Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN), (huuayaht.org) is a self-governing, modern treaty Nation whose lands are located in the Barclay Sound region on the west coast of Vancouver Island at the entrance to the Port Alberni inlet.  The lands and waters making up our traditional territories (Ha-houlthee) have been occupied by us since time immemorial. Today, Huu-ay-aht citizens number close to 750 and primarily reside around the village of Anacla, the Nation’s principal community close to Bamfield, as well as Port Alberni, the closest population center.  The balance of our citizens lives across Vancouver Island, in the Vancouver area, and beyond. Huu-ay-aht First Nations is a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and one of the 5 First Nations signatories to the Maa-nulth Final Agreement, the first modern-day treaty to be concluded on Vancouver Island.  The treaty came into effect on April 1st, 2011, when the five Maa-nulth First Nations’ laws came into effect, marking a new era of ownership and self-government. Today, our Nation operates under a “made in Huu-ay-aht” Constitution, which supports the laws and policies that establish how the Huu-ay-aht government makes decisions on behalf of its citizens. As a result of the Treaty, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations has full ownership and jurisdiction over more than 8,200 hectares of land within their territories and continue to have rights throughout our Ha-houlthee (traditional territories). With full control over these undisputed lands owned in fee simple, our Nation is able to govern the lands under our own laws. Seeking to leverage this strength, HFN Council and Hereditary Chiefs (Ha’wiih) have been actively seeking opportunities to engage in responsible and sustainable economic development in order to forward the HFN vision of working together to establish a healthy, prosperous, and self-sustaining community.  Maintaining their historic role as caretakers of the lands, waters, and resources of their Ha-houlthee, the Huu-ay-aht Ha’wiih work closely with Elected Council to ensure that all development considerations are informed and guided by the long-held principles of iisaak (respect), uu-a-thluk (taking care of), and hishuk tsa’wak (everything is connected).  Furthermore, Huu-ay-aht citizens themselves contribute to the governance of the Nation through regular People’s Assemblies, which employ a “direct democracy” model. Building on a rich history, Huu-ay-aht First Nations is working to build a bright future for generations to come. Progressive, responsible and productive fully describe the Huu-ay-aht First Nation. Recognizing the importance of a strong leadership team to ensure members and visitors receive the very best of community services, they are looking to attract a seasoned professional as Director of Government Services.

As key member of the senior management team reporting to the Executive Director you will manage the day-to-day operations of the Government Services program including the supervision and development of staff and the efficient and effective management of the program resources to support the Huu-ay-aht First Nations strategic plan in daily consultation with the Executive Director. Specifics include; duties and responsibilities of the Lands and Natural Resources Department, the design, implementation and sustainability of management systems in support of government internal operations including infrastructure, engineering, natural resources , financial controls, taxation, municipal planning and permitting, tracking, managing and assessment of departmental performance on budget, scope and scheduling activities in relation to the HFN strategic plan. Additionally you will promote natural resource conservation, management, barter and trade, and resource development as well as provide mentoring of your very dedicated team in alignment with the HFN’s values, culture and business goals.

As the ideal candidate you will have a post-secondary education and a degree in Civil Engineering and P.Eng status with APEGS, coupled with 10 years of progressive experience in local government or business administration related to capital and real property projects, construction management, purchasing and logistics, financial controls and natural resources. Additionally a demonstrated ability to secure funding and strategic partnerships in support of program objectives is desirable. Although not a job prerequisite, a business background in private sector consulting would also be extremely valuable to the role of Director. You are known as a decisive, take charge, strategic thinker with strong visionary, human resource and negotiation skills.  You are a consensus builder with well-honed report writing skills, and recognized for your business integrity.  You are politically astute and fully conversant with the challenges facing growing communities, and recognize the importance of impeccable customer service delivery. An ability to promote a performance-focused environment in alignment with the HFN’s values, culture and business goals is a given.

This is a unique opportunity to become part of the vibrant future of the Huu-ay-aht First Nation. Are you are self-motivated, enjoy both responsibility and accountability and ready for the challenges facing this well respected organization? Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume in confidence quoting project # HFN Director to: Grant Smith CHRP.