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, Guardian Program is responsible for the leadership, coordination, and delivery of Musqueam’s Guardian program, including field-based monitoring, observation, documentation, restoration, and compliance presence across lands and waters within Musqueam’s Traditional Territory. The Manager provides operational leadership to staff conducting on-the-ground and on-the-water activities and ensures information gathered through monitoring and patrols is accurately documented, internally reported, and appropriately routed. The role operates in a politically sensitive and highly collaborative environment and provides operational input and recommendations to leadership. They will also engage with a wide variety of external contacts, including both governmental and non-governmental bodies.

Roles & Responsibilities

GUARDIANS PROGRAM LEADERSHIP

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee the delivery of the Guardian program;
• Develop patrol plans, monitoring schedules, and operational priorities aligned with departmental objectives and stewardship priorities;
• Ensure Guardian activities are conducted safely, professionally, and in accordance with approved protocols;

MONITORING, OBSERVATION, AND COMPLIANCE PRESENCE

• Oversee field-based monitoring and observation activities;
• Provide a visible compliance presence on land and water through patrols and engagement;
• Ensure Guardians collect accurate observations, photographs, data, and other documentation in a consistent and defensible manner;

INTERNAL REPORTING AND INFORMATION FLOW

• Oversee the preparation and quality control of Guardians reports, logs, and incident documentation;
• Ensure monitoring and observation information is routed internally to the appropriate departments for further action and external reporting;
• Maintain clear internal reporting protocols and support timely response and regulatory engagement;

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT TO PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

• Support environmental and marine programs and other departments by undertaking field-based monitoring and data collection aligned with approved plans and research designs;
• Support major projects by providing monitoring, observation, and field presence as required;

SAFETY, TRAINING, AND READINESS

• Develop and maintain training plans including cross-departmental training with Fisheries and Archaeology Departments;
• Ensure Guardians staff receive appropriate training, certifications, and equipment to safely perform duties;
• Develop and maintain operational protocols related to safety, incident response, and communications;

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION AND REPORTING

• Prepare internal program reports, summaries, and briefings related to Guardian activities, trends, and observations;
• Ensure monitoring, reporting, and documentation practices meet legal, regulatory, and agreement requirements;

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

• Contribute to continuous improvement of monitoring methods, documentation practices, and program effectiveness;
• Lead annual program reviews to assess program delivery and future requirements;
• Oversee coordination of community engagement events guide program planning;
• Lead delivery of the Guardian program workplan, and continually update with evolving needs;

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 COORDINATION

• Provide day-to-day supervision, coaching, and performance management;
• Develop work plans, schedules, and training plans to support effective coverage and workload management;
• Coordinate with the Marine Stewardship & Response Manager, Environmental Program Manager, and Major Project Coordinators to ensure alignment across departmental programs;
• Liaise with other internal departments to integrate monitoring considerations while respecting distinct mandates related to Title and Rights; and
• Other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Degree in environmental studies, natural resource management, Indigenous stewardship, or a related discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 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 field-based monitoring, Guardians, compliance observation, or land and marine stewardship, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience supervising field teams or operational staff.
• Experience working in marine or field environments is preferred.
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and best practices.
• Strong documentation, observation, and reporting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Cultural competency and demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively in a First Nations governance context.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Successful Criminal Record Check.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Working Conditions

• Work includes office-based work and may include marine or field-based activities
• May require 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.