Housing Specialist at First Nations… · Saskatoon

About FNCIAS

First Nations Capital and Infrastructure Agency of Saskatchewan is a non-profit organization that exists exclusively to support Saskatchewan First Nation communities to plan, procure, own, and manage their infrastructure assets on their lands.

Our vision is “Empowered, connected, and thriving First Nations built on sustainable infrastructure and healthy homes for present and future generations” and with that vision in mind we recognize the considerable importance of our most important resource, our employees.

Position Description

Title:

Housing Specialist

Reports To:

Senior Manager, Engineering

Location:

Saskatoon, SK

Position Type

Permanent Full-time

Position Summary

The Housing Specialist is a delivery-focused role responsible for supporting First Nations in conducting housing assessments and developing reliable housing inventory data in alignment with FNCIAS’s approved business plan and Business Case Rev 01.

The position supports the implementation of FNCIAS housing initiatives through direct engagement with member Nations, standardized data collection, and development of housing insights that support long-term planning, asset management, and investment readiness.

This role requires a high level of structure, accountability, and adherence to FNCIAS operational expectations, including daily in-office presence, consistent reporting, and disciplined execution of assigned workstreams.

Position Description

1. Housing Assessments (Core Function)

• Conduct and support housing condition assessments in First Nation Communities.
• Ensure the consistency, accuracy, and completeness of assessment data.
• Apply relevant housing standards, building codes, and FNCIAS methodologies.
• Work collaboratively with community representatives during assessments.
  

2. Housing Inventory Development

• Develop and maintain standardized housing inventory datasets.
• Track housing conditions, occupancy, asset age and Lifecycle.
• Provide oversight and guidance to housing assessment vendors to ensure that inspections are carried out accurately and in compliance with relevant building codes and standards.

3. Member Nation Support

• Provide direct, on-the-ground support to member Nations.
• Assist Nations in understanding housing conditions and implications.
• Support capacity-building through knowledge sharing and guidance.
• Document community input and ensure it informs planning.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with First Nation leadership, officials, band members and on-reserve technical staff in the province.
• Work with and support Member Nation's use of FNCIAS supplied housing management software solutions

4. Business Plan and Work Plan Implementation

• Support implementation of FNCIAS housing initiatives under Government of Canada approved business plan and FNCIAS Business Case Rev 01
• Review and contribute to housing-related work plans and business cases.
• Assist in advancing program deliverables and reporting requirements.

5. Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of assessments, engagement activities, findings and reports.
• Enter and maintain detailed records in FNCIAS systems.
• Prepare reports for internal leadership and member Nations.

6. Expertise and Best Practices

• Use of standardized Canadian measurement systems.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, National Building Code of Canada, and industry standards specific to First Nation communities.
• Development of housing related guides, manuals, and templates in support of member Nation capacity building activities.
• Stay up-to-date with industry best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes related to housing management within First Nations and incorporate them into the Nation's housing management strategies and plans.

7. Other duties

• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience 

• 12, GED or ABE.
• Diploma or Certification in Construction, Housing, Engineering technology or related field: plus, several years of related work experience or several years of experience as a qualified tradesperson in a construction trade, such as plumbing, carpentry or electrical trade.
• Experience in housing inspections, construction, or maintenance
• Certification as a housing inspector or Journeyman status in a trade related to housing (Carpentry, Construction Electrician, Plumbing, Roofing, etc.) would be considered an asset.
• Experience working with First Nation communities is strongly preferred.
• A Valid Driver's License is required.
• Successful candidates in this position may come from a variety of academic and/or experiential backgrounds, however demonstrating a passion for improving housing and infrastructure outcomes on reserve lands is mandatory.

 

Desirable Experience and Qualities

• Strong understanding of First Nation housing issues, housing construction, condition assessment, building codes, and relevant regulations.
• Experience in managing external vendors and ensuring the quality and accuracy of their work.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with community members, community housing professionals, housing vendors, and stakeholders.
• Ability to collect and manage structured housing data.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• A deep respect and understanding of First Nation culture, traditions, and values, and the ability to integrate these into housing solutions.
• Proficiency in using computer software for documentation and reporting, as well as experience using Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Excel, Word, SharePoint and Teams) and data systems (e.g. Asset systems)
• High level of organization, integrity, discipline and personal accountability.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong facilitative, negotiation, influencing, written communication and presentation skills.

 

Operational Expectations

Daily Work Requirements:

• Report to FNCIAS Office each morning prior to commencing work.
• Check in with Senior Manager, Engineering daily to confirm priorities.
• Review calendar daily and attend all scheduled meetings.

Field Work Expectations:

• Coordinate and schedule field activities in alignment with approved workplans.
• Travel to First Nation communities as required to conduct assessments and support inventory development.
• Ensure all field activities are authorized and aligned with assigned priorities.

Fleet Vehicle Usage:

• Use FNCIAS fleet vehicles for all authorized work-related travel.
• Book fleet vehicles in advance and follow established procedures.
• Personal vehicle use requires prior approval when fleet vehicles are unavailable.

Accountability and Conduct:

• Adhere to all FNCIAS policies, procedures, and professional conduct standards.
• Maintain a high level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.
• Follow direction provided by the Senior Manager, Engineering for all workstreams, scheduling, and approvals.

Working Conditions

• Office-based role with required daily presence at office or on First Nation communities.
• Regular travel to First Nation communities.
• Combination of fieldwork and administrative duties.

 

FNCIAS is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to continue creating opportunities for Indigenous persons within our industries.

Preference may be given to qualified Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Metis) candidates.