Blueberry River First Nations (BRFN) is seeking a knowledgeable and proactive Housing Officer to support the management and growth of housing services within our community. Reporting to the Housing Manager, the Housing Officer is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of BRFN’s Public Works department. This includes tenant relations, maintenance coordination, housing assessments, budgeting, and long-term planning. The role also plays a key part in the development and delivery of housing programs and infrastructure projects that reflect the needs and priorities of our Nation. Working closely with community leadership, contractors, and government agencies, the Housing Officer helps ensure safe, sustainable, and culturally appropriate housing for BRFN members. If you're passionate about housing development and want to make a meaningful contribution to the BRFN community, we encourage you to apply.
About our Nations:
At the heart of Blueberry River First Nations is the belief that we are stronger together. We are a self-governing Nation committed to building a thriving, self-sustaining community rooted in culture, governance, and economic prosperity. Guided by our values—Respect, Inclusiveness, Responsibility, and Pride—we work to enhance the quality of life for both current and future generations.
Located in northeastern British Columbia, we are proud members of Treaty 8, with both Beaver and Cree cultural groups forming one united community. Our mission is to empower our people, strengthen governance, and honor traditions while embracing new opportunities. Through integrity, respect, accountability, and unity, we ensure that every decision contributes to the collective well-being of our Nations.
Guiding Responsibilities (Duties and Responsibilities)
Financial Management & Reporting:
- Invoice, collect, and issue receipts for monthly housing fees, including maintenance, insurance, internet, bylaw fines, and applicable utilities.
- Ensure all financial transactions and work order requests comply with BRFN policies and procedures.
- Support the development, manage and monitor the annual housing and maintenance budgets.
- Prepare and submit quarterly department and financial reports to the Band Administrator.
- Research and apply for housing and renovation funding through agencies such as INAC and CMHC.
Tenancy & Administrative Management:
- Maintain up-to-date files for each housing unit, including tenancy agreements, maintenance logs, payment records, and mortgage documentation.
- Conduct timely move-in and move-out inspections, ensuring proper documentation is filed.
- Coordinate unit turnovers to ensure suites are clean, safe, and ready for new tenants.
- Track and document all housing-related activities, including rent collection, lease violations, contractor visits, and work orders, using BRFN systems.
- Stay informed on trends in property management, social housing, and residential tenancy law; communicate relevant updates to leadership and staff.
Maintenance Operations & Asset Management:
- Oversee daily housing operations and ensure all maintenance work is completed to BRFN standards.
- Create and manage work orders for routine and urgent maintenance needs.
- Monitor and update electronic inventory records, assigning supply usage to appropriate units or buildings.
- Schedule and track regular building inspections and servicing, including seasonal and preventative maintenance.
- Conduct quarterly inspections of all buildings and grounds and follow up on identified maintenance issues.
- Ensure timely delivery of maintenance materials and supplies to housing sites.
Contractor & Project Oversight:
- Prepare or review scopes of work for contracted services and negotiate terms with external vendors.
- Oversee contractors on-site, verify current insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage, and monitor quality of work.
- Ensure all contracted work is completed according to specifications, building codes, and warranty requirements.
- Inspect completed projects to confirm compliance with safety regulations and contract expectations.
- Ensure all project documentation (manuals, plans, policies) is current and properly maintained.
Compliance & Health and Safety:
- Ensure all housing units and community infrastructure meet local building codes, health and safety regulations, and BRFN policies.
- Monitor maintenance work to ensure compliance with WorkSafeBC standards and occupational health and safety requirements.
- Verify that all repairs and renovations meet warranty and code requirements.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated initiative to stay informed about community and organizational changes, initiatives, and opportunities.
- Ability to foster relationships, particularly with Indigenous communities in a remote setting.
- Strong communication skills: written (both informal and technical writing) and verbal.
- Critical thinking abilities with exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills, including the ability to coordinate multiple concurrent projects and make difficult decisions as needed.
- Approachable and professional with a personable demeanor and a proven ability to build harmonious working relationships with co-workers.
- Demonstrated ability to solve practical problems in a culturally appropriate manner.
- Ability to troubleshoot problems and take initiative to find creative solutions.
- Skilled in resolving conflict and negotiating with internal/external parties using tact and diplomacy.
- Must keep the good of the whole community in mind at all times, with a strong focus on client service excellence and accessible communications.
- Ability to remain calm, professional, objective, and constructive in high-pressure or complex situations.
- Must model adherence to established systems and processes.
- Demonstrated flexibility, openness, and cooperation, with a willingness to work in a team environment.
- Ability to manage large volumes of data and sensitive information with accuracy and confidentiality.
Lived & Learned Experience (Experience and Education Requirements)
Required:
- Knowledge of First Nations culture and traditions, and of systemic issues faced by First Nations people, and of the political and administrative structures of First Nations.
- Certificate in Property Management or related field.
- Completion of post-secondary education in Project Management, Public Administration, Public Works, Trades or related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in a property management, project management or experience in construction, trades, maintenance, and/or conducting building and project inspections.
- Proficiency in using computers: Microsoft 365, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and various video conferencing platforms.
- Must have valid driver license (BC Class 5) and satisfactory driving record.
- Criminal records check (vulnerable sector).
Preferred:
- Knowledge and appreciation of working in service of Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
What We Offer:
In addition to working with a community where you can make a difference and work with like minded people we offer:
- 14 statutory holidays
- 3 weeks vacation to start
- Cultural days
- Paid sick leave
- A comprehensive benefits package after 6 months of continuous employment.
Location:
18785 Blueberry Reserve Rd, Buick, BC V0C 2S0
Closing date: Open until filled.
Salary: $46,219 - $69,329 Annual Salary
Applications are assessed as they are received therefore early application is recommended.
Candidates who meet the above criteria will be contacted for an interview. Proof of certifications will be required prior to employment.