Land Use / Community Planner

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Land Use / Community Planner

(Permanent Full Time)

About Toquaht Nation
Toquaht Nation is a self-governing modern treaty nation situated on the West Coast of Vancouver Island in Barkley Sound. Known as the t̓uk̓ʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht People), we are a resilient community dedicated to the development of our Nation. We strive to honour the teachings of our ancestors and safeguard our ḥaaḥułi (traditional territory).

Toquaht envisions a healthy community where masčim (citizens) can fulfill their social, spiritual, and economic needs. Guided by our ancestors and rooted in our traditions, we draw strength from our connection to our guiding principles:

• hišukma ćawaak̓ – Everything is one
• qwaaʔaλim ćawaak̓ – How we are one
• ʔuuʔaɬuk – Taking care of one another
• ʔiisaak – Highest respect

Position Summary
Reporting to the Manager of Lands and Resources, the Land Use / Community Planner supports the planning, stewardship, and administration of Toquaht Treaty Settlement Lands. The role spans land use planning, development review, land administration, environmental stewardship, and community planning — all grounded in Toquaht laws, values, and the Nation’s vision for sustainable, community-led development.

Major Areas of Responsibility
Land Use Planning & Policy

• Support development and implementation of and use plans
• Review development proposals; provide recommendations on compatibility, environment, and infrastructure
• Provide planning advice to leadership, administration, and citizens
• Identify opportunities to streamline development review and administrative processes

Land Administration & Regulatory Support

• Administer laws and regulations related to land transfers, leases, development, and resource licences
• Maintain the Toquaht Lands Registry; coordinate with BC Land Title Office and legal counsel
• Respond to citizen inquiries on land use, development, and regulatory requirements

Community Engagement & Stewardship

• Facilitate community meetings, workshops, and planning engagement sessions
• Develop tools and materials to improve citizen understanding of land use processes
• Lead stewardship initiatives including climate adaptation and cultural site protection
• Coordinate with consultants, engineers, archaeologists, and environmental specialists

Reporting & Coordination

• Prepare reports and briefing materials for senior staff and Council
• Liaise across departments including Economic Development, Capital Projects, and Assets
• Monitor project timelines and deliverables; assist with procurement of technical studies

Qualifications and Experience
Required

• Degree in Planning, Geography, Environmental Studies, Resource Management or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 1–3 years in land use planning, community planning, or land administration
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to quickly learn and effectively use new software, digital tools, and emerging technologies.
• Organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, balance competing priorities, and meet deadlines while working both independently and collaboratively.
• Experience working with Indigenous governments or in a First Nations context preferred
• PIBC membership eligibility
• Proficiency with GIS software, Adobe Creative Suite (or equivalent graphic design and document production software), and other digital tools relevant to planning, project management, and community engagement. Experience interpreting or administering zoning bylaws, development regulations, land use policies, or planning legislation.
• Experience with public engagement and facilitation.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of Toquaht (or Nuu-chah-nulth) culture and protocol
• Ability to interpret maps, planning documents, and legal instruments
• Organized, analytical, collaborative, and able to work within a multidisciplinary team
• Maintains strict confidentiality; handles sensitive matters with professionalism
• Good knowledge of the vision and values of Toquaht Nation
• Knowledge of modern treaty governance, Indigenous land management, or First Nations land administration.
• Knowledge of environmental stewardship, climate adaptation, or sustainability planning.
• Familiarity with the BC Land Title system, land registries, or land tenure administration

Operational Requirements

• Satisfactory Criminal Records Check required
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and reliable vehicle
• Flexible hours including occasional evenings or weekends; travel across Vancouver Island required

What We Offer
Toquaht Nation Government is pleased to offer a generous compensation package which includes:

• Competitive wage:

  • Planning Assistant (0-2 years): $57,000-$73,000
  • Planner I (1-3 years): $75,000-$92,000
  • Planner II (4+ years): $92,000-$115,000
• Extended health and benefits plan (Employer paid)
• Pension plan (5% Employee, 8% Employer)
• 3-weeks vacation plus paid time off over the Christmas holidays
• 15 observed statutory holidays
• 15 days of wellness leave annually
• Professional Development opportunities

To Apply
We invite qualified applicants to submit a resume and cover letter to View email address on civicjobs.ca with the position title in the subject line. We appreciate all applicants for their interest in working with Toquaht Nation, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. This position is open until filled.

A full job description is available upon request.

Persons of Indigenous background will be given preference. S16(1) CHRA