• Use your knowledge of land resource planning and management in a fulfilling role
• Receive a competitive hourly wage of $31.86/hr to $36.44/hr plus excellent benefits package
• Make a true difference to the vibrant community of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

About the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN) is a strong, vibrant, and progressive Indigenous community that is approximately 1.5 hours drive from the heart of Toronto. Located nearby to the rural community of Port Perry, MSIFN has the benefits of small-town life while having proximity to urban areas. As part of the Anishinabek Nation and signatories to the Williams Treaties and other pre-confederation treaties, MSIFN is extremely proud of our Indigenous culture and long history of protecting our Aboriginal and Treaty rights.

As hosts of the Great Blue Heron Casino and creators of the Noozhoo Nokiiyan Economic Development Limited Partnership, MSIFN has an entrepreneurial spirit and expectation for excellence. We encourage team members to be professional, flexible, dynamic, and team players, who have a self-starting attitude and respect for all employees in the workplace. While working within clear lines of authority, MSIFN requires someone who can bring out the best in those who surround them. We are a busy First Nation, with many capital projects and opportunities ahead. The community and workplace are led by an elected Council of 3 (a Chief and two Councillors) and a Senior Management Team led by the First Nation Manager and including Managers from Operations, Finance, Human Resources and Health, and Social Services. We value the hard work of our entire workforce and support them with a culture of collaboration and respect.

For more information about our vibrant community, please visit our homepage by clicking here.

Make a Difference Within Our Community

Currently, the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN) is looking for a full-time Lands Officer to join our community and work with our members and management team in Scugog, ON on a full-time basis. The hours of this role are Monday to Thursday, 8.30 am to 4.30 pm and Friday 8.30 am to 1 pm, though some flexibility will be required to work evenings and weekends. The Lands Officer position requires to be onsite Monday to Friday.

As our new Lands Officer, you will oversee the development and implementation of laws, policies, and procedures related to land management, administration, resource management, and planning. Your typical responsibilities include:

While no two days in this fast-paced role will ever be the same, your more typical responsibilities are outlined below. For a comprehensive position description please click here.

• Lands Administration: Administering the MSIFN Land Code, related laws, policies, and procedures to regulate land use; Developing and maintaining a lands registry and records system/database for all common and privately-owned lands; Processing and reviewing applications submitted to MSifN for zoning access and land use activities.
• Research: Determining the proposed need for consultants and contractors for lands management-related functions and make recommendations; Researching other communities under the Land Management Act and advising on best practices that may benefit MSIFN.
• Community Land Use Planning and Coordination: Acting as the lead individual in the Community Land Use Plan and other laws and policies related to Lands; Developing and reviewing MSIFN land laws; Coordinating with staff of Indigenous Services Canada regarding Reserve Lands and Environment Management Program and Emergency Management Assistance Program; Identifying and troubleshooting zoning and land surveys concerns.
• Environmental Management: Ensuring that projects are considered in a careful and precautionary manner to prevent significant adverse environmental effects to MSIFN Lands; Developing an Environmental Management Framework that will assist the organization in protecting the environment on First Nation lands.
• Wills and Estates: Providing guidance on the processing of any wills and estates issues and estate transfers as they are related to reserve lands in accordance with the provision of the Indian Act; Coordinating Wills and Estates Planning Workshops for MSIFN membership; Preparing required documentation to initiate the transfer of land.
• Agreements, Permits, and Codes: Facilitating rent reviews for leases and permits, and identifying relevant subject areas for which MSIFN may have by-laws in place.
• Communications: Preparing and presenting communication materials including briefing notes, future plans, special projects, zoning approvals, business license applications, etc; Facilitating community meetings and gathering member feedback on current and prospective land use and report recommendations; Liaising with Elders, youth, and knowledge holders regarding the history of MSIFN.
• Financial Management: Preparing work plans and Lands budget for submission to review and approval; Following established accounting policies and procedures; Monitoring expenditures and report financial discrepancies where required; Preparing and submitting funding proposals as required; Developing an Annual Land Management report as per MSIFN Restated Land Code.
• Miscellaneous: Promoting the respect of cultural practices related to Lands; Sit as a member of MSIFN committees, as required; Attending training related to operations; Addressing concerns and make recommendations regarding archeological issues and findings; Assist in the promotion of youth engagement activities related to Lands.
• Related and other duties: Special projects, assigned tasks, and additional regular duties as required by your Supervisor.

More About You

In order to qualify for this role, you must have completed a related post-secondary college diploma, and have a minimum of 3 years of related work experience and 5 years of total work experience. You will also have previous experience working within or with a First Nations community, a valid driver's license with $1M liability insurance, and access to a vehicle. Additional Indigenous training and education are considered an asset.

You'll also join us with knowledge of/or experience with the following:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of land resource planning and management
• Knowledge of land management issues and legislation affecting First Nations both locally and nationally
• Knowledge of land use application and appeals processes
• Knowledge of land claims and negotiations processes
• Reading and interpretation of maps, satellite images, and real estate documents
• Experience in developing and managing budgets
• Vulnerable Sector Search and CPIC acceptable to position upon conditional offer
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; general knowledge of GIS and database management
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong team player and ability to work with minimal supervision
• Ability to use tact and good judgment in dealing with sensitive and complex issues
• Strong organizational skills

Considered an asset:

• Post-secondary education, training and/or experience in administration, community planning, lands and resource management, or related disciplines
• Successful completion of the Lands Management Certification Program or similar courses in an accredited program

As our ideal candidate, you will have a working knowledge of and respect for Indigenous culture, customs, traditions, and issues. Your excellent communication skills in both written and verbal form, as well as your organizational skills and timekeeping abilities, will ensure your success as you work towards competing deadlines.

Do you want to make a lasting difference to a vibrant First Nation community? Here’s your chance!

About the Benefits

In recognition of your hard work and dedication, you can look forward to a competitive hourly wage of $31.86/hr. to $36.44/hr. ($57,985.20 - $66,320.80/yr. based on a 35-hour workweek) along with the following excellent package:

• Access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) along with health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Short and long-term disability.
• Employer pension matching scheme of 5%, voluntary contributions can be increased by a further 8%.
• 2 weeks of vacation, which increases to 5 weeks of vacation with your length of service.
• An additional 2 weeks off during the month of December to January, 7 days additional discretionary days off, and 3 statutory holidays during the office 2 weeks shutdown over the holidays.
• 14 statutory holidays throughout the year.
• Bereavement leave of up to 5 scheduled business days for immediate family and up to 3 days for extended family in the unfortunate event of a death of a family member.
• Access to the Wellness Motivational Benefit, receive payment of up to $500 twice in a lifetime for attempts at Healthy Lifestyle changes.
• A commitment to a policy of compensation that is internally and externally competitive and equitable. Though no pay progression is automatic, pay progression will be reviewed in line with professional development, previous work experience, seniority, cost of living, and market trends as outlined within the compensation policy.

This is your chance to be part of a dynamic and growing community where you will have the opportunity to implement processes and make your mark for the betterment of our community.

If you share our values and have the skills necessary to bring success to the role, then we invite you to apply today!

Please note that a criminal record check (CPIC/VSS) acceptable to the position is required upon conditional offer. Expenses for CPIC/VSS are reimbursed after orientation.