Lands Administrative Assistant (Term)

Position Summary 

Seabird Island is committed to the responsible management and stewardship of lands and resources. 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 Lands Administrative Assistant to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance the administration and coordination of lands-related services for the community.

Under the direction of the Lands Manager, the Lands Administrative Assistant provides culturally informed administrative and clerical support to community members and the Lands Department. This role involves assisting with land transactions, maintaining accurate records, preparing reports, coordinating meetings, and ensuring compliance with relevant policies and regulations. The Lands Administrative Assistant will also engage in community relations activities to support clients and the broader community in understanding lands related processes and services.

This is a Full Time Term Position with an end date of August 31st, 2026.  

Work that matters 

Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band) is located 1 kilometer from Agassiz, BC on the beautiful Fraser River, 120 km east of Vancouver. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient community. Our work spans a diverse range of services including housing, education, health, wellness, early childhood development, community infrastructure, and cultural vitalization. By joining our team, you will be part of an organization that values First Nations knowledge, promotes self-advocacy, and strives to create a holistic and culturally safe environment for all community members

BENEFITS & PERKS

Benefits vary by job type, apply after a successful probationary period and are confirmed in the interview and hiring process. 

• Extended health and dental benefits,
• Accrued vacation and sick time.
• Pension plan with matching employer contributions,
• Access to internal training programs, professional development, and skill enhancement
• Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team,
• Casual dress code

What you'll do 

• Provide general administrative and clerical support for routine office tasks, ensuring smooth day-today operations of the Lands Department.
  
• Assist in resolving administrative problems by identifying issues and finding appropriate solutions in a timely manner.
  
• Respond to client inquiries by answering calls, emails, and in-person requests, providing accurate and helpful information regarding lands-related services and processes.
  
• Assist clients in identifying available resources and alternative means of support related to land management, leasing, permits, and other land-related matters.
  
• Deliver excellent customer service by maintaining a professional, respectful, and culturally sensitive approach in all interactions with community members and stakeholders.
  
• Assist in completing program forms promptly and professionally, ensuring all necessary documentation is accurate and submitted within required timelines.
  
• Maintain professional and accurate client service records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with organizational policies.
  
• Maintain an up-to-date filing system, organizing and securing records related to land transactions, community land use, and departmental activities.
  
• Coordinate and book meeting rooms, plan meetings, arrange catering, and assist with other event planning duties to support department activities.
  
• Print, copy, scan, and sort meeting packages and other necessary documents for distribution before meetings and events.
  
• Assist with event set-up and take-down, ensuring all logistical aspects are handled efficiently.
  
• Support the Lands Manager and team with additional administrative tasks as required.

Other Duties

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

What you bring 

Qualifications

• Formal education or training in business administration or a related field is preferred. Other forms of post-secondary education and training, including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers, will be considered.
  
• 1 year of relevant experience working within Indigenous communities, focusing in lands is preferred.
  
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
  
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
  
• Ability to balance competing priorities and to work under pressure.
  
• Highly flexible, and detail oriented.
  
• High professional and ethical standards.
  
• Good organizational, time management and prioritizing skills.

Cultural Competency:

• 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.

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.
  
• Good writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record 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.

Reports to: Lands Program Manager 

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to administrative work. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

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.