Job Description

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Job Title: Director of Infrastructure

Department: Administration

Pay Rate: $52.73 per hour

Status: Full-Time, Permanent

Closing Date: December 4th, 2025

Position:

The Director of Infrastructure provides executive leadership, strategic planning, and operational oversight of Walpole Island First Nation's infrastructure portfolio.

This position is responsible for ensuring the effective management, sustainability, and continuous improvement of the First Nation's physical assets and community infrastructure. The Director ensures that all infrastructure programs and services are delivered in accordance with the WIFN Financial Regulations, federal and provincial legislation, funding agreements, and community priorities.

As part of the Senior Management Team, the Director plays a key role in advancing the Nation's long-term strategic goals, maintaining fiscal accountability, and mentoring departmental supervisors to strengthen leadership capacity, professionalism, and workplace culture across the organization.

Skills & Effort Requirements:

Technical & Professional Skills:

Strong understanding of infrastructure development, maintenance, and capital project management. Skilled in budgeting, financial reporting, funding proposals, and contract administration. Proficient in reading blueprints, project specifications, and technical documentation.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills:

Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of supervisors and staff. Commitment to fostering professionalism, ethical conduct, and teamwork. Ability to resolve conflicts constructively and maintain confidentiality at all times. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and presentation abilities.

Analytical & Organizational Skills:

Excellent planning, organizational, and analytical skills with attention to timelines and compliance. Capable of balancing long-term strategic planning with day-to-day operational priorities. High degree of professional judgment, integrity, and discretion in handling sensitive matters.

Effort Requirements:

Regular office work with frequent meetings and site visits. Extended periods of concentration at a computer and reviewing technical documents. Occasional travel, evening, or weekend work for emergencies or Council meetings.

Requirements:

Undergraduate degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field. Minimum of five (5) years of progressive management experience in infrastructure, public works, housing, or related fields. Demonstrated experience in budget development, financial oversight, and capital project management. Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary teams, contractors, and consultants. Experience working with or for First Nations communities and understanding community-based infrastructure. Valid Ontario Driver's License and reliable transportation. Clear Criminal Record Judicial Matters Check required.

Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the duties and responsibilities of the Director of Infrastructure include, but are not limited to:

Leadership & Strategic Oversight

Provide strategic leadership, oversight, and direction for all Infrastructure programs and services. Lead, coach, and mentor departmental managers and supervisors to promote professional growth, accountability, and excellence. Foster a workplace culture built on respect, confidentiality, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Oversee the development and implementation of departmental operational plans aligned with organizational and Council priorities. Participate in Senior Management Team meetings to ensure strong communication and coordination across departments. Represent the Infrastructure Department in Council meetings and committees as required.

Financial & Resource Management

Oversee annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring expenditures align with approved plans and funding requirements. Work closely with the Finance Department to ensure fiscal responsibility, accurate reporting, and compliance with contribution agreements (e.g., ISC, CMHC, Infrastructure Canada). Prepare financial reports, funding proposals, and variance analyses to support strategic decision-making. Ensure procurement, contracts, and projects comply with WIFN Financial Regulations, federal funding conditions, and sound business practices. Lead the development of long-term asset management and capital investment strategies.

Operational & Program Oversight

Provide executive oversight to Public Works, Housing, Water Treatment, Roads, and Capital Projects teams. Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards across all worksites. Oversee infrastructure maintenance, construction projects, and emergency repair response. Coordinate infrastructure planning with other departments to meet operational and community needs. Support project planning, tendering, contractor supervision, and evaluation processes.

Governance & Reporting

Maintain regular communication with the CEO and provide progress reports on all infrastructure activities. Ensure timely submission of reports to funding agencies and the Council. Collaborate with other departments to integrate infrastructure priorities into organizational planning. Maintain strict confidentiality of employee, financial, and community information.

Community & Cultural Representation

Promote and maintain positive public relations with co-workers, community members, and external stakeholders. Demonstrate professionalism, respect, and diplomacy in all interactions. Incorporate Anishinaabek values, culture, and the Seven Grandfather Teachings into leadership and decision-making.

Other Duties

Participate in training and professional development opportunities relevant to leadership and infrastructure management. Perform other related duties as assigned by the CEO.

Working Conditions:

This role works in an office setting and requires daily use of the telephone and computer. This role will be based in the Governance Building.

Key Relationships:

This position interfaces with internal and external contacts:

Internal: Chief and Council, directors*
External: Businesses, community members, external organizations*

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter describing the qualifications above to:

Walpole Island First Nation

Human Resources

Mail: 117 Tahgahoning Rd,

Wallaceburg, ON

N8A 4K9

or

Fax: 519-627-5915

or

Email: Careers@wifn.org

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

We are a special interest organization primarily dedicated to serving the interests of the Walpole Island First Nation community. Preference will be given to persons of Native ancestry. (OHRA 1981, c53, s170) Qualified Band Members are to be given PRIORITY. (R.C.M. April 28, 1998 M#15)

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $95,968.60 per year

Benefits:

Dental care Disability insurance Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance On-site parking Paid time off RRSP match Vision care
Work Location: In person