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

Reporting to the Manager, Environmental Stewardship Department (ESD), the Manager, Marine Stewardship & Response is responsible for the planning, coordination, and delivery of Musqueam’s marine and estuarine stewardship, marine (non-fisheries) management, and marine response programs within Musqueam’s Traditional Territory. The Manager provides leadership to marine-focused staff and is accountable for marine program design, preparedness, and coordination, including oversight of marine-related projects. They also oversee technical coordination related to marine use, impacts, and response. The role operates in a politically sensitive and highly collaborative environment and provides technical input and recommendations to leadership. They will also engage with a wide variety of internal and external contacts, including both governmental and non-governmental bodies.

Roles & Responsibilities

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND DELIVERY

• Develop, implement, and maintain marine stewardship, management, and response plans, procedures, and operational guidelines;
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee activities related to Musqueam marine interests;
• Support integration of marine stewardship considerations into broader environmental and organizational planning;

MARINE RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS

• Oversee marine response planning and preparedness, including spill response frameworks, emergency coordination protocols, and participation in response exercises;
• Ensure marine response plans, readiness protocols, and training requirements are developed, maintained, and updated;
• Act as a primary administrative point of contact during marine incidents or response events, coordinating with internal leadership and external response agencies as required;
• Facilitate marine-related training opportunities for community;

MARINE PROJECTS AND RESEARCH PLANNING

• Oversee marine-related projects, including planning, coordination, and delivery;
• Lead the development of marine research plans, priorities, and methodologies to support stewardship objectives;
• Coordinate with the Guardian program to ensure marine monitoring and field activities align with research plans and project objectives;
• Track regional and federal policy developments relevant to marine planning;

TECHNICAL ADVISORY AND OPERATIONAL COORDINATION

• Coordinate review of marine projects, activities, and developments affecting Musqueam marine areas;
• Oversee marine analysis and technical input into referrals, major projects, and externally led environmental assessment processes coordinated by other
• Liaise with First Nations, federal, provincial, municipal, and industry partners on marine stewardship and response matters;

MARINE MONITORING AND PROGRAM SUPPORT

• Oversee development of marine monitoring plans related to stewardship, and response readiness in collaboration with the Guardian program;
• Support evaluation and continuous improvement of marine stewardship and response programs;

RISK MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING

• Identify and manage operational risks related to marine activities and response preparedness;
• Prepare technical summaries, operational reports, and briefings related to marine stewardship, incidents, and program performance;
• Receives, reviews, and compiles internal marine monitoring reports and ensures timely, accurate reporting of information to applicable regulatory authorities;

FINANCIAL AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

• Develop and manage program-level operating and project budgets in alignment with approved workplans and funding requirements;
• Forecast resource needs, staffing requirements, and operational costs for assigned program areas;
• Monitor program expenditures and financial performance, identify variances, and recommend adjustments as needed;
• Prepare and submit budget proposals, forecasts, and financial reports to the ESD Manager for review and approval;
• Ensure program expenditures comply with approved budgets, funding agreements, and organizational financial policies;
• Support financial reporting and audits by providing accurate program-level financial information and documentation;
• Lead planning for ongoing program funding and resourcing if needed;

STAFF LEADERSHIP AND INTERNAL COORDINATION

• Provide day-to-day supervision, coaching, and performance management;
• Develop work plans, schedules, and training plans to support program delivery and preparedness;
• Supervise marine staff responsible for supporting research design, technical analysis, and project coordination;
• Coordinate with Guardian Program Manager, Environmental Program Manager, and
• Liaise with other internal departments to integrate marine considerations while respecting distinct mandates related to Title and Rights;
• Other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Degree in marine science, oceanography, natural resource management, environmental planning, or a related discipline.
• Experience working with local or First Nations organizations and an understanding of First Nations stewardship values is preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in marine stewardship, marine management, or marine response, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff or leading marine or project teams.
• Experience with marine response planning, emergency management, or spill response coordination is strongly preferred.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to manage multiple shifting priorities to produce results on time and on budget.
• Experience with budgeting and financial management.
• Strong understanding of marine regulatory frameworks and best practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Cultural competency and demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively in a First Nations governance context.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Successful Criminal Record Check.
• Valid driver’s license required; marine certifications may be required or supported.

Working Conditions

• Work includes office-based work and regular marine or field-based activities
• Requires on-call availability or extended hours during marine incidents or response events
• Some evenings and weekends may be 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.