The Team:
The Permitting Transformation Division (PTD) First Nations Relations Team supports land, water, and other natural resource decision-making by coordinating meaningful, transparent consultation with First Nations under the Province’s duty to consult. Our work strengthens long-term relationships with First Nations and supports consultation processes that are clear, consistent, and responsive to the rights and interests of First Nations. Through effective communication and collaborative problem-solving, we help inform statutory decisions that honour provincial responsibilities, reflect shared stewardship values, and contribute to economic certainty and prosperity for communities and the Province.
The Role:
The First Nations Relations Manager leads a multidisciplinary team responsible for supporting consultation with First Nations on natural resource decisions, authorizations, and major projects across the province. The position provides strategic leadership, operational direction, and oversight of human, financial, and contracted resources to ensure consultation processes are effective, respectful, legally sound, and responsive to the potential impacts of provincial decisions on First Nations’ rights and interests.
The Manager provides strategic advice on complex issues, projects, risks, and opportunities; leads consultation processes that support government decision-making; and builds collaborative relationships with First Nations, stakeholders, industry partners, and government agencies. The role fosters a high-performing, inclusive team culture, supports employee development and accountability, and ensures the consistent delivery of high-quality consultation services aligned with legislative requirements, policy, and organizational priorities.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Master’s Degree or higher in Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Agrology, Indigenous Studies or a related field and at least three (3) years of recent, related experience; OR,
- Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Agrology, Indigenous Studies or a related field and at least four (4) years of recent, related experience; OR,
- Diploma in Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Agrology, Indigenous Studies or a related field and at least seven (7) years of recent, related experience; OR,
- A combination of education, training and/or experience may be considered.
- Recent experience is defined as experience gained within the last eight (8) years.
- Must possess (or be able to obtain within six (6) months) a valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
Recent, related experience must include all of the following:
- Experience leading consultations and/or participating in negotiations with Indigenous peoples.
- Experience in Indigenous relationship building.
- Experience leading and resolving complex issues (staff and client).
- Experience in supervising, leading, coaching, and mentoring staff.
Preference may be given to those with one (1) or more of the following:
- Experience negotiating consultation agreements.
- Experience working in the natural resource sector (e.g. forestry, mining, land, water, wildlife).
- Experience managing multiple projects and assignments.
- Experience consulting with First Nations’ communities in Northern BC.
- Experience supervising employees in BC union environment.
Additional Requirements:
- Must be willing and able to travel to meet job requirements.
- Meet safety standards of WorkSafeBC.
For questions regarding this position, please contact Marianne.Johnson@gov.bc.ca.
About this Position:
There is currently one (1) permanent, full time position available.
This position can be based in one of the following locations: Burns Lake, Dawson Creek, Fort St James, Fort St John, Hazelton, Houston, Mackenzie, Prince George, Smithers, Terrace, Vanderhoof.
Depending on the successful candidate’s location, a bi-weekly isolation allowance may apply.
Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to two (2) days at home per week subject to an approved Telework Agreement.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies in the above locations.
This position is excluded from union membership.
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.
Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.
We are committed to ensuring reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.
The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Inuit, or Métis) applicants originating from the land known as Canada, seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.
The BC Public Service is an award winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, great learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development options. For more information, visit What the BC Public Service Offers.
How to Apply:
Your resume must clearly show that you meet the education and experience requirements. Highlight the required qualifications and support them with specific examples, such as your responsibilities, projects you've worked on, or accomplishments. Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR.
Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.
Resume: YES - Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history, including job titles, start and end dates (month and year) and your job related responsibilities for each job in your employment history, and any relevant information that relates to this position.
Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a basic questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.
Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.
