ORGANIZATION SUMMARY
kʷikʷəƛ̓ əm First Nation are a distinct BC First Nation whose traditional territory centers on the Coquitlam Lake Watershed and the surrounding areas. kʷikʷəƛ̓ əm draw our name “Red Fish Up the River” from a run of sockeye salmon that once flourished in the Coquitlam River and Coquitlam Lake prior to the construction of the Coquitlam Dam. Our name reflects the strong connection our people have always had to our lands, and the river and lake at the heart of our traditional territory. The traditional language of the kʷikʷəƛ̓ əm people is hən̓ q̓ əmin̓ əm̓ , previously Downriver Halkomelem. Our people descended from Elders who were renowned as spirit and winter dancers, skilled canoe builders, and master sturgeon and salmon fishers. The Nation is committed to building a strong, self-governing Nation that honors our rich culture, language, and history based on ancient Coast Salish laws and protocols. Today, as in the past, we are guided by the teachings of our ancestors to be stewards and guardians of our lands and water for past, present, and future generations.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Director, Community Services, the Senior Manager, Community Infrastructure & Housing is responsible for the strategic leadership, planning, development, administration, and oversight of all Housing, Public Works, Capital Projects, Asset Management, Facilities Maintenance, Safety and Emergency Management services for kʷikʷəƛ̓əm First Nation.
As a member of the management team, the Senior Manager provides leadership in developing and implementing long-term infrastructure, housing, and community development strategies that support the Nation's vision, strategic priorities, growth, sustainability, and community well-being. The position is responsible for departmental planning, budgeting, policy development, funding acquisition, staff leadership, capital project delivery, and regulatory compliance.
The Senior Manager serves as the primary advisor to senior leadership and Chief and Council on matters related to community infrastructure, housing, asset management, emergency preparedness, and future development opportunities. The role works collaboratively with community members, government agencies, funding partners, consultants, contractors, and Indigenous organizations to ensure effective and sustainable service delivery .
Job Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for Housing, Public Works, Capital Projects, Asset Management, Facilities Maintenance, and Emergency Management programs and services.
- Participate as a member of the management team in organizational planning, policy development, and operational decision-making.
- Develop and implement departmental strategic plans, annual work plans, priorities, objectives, and performance measures aligned with organizational goals.
- Provide recommendations and expert advice to senior leadership and Chief and Council regarding infrastructure planning, housing development, community growth, risk management, and capital investments.
- Lead the development and implementation of policies, procedures, standards, and best practices that support operational excellence and regulatory compliance.
- Identify emerging infrastructure, housing, environmental, and community development needs and develop long-term solutions.
- Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, mentoring, and performance management for departmental staff.
- Establish departmental goals, performance expectations, and accountability measures.
- Lead workforce planning initiatives, including recruitment, succession planning, employee development, training, and retention strategies.
- Foster a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment that supports employee engagement and professional growth.
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and service excellence.
- Lead the planning, design, procurement, construction, implementation, and evaluation of community infrastructure, housing, and capital development projects.
- Develop multi-year capital plans and infrastructure investment strategies.
- Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with funding agreements, regulatory requirements, and organizational standards.
- Oversee the procurement and management of consultants, contractors, engineers, architects, and service providers.
- Review and approve project scopes, budgets, schedules, change orders, and contractor recommendations.
- Monitor project performance and provide regular progress reports to senior leadership and Chief and Council.
- Ensure proper contract administration and project documentation.
- Oversee the administration, maintenance, repair, renovation, and development of community housing.
- Develop and implement long-term housing strategies that support current and future community needs.
- Oversee tenant relations, housing inspections, maintenance programs, and housing improvement initiatives.
- Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive Asset Management Program, including lifecycle planning, preventative maintenance programs, replacement schedules, and capital forecasting.
- Ensure regular inspections of housing units, community facilities, and infrastructure assets are completed and documented.
- Develop strategies to protect and maximize the value, functionality, and lifespan of community assets.
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, municipal, Indigenous, and organizational regulations and standards.
- Maintain knowledge of applicable Building Codes, Fire Codes, Occupational Health and Safety legislation, environmental regulations, housing standards, and emergency management requirements.
- Identify operational, financial, environmental, and infrastructure-related risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Ensure contractors, consultants, and service providers comply with contractual, safety, licensing, insurance, and regulatory requirements.
- Support organizational health and safety initiatives and promote safe work practices throughout all operations.
- Build and maintain positive and productive relationships with community members, Chief and Council, government agencies, Indigenous organizations, consultants, contractors, and funding partners.
- Present infrastructure plans, housing initiatives, project updates, and recommendations to Chief and Council, committees, community meetings, and external stakeholders.
- Prepare reports, briefing notes, presentations, newsletters, and community communications.
- Respond to community concerns and inquiries related to housing, infrastructure, maintenance, public works, and emergency management.
- Support community engagement activities and consultation processes related to infrastructure and housing development.
Experience, Education and Certification
- Minimum 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in infrastructure, housing, public works, construction management, capital project delivery, asset management, or related fields.
- Minimum 5 years of management and leadership experience, including supervision of staff, budget accountability, and strategic planning responsibilities.
- Demonstrated experience managing multi-million-dollar capital projects and infrastructure initiatives.
- Experience securing and administering government grants, contribution agreements, and funding programs.
- Experience working with First Nations governments, Indigenous communities, and Indigenous organizations is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience presenting recommendations and reports to senior leadership, Boards, or Chief and Council.
- Strong knowledge of infrastructure planning, housing operations, construction management, facilities management, and public works administration.
- Thorough understanding of asset management principles, capital planning, and lifecycle management.
- Strong financial management, budgeting, procurement, and contract administration skills.
- Excellent leadership, coaching, mentoring, and workforce planning abilities.
- Strong project management, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to build productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and project management software.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Housing Professional designation
- Asset Management certification
- Emergency Management certification
- Occupational Health and Safety certification
- Other relevant professional designations
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
- Excellent communication and analytical skills; attention to detail.
- Self-motivated; able to work independently.
- Cooperative and willing to lead others and work in a team environment.
- Brings a creative and unconventional approach to problem solving (ability to think outside the box).
- Highly developed interpersonal & persuasion skills
- Proficient with computers, the Internet and Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under pressure; demonstrate flexibility, cooperation and ability to shift priorities rapidly.
- Must demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and good judgment.
- Ability to solve practical problems in a culturally appropriate manner and deal with a variety of variables in situations.
Other requirements
- Valid drivers’ license, personal vehicle and the ability to travel from time to time.
- Overtime, weekend and evening work as may be required from time to time.
- Commitment to confidentiality, integrity and community service
- Satisfactory criminal record check
This is a great opportunity to contribute at an exciting time of growth and change within the kʷikʷəƛ̓ əm, and to be a part of a team that creates a place that supports growth and promotes the values of the kʷikʷəƛ̓ əm people. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
