving workplace issues, and liaise with other WLFN departments, developers, contractors, and utility companies in the coordination of projects.

EDUCATION REQUIRED

• A post-secondary degree with preference of a Bachelor of Engineering or Planning degree.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) designation is an asset.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in a First Nations government or municipal government setting, preferably in the day-to-day operations of public works infrastructure.
• Strong leadership and relationship building skills with the demonstrated ability to lead a team
• Proven experience developing, tendering, and administering contracts for capital assets and/or infrastructure related to projects and operations funded by a public organization.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Public Works:

1. Provide technical advice on capital project planning and design, ensuring projects are designed in accordance with accepted engineering standards. Review and approve plans, specifications, and drawings prepared by external consultants.

1. Plans, directs, coordinates, implements, and evaluates all programs and activities in relation to Public Works Department.
2. Maintains internal and external communications related to public works, reserve lands, leaseholder inquiries, reserve / non-reserve boundary interface, and resource issues.
3. Oversees and administers grant and funding applications from various sources.
4. Manage day-to-day operations including water treatment plant/solid waste facility/water standards, delivery of water, sanitation and sewage services, inspections of roads, bridge and drainage systems.
5. Supervise road maintenance programs.
6. Ensure WLFN equipment and vehicles are maintained and repaired.
7. Responsible for analyzing and assessing proposals of the public work staff.
8. Maintain operating and capital budgets throughout the year.
9. Evaluate the projects in accordance with the given budget.
10. Develop the protocol for hiring outside vendors.
11. Oversee and manage applicable laws and administer permits when required.
12. Authorize the purchase of supplies and materials for projects and general maintenance.
13. Communicate and interact effectively with multiple stakeholders in service delivery.
14. Prioritize issues and concerns of the community members.
15. Negotiate and prepare contracts and agreements.
16. Assist in the preparation of various grant applications.
17. Prepare and/or review comprehensive reports, plans, contract documents, and estimates.
18. To prepare reports and bylaws and make recommendations to the Chief Administrative Officer.
19. Reaffirm the importance of safety in the workplace and contribute to the safety culture.
20. To ensure that programs, policies, practices, and procedures pertaining to the Public Works Department are observed and carried out as intended.
21. Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all Public Works Department reporting.

Operations and Maintenance:

1. Supervise staff and programs to ensure operations and maintenance services and the department run smoothly and efficiently.
2. Review and analyze departmental activities, costs, operations, and forecast data to determine progress toward stated goals and objectives.
3. Oversee standards for construction and ongoing maintenance of major projects.

Housing:

1. Supervise staff and programs to ensure housing services and the department run smoothly and efficiently.
2. Review and analyze departmental activities, costs, operations, and forecast data to determine progress toward stated goals and objectives.
3. Participate in Housing Committee and assist with an annual review of housing goals, strategies, policies, and procedures and provide reporting procedures to the WLFN community members.

Human Resources and Administration:

1. Works with Human Resources (HR) for the recruitment, orientation, performance review, training, and development of staff.
2. Schedules staff for daily, weekly, and monthly routines, provides training and helps troubleshoot difficult tasks or issues.
3. Ensures employee compliance with WLFN policies and procedures.
4. Coordinates and leads staff meetings and clearly communicates WLFN information to all staff.
5. Keeps the Chief Administrative Officer informed of sensitive and important issues and events.
6. Ensures there is a system of checks and balances for the maintenance of accurate and confidential files and records; complies with reporting requirements.
7. Develops a communication strategy for public awareness of programs and events.
8. Supports the mission, vision, and values of WLFN.
9. Contributes to the WLFN's ongoing success by accomplishing other duties as required or assigned.

The duties listed are provided as examples of areas of responsibility and are not intended to create limits to responsibility but to help understand the scope of the position. All staff is expected to be team-oriented and maintain the confidentiality of all information gained while working with the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Williams Lake First Nation community, traditions, teachings, culture, protocols, and practices.
• Knowledge of methods, practices, specifications, and techniques used in the construction, operation, and maintenance of water, road, drainage, and other facilities.
• Knowledge of the provision of housing principles, practices, policies, and procedures to consult with staff and various other governing bodies and agencies.

• Knowledge in safe work practices.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office software at an intermediate/advanced level.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated high level of critical thinking with the ability to perform proactively and strategically and plan, prioritize and balance multiple responsibilities and shifting priorities successfully.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles and methods of community planning.
• Ability to plan, organize and direct the work of public works.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including technical writing, facilitating meetings, leading presentations, and the ability to influence and promote teamwork and relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze organizational and administrative problems, recommend alternative courses of action, and provide leadership to others in implementing such actions.
• Maintain strong relationships with the employees, contractors, community members, and representatives of other agencies.
• Ability to maintain accuracy in working with data and complex information.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.
• Ability to multi-task, identify priorities, be creative and maintain a detailed work plan.
• Ability to recognize opportunities for improvement and efficiency.
• Operates as part of a team and is flexible about the boundaries and functions of the job.
• Maintains professionalism in all circumstances.
• Recognizes and respects all cultural diversity and understands Indigenous culture.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment.
• Fieldwork and site visits may be required.
• To be aware of sensitivity, confidentiality, and urgency of requests while balancing other work commitments.
• Travel will be required.
• Non-standard hours of work – May be required to accommodate the community needs and that make consists of evenings and weekends.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Criminal Record Check.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid BC Driver's License and Driver's Abstract.
• Must provide a vehicle in good operating condition and appropriate vehicle insurance to meet program requirements OR access to company vehicle is provided and requires a valid Driver's License.

We appreciate all those who apply. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.