Director, Lands Management

The Director of Lands Management will provide effective and efficient operation in areas of land use planning, land administration and through the provision of technical land management services for all aspects of land and resource management matters undertaken by the YKDFN Lands Department. The position is responsible for maintaining and implementing strategic plans and coordination of the Departments functions with other key YKDFN Departments.

SCOPE OF WORK

Under the authority of the YKDFN Chiefs and Council and under the direct supervision of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the interdisciplinary incumbent is the lead in the development and research of land use policy, land administration, relevant legislative matters and provides a wide range of strategic, policy and land management advice on a broad range of operational, political, and sensitive topics to the Chief Executive Officer.

Provide support and advice to the YKDFN Chief and Council, relevant Committees and other YKDFN Departments on the management and administration of land which includes, surface and subsurface land, fresh water by:

• Directing the application of theories and principles of regional geography and planning for socially / culturally/ ecologically/ economically sustainable resource use.
• Manage and administer all operations of land administration and land tenure within Chief Drygeese Territory:
• Implement, maintain, and manage a land registry system of land occupancy for both member and non-member land use.
• Establish and maintain a procedure and policy manual to guide the internal review of requests for Permission to Occupy (PTO) Lands and temporary non-member land use.
• Lead internal and external discussions on all matters where land tenure is required including the establishment of Parks and Conservation Areas.
• Manage and implement the YKDFN Land Planning Program:
• Lead the formulation of Land Plans to guide decision making within the Chief Drygeese Territory and YKDFN Communities.
• Manage and administer all financial responsibilities and obligations in order to ensure that the YKDFN Lands Department is operating within the YKDFN Finance Policy and Procedures manual:
• Write proposals to secure, from a variety of sources, government, and non-government funding to support the Department of Lands.
• In collaboration with the Human Resources Manager, manage human resources within the YKDFN Lands Department to ensure that all staff are capable of completing assigned tasks and that morale within the Lands Department is maintained.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

• An understanding of the following is required: Knowledge of the methodologies, applications and practices associated with land planning and the management of land, water, wildlife, renewable and non-renewable resources.
• Design and Management of geographic studies / analysis and the application of the related spatial, environmental, social, and economic results.
• Methods of gathering, compiling analyzing and presenting land use planning data and information
• Team building, consultation and interviewing processes.
• ·Standard computer software programs for office use, the Microsoft Suite of programs, spreadsheets, statistical analysis programs and understanding of Geographic Information Systems and Cartographic processes is desirable.
• Advanced knowledge of the human, cultural, social, physical, biological, economic, and political environment of the Yellowknives Dene specifically and the Northwest Territories generally.
• Protecting and safeguarding legal documents, confidential and propriety information.
• Thorough knowledge of Dene Laws and the collection, storage, use and application of Dene Traditional Knowledge is necessary.
• Minimum of two (2) years experience working with a First Nation organization/community is required.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• ·Must be reliable and able to work independently with limited supervision.
• Must be able to maintain tact and diplomacy and be able to always keep confidential, all information related to the position, during and after work hours.
• Must have good organizational and time management skills.
• Managerial and supervisory skills are a must.
• Must be able to work cooperatively with individuals at all organization levels, in a progressive in   manner that would lead to the successful accomplishment of YKDFN goals and objectives.
• Certification in the use of Geographic Information Systems is an asset.

Typically, the above qualifications would be attained by:

• Post-Secondary Diploma or Degree in Land Use Planning, Geography, Environmental Studies, Land Management, Resource Management or a related field with four (4) years’ work experience; or
• Equivalent combination of education and/or related course work with six (6) years related work experience. 

A detailed Job Description for this position is available upon request via email [email protected]. The Yellowknives Dene First Nation offers a competitive wage/benefits, along with a fun work environment with exceptionally diverse cultural oriented people. To be considered, a cover letter and resume must be submitted to the Human Resources department via email ([email protected]) or online application by the closing date of October 2, 2026.