Fisheries Manager

**Leq’á:mel First Nation**

41320 Lougheed Hwy Tel: 236-437-2366
Deroche, BC V0M 1G0

**POSITION: Fisheries Manager**

**REPORTS TO**: Director of Lands and Natural Resources
Governance or their designate

**ABOUT LEQ’Á:MEL FIRST NATION**
Leq’a:mel First Nation (LFN) is a small, self-governing Indigenous community located in the Fraser Valley.
We assert our rights as Stó:lō and Coast Salish people over our reserve lands and our Territory. We have a small but dedicated team of professionals who assist our community and leadership in achieving their goals and objectives. We offer a safe and positive work environment. We expect that all employees respect, are familiar with, or are willing to learn about Stó:lō and Leq’a:mel culture, traditions, and language.

The Leq’á:mel Fisheries Manager supports the Lands and Natural Resources Department (LNRD) in fulfilling planning objectives in relation to Fish, Fish Habitat and Fisheries Planning. The position serves as the lead contact for Leq’á:mel on all Fish and Fisheries related matters and will serve as a connection point for other staff, leadership and community in fish and fisheries related matters. The Fisheries Manager is responsible for developing and implementing a Terminal Fishery on the Nicomen Slough, in fulfillment of funding obligations and program development commitments made by the LNRD, and for project managing other programs and initiatives led by the LNRD in relation to fish and fish habitat, including aquatic habitat restoration, cumulative effects, and traditional knowledge programs. The position will be responsible for hiring and supervising a Fisheries Technician who will aid in Fisheries planning and delivery and will work closely with the Leq’á:mel Guardians in the collection, reporting and analyzing of fisheries related data. The position will also be responsible for leading, implementing, supporting and/or participating in various studies, research and other projects that relate to fish, fish habitat and fisheries, and other duties as required.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITES**
- Serve as the first point of contact at Leq’á:mel First Nation on technical matters involving Fish, Fish Habitat and Fisheries Planning
- Represent Leq’á:mel First Nation and the LNRD at Fisheries Planning tables, including at discussion tables and consultations with DFO and other government agencies.
- Support the Director and Chief & Council in the assertion of Leq’á:mel rights, title and jurisdiction in relation to Fish, Fish Habitat and Fisheries Planning
- Support Leq’á:mel leadership in identifying and implementing a LFN strategic vision, priorities and goals in relation to Fish, Fish Habitat and Fisheries Planning
- Lead the planning, delivery, implementation, monitoring and reporting of a new Terminal Fishery on the Nicomen Slough, as well as other community engagement in relation to fish and fisheries planning.
- Work across LFN departments, across organizations and across jurisdictions to maximize Leq’á:mel Fisheries jurisdiction.
- Hire and supervise a Fisheries Technician to aid in the development and implementation of Leq’á:mel Fisheries priorities.
- Lead community engagement, education, and capacity building in relation to Fish, Fish Habitat and Fisheries.
- Support LNRD referral responses on Fisheries Act Authorization consultations, in line with Leq’á:mel-Federal agreements.
- Serve as project manager, including budgeting, reporting, and overall coordination and implementation, of major fish and fish habitat related projects, including AHRF, TCEI, ESSR, and others.
- Other duties as required.

**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES**
- Knowledge and respect of Leq’á:mel First Nation’s social structure, traditions, values, culture, traditional territory, resources, protocols, and policies.
- Knowledge of Fish, Fish Habitat and Fisheries Planning and Practice, in Leq’á:mel Territory, as well as familiarity with Indigenous rights, obligations and cultural connections in relation to Fish, and an ability to objectively represent Leq’á:mel at Fisheries Planning tables.
- Knowledge of Crown consultation processes on Fisheries Planning.
- Knowledge of and familiarity with Indigenous organizations and allies that support LFN’s participation in Fisheries Planning and the assertion of Leq’á:mel rights in relation to Fish.
- Project management skills, including budgeting, work planning, communication, and coordination.
- Effective organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication (verbally and written) and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to be innovative, work independently while remaining accountable to work plan priorities, and as part of a team with mínimal supervision.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships both internally and externally.
- Must be reliable and trustworthy.
- Strong analytical skills and decision-making capabilities.
- Resourceful with str