Planning & Development Officer

**Leq’á:mel First Nation**
41320 Lougheed Hwy Tel: 236-437-2366
Deroche, BC V0M 1G0

**POSITION: Planning & Developing Officer**
**REPORTS TO**: Director of Lands and Natural Resources Governance or their designate
**POSITION TYPE**:Full-time, Permanent

**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 Planning & Development Officer will support the Leq’á:mel First Nation Lands and Natural Resources Department (LNRD) on diverse and exciting projects. They will play a key role in reviewing large development projects and issuing development permits in accordance with Leq’á:mel Law, thereby supporting good governance, land use planning, and sustainable economic development in our community. The position will also support watershed resilience projects occurring in Leq’á:mel Territory.

This position will be responsible for understanding and implementing the Leq’á:mel Development Procedures, including collecting and analyzing development related information, understanding, navigating, and supporting proponents through the permitting processes under Land Code, and understanding Provincial and Federal processes (e.g., Watershed Sustainability Act, Fisheries Act), related to land and watershed development. The position will serve as a communication hub for development proponents and will be vital in ensuring priority projects advance in the development approvals process. The position will also lead community engagement efforts and communication to external audiences and other stakeholders.

**ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**

**-**Supporting the Director in the implementation of the Leq'á:mel Development Procedures and Approval Process, including:

- Receiving and coordinating the review of Development Applications.
- Development Plan Checking
- Drafting council and committee briefs, presentations, and legal documents.
- Conducting research and drafting memos on Laws, policies, and planning-related topics.
- Supporting with membership engagement, including;
- Supporting with developing engagement strategies and plans (e.g., activities)
- Coordinating events (space booking, catering, etc.)
- Developing accessible engagement materials (e.g. presentations)
- Analyzing and summarizing feedback from engagement.
- Supporting with the coordination of projects and administrative tasks (e.g. meeting minutes, preparing notices to members, etc.).
- Building relationships and communicating with other LFN staff and departments, including Leq’á:mel members, the Leq’á:mel Development Corporation (LDC), and development proponents.
- Performing other duties as required.

**KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND OTHER COMPETENCIES**
- One or more of the below:

- Education ( e.g., diploma, degree) in a related field such as planning, geography, land economics, architecture, or urban design:

- Relevant experience of at least 5 years in one or more areas of policy, community planning, development, and engagement is desirable; and/or
- Comparable lived experience
- Membership or eligibility for membership in the Canadian Institute of Planner or another institute is desirable.
- Valid BC Driver's License.
- Knowledge about or experience working in an Indigenous context and decolonizing and/or Indigenizing processes and outcomes.
- Able to undertake research and analysis (qualitative and quantitative).
- Communication skills (visual, written, and oral).
- Some experience with engagement and facilitation.
- Problem-solving skills, keen to solve complex challenges with curiosity and creativity.
- Well-organized with a strong ability to prioritize, be proactive, and take initiative.
- An open mind, a sense of humor, and a passion for lifelong learning.
- Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and familiarity with social media.
- Assets:

- Knowledge of Leq’á:mel culture and history, willingness to learn
- Knowledge of design, building construction, housing, land use planning, environmental stewardship, Stormwater management, flood mitigation, building codes and general development processes.
- Familiarity with First Nation Land Management and Land Code authorities.
- Knowledge of Land-use and zoning controls, and development-related laws, processes, standards, guidelines, and best practices.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills that can build positive relationships with those at the table.
- Passionate for change.
- Able to facilitate and coordinate large groups with diverse interests and