Community Infrastructure & Sustainability Planner

Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to Community Infrastructure and Sustainability. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a Community Infrastructure and Sustainability Planner to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance and coordinate across departments and programs, support funding alignment and planning, and provide professional planning expertise to ensure strategic decision-making.

Working under the direction of the Director of Community Infrastructure, the Planner leads the integration of community infrastructure planning, community assets, and asset information to ensure that Seabird’s investments are strategic, sustainable, and aligned with the Comprehensive Sustainable Community Plan (CSCP), Land Code, and Tó-lstelómet Strategic Plan. The role helps ensure that decisions about the built environment are made with a long-term, whole-of-community view.

The Community Infrastructure and Sustainability Planner provides professional planning and coordination support to advance Seabird Island’s long-term infrastructure, asset management, and community sustainability goals. The position plays a key role in understanding and supporting the overlaps and interdependencies between departments, programs, and funding streams, helping the organization move forward in a more coordinated and connected way.

The Planner supports Seabird’s participation in key funding and planning programs such as the First Nations Infrastructure Investment Program (FNIIP), Extended Asset Condition Reporting System (E-ACRS), the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), and related initiatives. A central focus is to lead collaboration and integration across the organization—working closely with Finance, Lands and GIS, Public Works, Facilities, Housing, Education, HR, Fire and Emergency Preparedness, Intergovernmental Affairs, and community engagement—to ensure that community safety and security, services (including schools and the college), transportation, recreation, parks and trails, housing, and future economic development are considered together rather than in isolation. The work is grounded in a people-first, relationship-based approach that emphasizes trust, listening, and respectful engagement with staff, leadership, partners, and community members.

What you'll do 

Integrated Community & Infrastructure Planning

• Coordinate and/or support the development and ongoing update of Seabird’s Infrastructure Master Plan and related land use, transportation, and other community plans.
• Work with Lands and the GIS Technician to integrate spatial data into planning for community assets (buildings, roads, utilities, housing, shared spaces, recreation, parks and trails).
• Provide clear planning analysis and recommendations to the Director of Community Infrastructure, Capital Projects team, leadership, and Council to support whole-of-community decision-making.

Asset Information, E-ACRS & Community Assets

• Coordinate Seabird’s participation in the Extended Asset Condition Reporting System (E-ACRS) program with Finance, Public Works, Facilities, and Housing.
• Support community infrastructure team to help forecast lifecycle, maintenance, and replacement needs for community assets.
• Support the integration of asset data into planning tools, discussions, and priorities so that decisions consider condition, risk, and long-term sustainability.

Funding and Program Coordination (FNIIP, HAF, etc.)

• Lead planning and coordination for key infrastructure and community asset funding programs, including FNIIP, HAF, and related federal or provincial initiatives.
• Work closely with Finance and the Proposal Writer to prepare applications, support documentation, and required reporting, and to stay ahead of funding cycles and deadlines.
• Identify and help prioritize projects based on community plans, asset information, and available funding (for example: post-secondary facilities, rural transit, community facilities and services).
• Assist in preparing project briefs, concept plans, and justifications for funding submissions.

Cross-Organizational Collaboration & Integration

• Lead and support collaboration across departments to ensure projects moved forward by Capital Projects, Public Works, Facilities, Housing, and other teams are aligned with community plans, asset information, and organizational priorities.
• Proactively involve Finance, HR, Fire and Emergency Preparedness, Intergovernmental Affairs, Education, and community engagement teams where projects affect safety, service expansion, staffing, or community experience.
• Help ensure that community safety and security, schools and the college, transportation and traffic flow, recreation, parks and trails, housing, and future economic development are considered together rather than in isolation.

Partnerships, Engagement & Policy Support

• Maintain respectful working relationships with partners such as Indigenous Services Canada, BC Housing, the District of Kent, the Town of Hope, and Seabird’s development corporation to support joint planning and future opportunities.
• Prepare planning reports, briefing notes, and presentations for leadership, Council, funders, and community engagement processes.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of policies, standards, and procedures that guide community infrastructure, community assets, and sustainability planning.
• Approach all responsibilities with a people-first, relationship-based mindset, emphasizing trust, listening, and respect in interactions with staff, leadership, partners, and community members.

Other Duties 

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.

What you bring 

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Community or Regional Planning, Geography, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in community or infrastructure planning, asset management coordination, or related roles within a First Nation or municipal environment.
• Knowledge of ISC’s Capital Facilities and Maintenance Program, FNIIP, and E-ACRS processes is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience preparing planning reports, proposals, and funding submissions.
• Familiarity with GIS systems and ability to interpret spatial data for planning applications.
• Asset management literacy, including understanding lifecycle considerations, condition reporting, and forecasting for community assets.
• Understanding of sustainable design, climate adaptation, and community infrastructure planning 
  principles.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Planning deliverables (e.g., Infrastructure Master Plan components, asset-related plans) completed on time and aligned with strategic priorities.
• Successful and timely submission of FNIIP, HAF, and other funding proposals and reports.
• E-ACRS coordination completed accurately, with findings translated into actionable planning recommendations.
• Demonstrated integration of sustainability, community values, and community safety in planning outcomes.
• Positive collaboration and communication across departments and with external partners, reflected in feedback from colleagues and leadership.

Preferred:

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.

Cultural Competency:

• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.

Working / Special Conditions 

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
  
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
  
• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively engage and support projects, work, and initiatives.
• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of community needs. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

Working Relationships

Reports directly to the Director of Community Infrastructure and works closely with:

• Finance Department – forecasting, reporting, and funding alignment.
• Public Works, Facilities, and Housing – project data, inspections, and implementation.
• Lands Department and GIS Technician – spatial data integration.
• Proposal Writer – funding applications and submissions.
• Fire and Emergency Preparedness and Intergovernmental Affairs – consultation and safety considerations.
• Education, Health and other program areas – planning for community services and facilities.

Reports to:  Director of Community Infrastructure

How to apply

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Pre-Employment Screening 

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.