Director of Capital, Housing & Infrastructure (Engineering/Planning) - $100K-$150K in Curve Lake, ON!

Lead capital, housing, and infrastructure delivery for Curve Lake First Nation
Step into a senior leadership role offering a competitive $100,000 to $150,000 annual salary, negotiable based on qualifications, plus excellent benefits!
Build safe, reliable infrastructure and housing for current and future generations

About Curve Lake First Nation
Curve Lake First Nation is an Anishinaabe community with deep roots in this territory, grounded in relationships to land, water, and each other as Curve Lakers. Known historically as Mud Lake, Curve Lake continues as a living, resilient Nation of almost 3,000 members. As part of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg and signatories to the Williams Treaties, the community carries forward its responsibilities, teachings, and governance systems. Curve Lake is a place of strong kinship, cultural continuity, and collective responsibility, where each member contributes to the wellbeing of the Nation. Our community is located just north of the City of Peterborough, Ontario.

Home to trailblazers like Elsie Knott, Canada's first Anishinaabe Kwe O'gimaa, and renowned artisans, our community blends rich history with vibrant culture. More than an employer, we're a community of choice. Join us in preserving traditions, fostering diversity, and contributing to a future where old ways merge seamlessly with progress. Shape the legacy of Curve Lake—a place where heritage meets opportunity.

To learn more about us, please visit: curvelakefirstnation.ca

About the Opportunity
Curve Lake First Nation has an exciting opportunity for a full-time, permanent Director of Capital, Housing and Infrastructure, based in Curve Lake, Ontario. This role joins the organization during a period of organizational transition and growth.

Reporting to the Executive Director, you will lead a diverse portfolio that includes:
Capital project delivery
Public works and utilities
Water and wastewater systems
Housing services
Facilities and fleet
This is a hands-on leadership role. You will work alongside project managers, engineers, and contractors, and regularly attend construction and project sites with the project team.

Where We Are Now
The Division is entering an exciting phase of modernization, building toward proactive, well-planned, and data-informed service delivery. You will have the opportunity to shape clear asset management practices, introduce stronger maintenance and recordkeeping systems, and deepen funding partnerships with organizations such as Indigenous Services Canada and CMHC.

Working within a multi-funder and regulated environment, the Director collaborates closely with Chief & Council, senior leadership, staff, community members, and external partners to ensure that capital investments and housing initiatives are effectively planned, delivered, and sustained for current and future generations.

What Success Looks Like
In your first year, success will mean building trust across the Division and with Chief and Council, staff, and community, while bringing greater clarity, accountability, and coordination to the team. You will strengthen staffing and internal capability, improve planning, budgeting, procurement, and reporting practices, and restore compliance with key funding requirements such as FNIIP and CMHC Section 95. Capital projects will be on scope, schedule, and budget.

By the end of year two, you will have transitioned the Division to a preventative maintenance model with structured systems for work orders, asset tracking, and recordkeeping. You will also have established a comprehensive asset management framework and an integrated multi-year capital, infrastructure, and housing plan, and modernized housing administration to support the Nation’s newly approved housing manual.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Providing oversight of capital projects from concept through design, construction, and close-out, ensuring schedules stay on track
Coordinating closely with project managers, engineers, architects, and contractors on major projects, including facilities, schools, and water and wastewater infrastructure
Evaluating bids and tenders, and ensuring contracts are followed throughout delivery
Ensuring managers are effectively running public works, roads, and utilities, with activities properly scheduled and completed
Leading capital and operating budgets, and partnering with Finance on funding strategies and grant applications
Ensuring compliance with funder and regulatory requirements, including Indigenous Services Canada, FNIIP, and CMHC Section 95 reporting
Establishing asset management, maintenance, and work order systems to replace informal processes
Providing leadership for housing programs, including development, renewal, waitlist management, and homeownership pathways
Supporting the Nation’s emergency planning, including participating in and helping to staff the Emergency Operations Centre
Leading and mentoring three direct-report managers and their teams

Due to the role's significance, refer to the Director of Capital, Housing & Infrastructure document for a comprehensive overview beyond the listed duties.

More About You
To qualify, you will need a university degree or certification in civil or structural engineering, planning, or a related field, along with at least 7 years of progressive senior-level experience in municipal or First Nation environments, including capital planning and project delivery, infrastructure and public works operations, or Indigenous housing.

The following are required:
Hands-on project management experience, with a strong understanding of project methodology from start to finish
Experience working with First Nation funding agencies, and an understanding of their processes and challenges
A valid Class G Driver’s Licence
Ability to attend construction and project sites with the project team
Ability to undergo a criminal background check and vulnerable sector check
Willingness and ability to travel as required

The following skills and experience will be strong assets:
Professional Engineer (P.Eng) designation, or experience as a project engineer
Project Management Professional (PMP), Registered Professional Planner (RPP), or equivalent certification
Experience working in an engineering or construction firm
An understanding of the dynamics of constructing facilities, schools, and other major projects
Experience with Class 3 Water Treatment Plants and Systems
A background in emergency planning or emergency management
Experience with bid evaluation, tendering, and contract management
Knowledge of the Ontario Building Code, the Environmental Protection Act, MECP regulations, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act
Experience working with Chief and Council, a board, or senior administration

As our ideal candidate, you are an outgoing, hands-on leader who is as comfortable on a construction site as you are in a Council meeting. You bring a practical understanding of how major projects come together, from evaluating bids to keeping contractors accountable and schedules on track. You also see the bigger picture: building the systems and team that move the Division from reacting to planning ahead. Just as importantly, you lead with integrity, calm, and a people-centred approach, bringing an awareness of intergenerational trauma and its impact on workplaces and governance, along with a genuine respect for Curve Lake First Nation’s history, culture, and traditions.

Note: Preference will be given to applicants who have First Nation or Indigenous ancestry.

About the Benefits
In exchange for your hard work and dedication, you will receive a highly competitive salary of $100,000 to $150,000 negotiable dependent on experience, along with a great host of benefits, including:
Relocation assistance
Comprehensive Benefits Plan: extended health care, dental, vision, life and long-term disability, etc.
Competitive Pension Plan with up to 7.5% employer matching
40 paid hours for Special/Personal Leave Bereavement Leave
Paid time off for 17 designated days, including National Indigenous Day, Christmas Day, etc.
Generous vacation accrual
Paid sick days
Regular community events such as Pow Wows, Harvesters' Gatherings, Christmas Craft Shows, and more!
Take on a senior leadership role that builds safe, reliable infrastructure and housing for the Curve Lake First Nation community. Apply now!