Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) is a proud Coast Salish nation with our land base situated in Tsawwassen, B.C. on the Salish Sea, near the mouth of the Fraser River. In 2009, the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement came into effect –the first modern urban treaty in BC. TFN is a self-governing First Nation with a busy Legal department. 

TFN is seeking a qualified individual to join our Legal Services team in the permanent position of Legal Assistant, Legal Services. In this role you will be primarily responsible for providing administrative support to the Legal department.  TFN has three in-house lawyers and also works with a variety of external counsel.

Primary Responsibilities

• Reviewing and vetting leaseholder land documents and communicating with lawyer and notaries regarding external real estate transactions where TFN may be involved as landlord
• Prepare, review and help finalize contracts and manage processes for internal compliance
• Co-ordinating internal signatories and communicating timelines with relevant staff and stakeholders
• Conducting searches through LTSA, BC Online, Court Services online and other relevant legal searches as required
• Maintaining and organizing an electronic filing system for the legal department’s files and records
• Assisting with scheduling, meeting logistics and preparing relevant materials, and taking minutes
• Review and process correspondence while instituting effective and discreet handling of sensitive documentation
• Maintain departmental calendars, coordinating meetings, appointments, travel, training and other commitments
• Proactively bring forward calendar items for follow up and/or action, issue reminders and track progress on responsibilities
• Coordinate purchases using department credit cards and reconcile statements
• Track department and project expenditures, code invoices for payment, and assist with the preparation of annual operating budgets. Follow-up on routine financial queries
• Coordinate project and department-led training and capability building, including scheduling, logistics, and related corporate processes

Requirements  

• A Legal Administrative Assistant certificate or diploma from a recognized institution
• Prior experience in a professional legal setting with preference given to conveyancing experience
• Knowledge of BC real estate conveyance procedures
• Completion of Grade 12 supplemented by training in office administration, plus sound related experience performing clerical functions; or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel and Teams
• Sound knowledge of business English and proficiency in writing reports and correspondence and communicating over phone calls and Microsoft Teams
• Strong attention to detail, ability to multitask and prioritize tasks depending on deadlines
• Ability to take initiative work collaboratively and independently with a strong work ethic
• Ability to perform clerical duties with accuracy and detail and in accordance with established regulations, policies, and procedures
• Ability to prepare and maintain files, records, reports, and related material
• Ability to prioritize workloads, to work independently with minimal guidelines and supervision, and to perform tasks under periodic work pressure
• Positive attitude and willingness to adapt to an ever-changing workplace

Assets

• Experience working with SharePoint and/or information management systems
• Experience with invoice processing, minute taking, and data entry
• Knowledge and experience working with First Nations communities and governments
• Understanding of the history and culture of Tsawwassen First Nation and Coast Salish Peoples
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and access to a reliable personal vehicle

Wages:  $32.94 per hour ($64,233 per annum) to $34.77 per hour ($67,801.5 per annum) with excellent benefits including enrolment in the BC Municipal Pension Plan. Placement within the pay scale is based on a review of skills, experience and internal equity. 

Hours of work: Position will be full time (37.5 hours per week) during regular business hours (Mon-Fri 8:30 to 4:30). Some work outside of regular office hours may be required.

Work is performed primarily indoors in an office environment.  It is likely that most of the work will be performed remotely although some work in TFN’s offices will be required at least part of the time.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview. 

Pursuant to the Tsawwassen First Nation Government Employees Act, first priority in hiring among qualified applicants will be given to Tsawwassen Members, second priority to spouses (as defined in s. 3 (1) of the BC Family Law Act) of Tsawwassen Members, and third priority to members of other First Nations. If you fall within one of these categories and you wish to have this voluntary information considered as part of your application, please indicate the applicable category in your cover letter.