POSITION OVERVIEW The Maintenance Manager is the senior leader of the Witset First Nation Maintenance Department, responsible for the strategic oversight, budget management, and overall performance of all maintenance operations, staff, and assets. Reporting directly to the Executive Office, this role provides the departmental leadership and direction that enables the Maintenance Supervisor, Administrator, and all field staff to serve the community effectively.

The Maintenance

Manager is the primary point of accountability for departmental results, compliance, and continuous improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Departmental Oversight

- Provide senior leadership and overall direction to the Maintenance Department, including supervision of the Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Administrator
- Set departmental priorities, goals, and performance standards in alignment with Witset First Nation's strategic direction and community needs
- Conduct regular departmental reviews; monitor performance against objectives and implement corrective action where needed
- Champion a culture of safety, accountability, quality, and respectful community service across all maintenance operations
- Serve as the primary liaison between the Maintenance Department and the Executive Office; provide timely, accurate reporting on departmental status, issues, and results

Budget & Financial Management
- Develop and manage the annual Maintenance Department budget in collaboration with Finance and the Executive Office
- Monitor expenditures against budget on an ongoing basis; identify variances early and develop corrective plans
- Oversee procurement processes for significant equipment, vehicles, materials, and contractor services; ensure expenditures are authorized and compliant with Nation financial policies
- Identify and pursue grant funding or cost-sharing opportunities related to infrastructure, equipment, and community maintenance programs

Infrastructure & Asset Management
- Maintain a comprehensive asset register of all Nation-owned facilities, vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure; ensure assets are maintained, insured, and replaced on appropriate lifecycle schedules
- Oversee long-term preventative maintenance planning for all Nation buildings, roads, water systems, and grounds
- Evaluate the condition of Nation infrastructure and develop multi-year capital maintenance and replacement plans for review by the Executive Office




- Manage significant renovation, repair, and construction projects; coordinate design, tender, contractor selection, and project oversight

Health, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure the Maintenance Department operates in full compliance with all applicable WorkSafeBC, provincial, federal, and Nation-specific regulations and policies
- Review and approve departmental safety policies, procedures, and training programs; ensure all staff are appropriately trained and current
- Oversee the investigation of all serious incidents, near-misses, and safety concerns; ensure root cause analysis and corrective actions are completed and documented
- Liaise with WorkSafeBC, regulatory agencies, and insurance providers as required

Human Resources & Team Development
- Participate in the hiring, onboarding, and performance management of Maintenance Department staff in partnership with HR
- Support the Maintenance Supervisor in addressing staff performance issues; provide senior HR guidance and ensure progressive discipline is applied consistently and fairly
- Identify professional development and training needs across the department; support skill-building and succession planning
- Conduct annual performance evaluations for the Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Administrator

Community & Stakeholder Relations
- Act as the senior departmental point of contact for community members, contractors, government agencies, and other Nation departments on significant maintenance and infrastructure matters
- Attend Chief and Council meetings or committee meetings as requested to report on departmental matters
- Represent the Maintenance Department in a professional, respectful, and community-focused manner 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; equivalent combination of education and senior experience considered
- Minimum seven (7) years of progressive experience in maintenance, construction,



or facilities management; minimum three (3) years in a management or senior leadership role
- Demonstrated experience managing budgets, contracts, and multi-disciplinary teams
- Strong knowledge of WorkSafeBC regulations, asset management principles, and public infrastructure maintenance
- Experience working in a First Nations government or Indigenous organization is a significant asset; demonstrated understanding and respect for Wet'suwet'en culture, governance, and community values
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to build trust with staff, community members, and leadership
- Valid BC Class 5 Driver's Licence; Driver's Abstract required; reliable vehicle required
- Proficient 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 for 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

Drug & Alcohol Free Worksite: Witset First Nation is committed to a safe, healthy, and productive workplace. All employees are required to report to work fit for duty and free from impairment. Possession or use of alcohol, cannabis, or non-prescribed substances on Nation premises or during work hours is strictly prohibited in accordance with Witset First Nation’s Workplace Policy. 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.

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.

Pay: $70,000.00-$80,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Dental care
- In office parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match

Work Location: In person

📌 Maintenance Manager (Smithers)
🏢 Witset First Nation - HR
📍 Smithers