Fisheries Manager of Musqueam

About Musqueam

We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people. Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit www.musqueam.bc.ca 

Position Summary:

The Fisheries Manager is responsible for the management, coordination and operational direction of the Musqueam Indian Band’s Fisheries Department. The Manager reports to the Chief Administrative Officer on departmental issues related to the management of the Fisheries Department and its staff. The Manager ensures that the Fisheries Department administrative practices are consistent with the Musqueam Indian Band administrative policies. The Fisheries Manager is required to implement policies and procedures directed by negotiations as per the direction of administration. This position is responsible for the development of an annual departmental budget for Fisheries, administrating expenditures, and providing financial status reports to the Fisheries Commission and fulfilling reporting requirements for contract agreements.

The Manager oversees the budget and administrative operational matters of the Fisheries Department and works in collaboration with the Musqueam Fisheries Commission. This position assists the Musqueam Fisheries Commission protect Musqueam Aboriginal Rights to fish and manage its wildlife resources within the Musqueam traditional territory.  The Manager advises the Musqueam Fisheries Commission on strategic issues related to the various fisheries and habitat management and represents the Musqueam Fisheries Commission at meetings and discussions with other governments and their agencies; with community boards; with the fishing industry; and with the media.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Provides overall direct and operational management to fisheries staff and ensure the daily operations within the Fisheries Department is accountable, runs smoothly and efficiently.
• Is proactive in representing Fisheries internally and externally on matters that relate to area of responsibility and enhancement of the environment.
• Maintains and manages all Fisheries Department budgets, administration, reporting, purchasing, insurance, inventory and records.
• Provides advice and technical information to the Council and Fisheries Commission to assist in the development of programs and/or policies required to address various fisheries issues.
• Develops and implements operational work plans related to the goals and objectives of the Musqueam Fisheries Commission and the Musqueam Indian Band.  Report to the Commission the status of the Department towards the assigned goals.
• Manages Musqueam Fisheries Departmental staff and independent consultants/contractors.  Ensures that departmental administrative activities comply with administrative policies.
• Prepares and manages the Fisheries Department budget.  Ensures that departmental expenditures comply with the approved budget.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues and outside governments, agencies, boards, industry, and media.
• Organizes and facilitates community consultations and workshops.
• Manages environmental specialists and/or technicians responsible for conducting technical work including environmental impact assessments, environmental effects monitoring, habitat assessment, habitat compensation and restoration planning.
• Oversees the management of the “Salish Seas LP” (PICFI) assets inventory and carry out business plan direction. Maintain a positive relationships with existing Commercial Fishing Enterprise partners
• Determines the need for consultants/contractors, initiate hiring/selection, and monitor the work of consultant and contractors
• Oversees environmental enhancement initiatives within Musqueam reserve lands and watersheds 

• Manages the fishery for the Musqueam community and in order to avoid a conflict or perceived conflict of interest the Fisheries Manager will not participate in the Musqueam fishery.

• Develops and implements Musqueam Fisheries policies.
• Other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Skill and knowledge usually attained by a combination of relevant experience,  education and knowledge in the area of Fisheries Aboriginal Rights, Habitat/Wildlife Management and/or Business Administration and/or an equivalent combination of skill, knowledge, and experience.
• Experience reporting to an elected Council and/or Fisheries Commission would be preferred.
• Knowledge and experience of similar program delivery in the context of Musqueam or First Nations culture and history including Musqueam hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language
• Knowledge of Provincial and Federal Environmental Legislation and environmental impact assessments.
• Knowledge of the Pacific Integrated Commercial Fishing Initiative (PICFI) 
• Strong understanding of the Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP)
• Knowledge of DFO.
• Development and operational business planning (Commercial Fishing focus)
• Ability to plan, organize and deliver an efficient and effective 5 year strategic plan and budget for the Fisheries Program.
• Ability to develop, and operate within annual departmental budgets.
• Ability to develop and deliver reports as required by contracts.
• Ability to use tact and good judgment in dealing with sensitive and complex issues. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Criminal record check
• Valid Driver’s License, ability to drive and provide a licensed vehicle for work purposes.

Working Conditions

• The work is performed in an office environment.
• The Fisheries Manager must be available for work during the Fishing season; therefore the Fisheries Manager will not be eligible for vacation during the fishing season, nor will the Fisheries Manager be able to exercise his/her aboriginal right to fish. 

• Travel is often required

Why work for Musqueam?

Our success as a leader as a First Nations Government is built on the traditional teachings of our people, initiative and dedication of the Musqueam Indian Band.  Providing a highly engaged traditional government that is member focused.

• Competitive salary
• Training and career development
• Business casual environment
• Community fitness and gym access
• Comprehensive group benefits plan and pension plan
• Centrally located with free parking; free onsite gym and class access; close to nature trails at UBC and along the Fraser River, shops, restaurants and services.