Maintenance Manager

Witset First Nation – Maintenance Department

Position Details

Employment Type: Permanent / Full-Time
Hours: 40 hours per week; on-call availability required for emergencies
Department: Maintenance Department
Reports To: Executive Office
Remuneration: Based on experience
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Position Overview

The Maintenance Manager is the senior leader of the Witset First Nation Maintenance Department, responsible for strategic oversight, budget management, and the overall performance of all maintenance operations, staff, and assets.

Reporting directly to the Executive Office, the Maintenance Manager provides leadership and direction to the Maintenance Supervisor, Maintenance Administrator, and all field staff to ensure effective service delivery to the community.

The Maintenance Manager serves as the primary point of accountability for departmental performance, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Departmental Oversight

Provide senior leadership and overall direction to the Maintenance Department, including supervision of the Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Administrator.
Establish departmental priorities, goals, and performance standards aligned with Witset First Nation's strategic direction and community needs.
Conduct regular departmental reviews, monitor performance against established objectives, and implement corrective actions where necessary.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, quality, and respectful community service throughout all maintenance operations.
Serve as the primary liaison between the Maintenance Department and the Executive Office, providing timely and accurate reports on departmental operations, concerns, and results.

Budget and Financial Management

Develop and manage the annual Maintenance Department budget in collaboration with the Finance Department and Executive Office.
Monitor expenditures against the approved budget, identify variances early, and develop corrective plans as needed.
Oversee procurement processes for major equipment, vehicles, materials, and contractor services, ensuring expenditures are properly authorized and comply with the Nation's financial policies.
Identify and pursue grant funding and cost-sharing opportunities related to infrastructure, equipment, and community maintenance programs.

Infrastructure and Asset Management

Maintain a comprehensive asset register of all Nation-owned facilities, vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure, ensuring assets are properly maintained, insured, and replaced according to appropriate lifecycle schedules.
Oversee long-term preventative maintenance planning for all Nation-owned buildings, roads, water systems, and grounds.
Assess the condition of Nation infrastructure and develop multi-year capital maintenance and replacement plans for review by the Executive Office.
Manage major renovation, repair, and construction projects, including coordinating design, tendering, contractor selection, and project oversight.

Health, Safety and Compliance

Ensure the Maintenance Department operates in full compliance with applicable WorkSafeBC, provincial, federal, and Nation-specific regulations and policies.
Review and approve departmental safety policies, procedures, and training programs, ensuring all staff receive appropriate training and maintain current qualifications.
Oversee investigations of serious incidents, near-misses, and safety concerns, ensuring root cause analyses and corrective actions are completed and documented.
Liaise with WorkSafeBC, regulatory agencies, and insurance providers as required.

Human Resources and Team Development

Participate in the recruitment, onboarding, and performance management of Maintenance Department staff in collaboration with Human Resources.
Support the Maintenance Supervisor in addressing staff performance concerns, provide senior-level human resources guidance, and ensure progressive discipline is applied consistently and fairly.
Identify professional development and training needs throughout the department, supporting staff skill development and succession planning.
Conduct annual performance evaluations for the Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Administrator.

Community and Stakeholder Relations

Serve as the senior departmental point of contact for community members, contractors, government agencies, and other Nation departments regarding significant maintenance and infrastructure matters.
Attend Chief and Council meetings or committee meetings as requested to provide updates and reports on departmental matters.
Represent the Maintenance Department professionally, respectfully, and with a community-focused approach at all times.
Perform other duties within the scope of the position as assigned.

Qualifications

Post-secondary education in facilities management, engineering technology, construction management, public administration, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and senior-level experience will be considered.
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in maintenance, construction, or facilities management, including at least three (3) years in a management or senior leadership position.
Demonstrated experience managing budgets, contracts, and multidisciplinary teams.
Strong knowledge of WorkSafeBC regulations, asset management principles, and public infrastructure maintenance.
Experience working within a First Nations government or Indigenous organization is a significant asset, along with a demonstrated understanding of and respect for Wet'suwet'en culture, governance, and community values.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and positive working relationships with staff, community members, and leadership.
Valid BC Class 5 Driver's Licence, Driver's Abstract, and access to a reliable vehicle are required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with work order management and asset tracking systems is an asset.
First Aid certification is an asset.
Criminal Record Check required.

Working Conditions

Combination of office-based work and regular field visits to Nation facilities, roads, and infrastructure.
On-call availability required to respond to significant maintenance emergencies or crises.
Regular interaction with staff, community members, Chief and Council, contractors, and government agencies.
Overtime may be required during emergencies, peak project periods, or community events.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume and two references.

Email: hr@witset.ca

In Person: Applications may be dropped off in a sealed envelope at the Main Band Office, attention Lacey Naziel.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Employment Equity

Pursuant to Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Our Commitment

The Witset First Nation practices Wiguus by engaging, understanding, inspiring, and empowering our ski ze’, revitalizing our roots and cultural systems, integrating traditional knowledge with the knowledge of today through building capacity and resources, celebrating our successes, and adapting to meet the needs and interests of ski ze’ and future generations.