Housing Coordinator - Cortes Island, BC

Job Posting:  Housing Coordinator, 32 hours per week
                        Cortes Island, BC

Occupying traditional territories that span from Cortes Island to Toba Inlet, Klahoose First Nation has existed since time before memory. Our primary village site, Squirrel Cove, is home to approximately seventy-five full-time residents who live and work on Cortes Island and in the surrounding areas. The remaining three hundred and nine members reside off reserve in coastal communities in the lower mainland and in Washington State.

This is an opportunity to live on Cortes Island, BC or in close proximity, such as Quadra Island, Campbell River or the surrounding area. You will be available to work on island at least 3 days per week and work from home 1 day per week.  This position is suitable for applicants with a background in housing administration, the building trade, or an interest in working with members to improve their surroundings and be provided a lovely community to live and work in.

Ferry access to the island (approximately 1.5 hours) is from Campbell River through Quadra Island to Cortes Island and runs 7 days per week.  The scenery and journey are spectacular all year round.

Cortes Island is one of the most desirable islands along the Discovery Passage.  It is a friendly thriving community surrounded by nature at its finest. The Island offers miles of hiking trails, ocean fishing, mushroom hunting, kayaking and more!  Klahoose First Nation also has other employment opportunities available if a couple is interested in relocating to this area.  Opportunities are available in administration, health and wellness, trades, fisheries, etc.

There may be an opportunity for a spouse/partner to also work for the Nation depending upon their experience.

The Housing Coordinator is responsible for  property management of the Klahoose First Nation rental houses and to provide input for new housing development.

Property Maintenance

• Inspect rental homes at least twice per year to determine priority for maintenance and repairs.
• Work with Maintenance Manager to identify maintenance needs of homes.
• Meet with tenants to understand concerns with home condition and repairs needed.
• Determine work required and coordinate work orders with the Maintenance Manager and tradespeople.
• Follow up with tenants regarding completed repairs and maintenance.

Administration

• Administer tenant agreements.
• Assist in development, amendment, and enforcement of Housing Policies.
• Create scope of work, work orders, and Requests for Proposal to identify tradespeople to complete the work for plumbing, carpentry, mold issues, windows, etc.
• Apply for funding for repairs and renovations to repair homes.
• Prepare housing section of the community newsletter as required.
• Recruit, train, and  manage summer interns.

Tenant and Member Relations

• Meet with tenants to discuss home maintenance responsibilities and cleanliness standards.
• Discuss with tenants the regular removal of debris.
• Manage collection of rents and arrears.

• Ability to live or travel daily to Cortes Island at least 3 days per week.
• The ability to communicate effectively with families to understand their housing needs.
• Post-secondary education or formal training in administration, estimating, home inspection and house maintenance, etc. 
• At least two years’ previous administration experience, along with effective member service experience.
• You will comply with submission of:
  • Criminal Records Check, including Vulnerable Sectors.
  • Current driver’s License and Driver’s Abstract.
  • Oath of Confidentiality; and
• Ability to take direction from the Administrator and work well with the Maintenance Manager, Trades, and staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• General home inspection experience to identify maintenance issues.
• Working knowledge of trades and repair ideas for homes.
• Working knowledge of CMHC First Nations programs.
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication style.
• Demonstrated organizational skills to effectively prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
• Effective interpersonal and organizational skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships. 
• Ability to handle confidential information with tact and discretion. 
• Understanding of general maintenance duties needed for repairs to estimate projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and as part of a team. 
• Intermediate skills using a variety of computerized software packages such as Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel, PowerPoint), related databases and Internet. 

A flexible work schedule, 32 hours per week, Monday to Thursday or as needed.  We offer a competitive salary with the opportunity to learn and lead this very important role for our Nation.