Description
ABOUT FORT NELSON FIRST NATION:
Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) is a Dené/Cree Nation located within Treaty 8 Territory in the Northern Rockies of northeastern British Columbia, approximately 7 kilometres south of Fort Nelson along the Alaska Highway. Guided by the vision “A Nation, A People – Strong, Healthy, Proud, Self-reliant,” FNFN honours the spirit and intent of Treaty 8 while stewarding its lands for future generations. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and rivers, the region offers a unique lifestyle with year-round outdoor recreation and a strong sense of community.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:
Working under the direction of the Director of Child and Family Development, the Child Care Programs Manager oversees Fort Nelson First Nation’s Indigenous Child Care Programs at the Deh Zona Family Centre. The Manager provides leadership and supervision to staff and supports a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and culturally respectful environment for children and families.
The Manager works closely with Educators to support quality, age-appropriate learning and child care experiences that respect Indigenous culture, traditions, and family needs. The Manager provides guidance and support to staff, helps identify opportunities for program improvement, and ensures programs operate effectively.
The Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of assigned staff and program operations, including staffing, scheduling, performance support, budgeting, employee time, and required reporting. The Manager works closely with the Director to support departmental goals and priorities.
The Manager provides leadership to Early Childhood Educators (ECEs), ECE Assistants, an Aboriginal Head Start Educator, an Aboriginal Infant Development Program (AIDP) Worker, and a Food Service Worker.
WORK SETTING:
Core hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Work is primarily performed in a child care centre and office environment. Evening meetings, public presentations, and occasional travel may be required (travel is compensable). The role interacts with all levels of the organization, government, and the public, and involves managing deadlines and time pressures. This position is overtime exempt and not eligible for additional compensation such as call back, reporting pay, standby, or shift premiums.
WHY WORK WITH FNFN:
• Competitive wages based on experience and qualifications
• Three weeks vacation
• Comprehensive health, dental & insurance benefits
• Pension plan
• 35-hour work week, supporting work-life balance
• Paid Christmas closure (prorated)
• Meaningful work supporting the FNFN community
Starting Rate: $44.19/hr
Qualifications
WHAT YOU BRING
Knowledge & Experience:
• Diploma in Early Childhood Education with valid BC ECE certification, including an Infant/Toddler or Special Needs specialization, without Terms and Conditions.
• At least five (5) years in child care, including two (2) years in an early learning and care setting.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture, traditions, child development, and early learning practices.
• Knowledge of child safety, supervision, and relevant policies and procedures.
• Experience supervising and supporting child care staff.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities, preferably in a child care setting.
• Experience managing programs, projects, budgets, and funding.
• Experience preparing proposals and working with funders and community partners.
• Experience with contracts and agreements.
Skills & Abilities:
• Strong leadership, teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality and privacy.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs, priorities, and deadlines within budget.
• Ability to build positive and respectful relationships with children, families, staff, and community members.
• Ability to plan and provide safe, developmentally-appropriate activities for children.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism, diplomacy, and good judgment.
• Ability to listen, communicate clearly, ask questions, and resolve concerns effectively.
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to prepare clear and organized documents.
• Ability to prepare and deliver presentations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace.
Other Requirements:
• Compliance with BC Immunization program and TB Screening.
• Medical certification demonstrating fitness for work with children
• Satisfactory completion of a police information check
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and Drivers Abstract, and reliable transportation.
Optional/Assets:
• Ability to speak Dene and/or Cree.
How to Apply
Closes: September 10, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Please submit your resume and cover letter to recruitment@fnnation.ca.
Preference may be given to qualified First Nations applicants. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Interested in other opportunities? Visit https://fortnelsonfirstnation.org/careers