B.C. First Nations Salary Survey Report 2015 EditionB.C. First Nations Salary Survey Report 2015 Edition AFOA BC strengthens First Nations communities by building leadership and management

B.C. First Nations Salary Survey Report2015 Edition

AFOA BC strengthens First Nations communities by building leadership and management capacity through professional development

training and education

For general information contact AFOA BC: 604.925.6370For detailed information contact report author Jennifer Biddlecombe at Jouta: 604.488.8885

2015 B.C. FIRST NATIONS SALARY SURVEY REPORT

1 2015 B.C. First Nations Salary Survey

2015 AFOA BC. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Compensation and Benefit Practices .......................................................................................................................................... 9

Management and Administration ............................................................................................................................................. 12

Position Title: General Manager (Band Manager, Executive Director) .................................................................................... 13

Position Title: Executive Secretary ..................................................................................................................................... 14

Position Title: Clerical Assistant ......................................................................................................................................... 15

Position Title: Receptionist ............................................................................................................................................... 16

Position Title: Membership Clerk ....................................................................................................................................... 17

Position Title: Computer (IT) Technician ............................................................................................................................ 18

Accounting and Finance .......................................................................................................................................................... 20

Position Title: Controller (Finance Manager) CPA, CAFM ...................................................................................................... 21

Position Title: Finance officer (Bookkeeper) 2 year diploma/degree ...................................................................................... 22

Position Title: Accounts Payable Clerk ............................................................................................................................... 23

Position Title: Payroll Clerk ............................................................................................................................................... 24

Position Title: Finance (Accounting) Clerk .......................................................................................................................... 25




Human Resources .................................................................................................................................................................. 26

Position Title: Employment Counsellor ............................................................................................................................... 27

Position Title: Social Development Director ........................................................................................................................ 29

Position Title: Family Care Support Worker ........................................................................................................................ 30

Position Title: Social Assistance Clerk ................................................................................................................................ 31

Position Title: Recreation Coordinator ................................................................................................................................ 32

Position Title: Youth Coordinator ....................................................................................................................................... 33

Position Title: Homemaker ............................................................................................................................................... 34

Health Programs/Departments ................................................................................................................................................ 35

Position Title: Health Administrator (Manager, Director) ...................................................................................................... 36

Position Title: Community Health Nurse ............................................................................................................................. 37

Position Title: Community Health Representative ................................................................................................................ 38

Position Title: Home Support / Residential Attendant .......................................................................................................... 39

Position Title: Patient Travel Clerk ..................................................................................................................................... 40

Position Title: NNADP Worker (Drug and Alcohol Counsellor) ............................................................................................... 41

Education .............................................................................................................................................................................. 42

Position Title: Education Director (Manager, Administrator) ................................................................................................. 43

Position Title: Education Coordinator (Assistant)................................................................................................................. 44

Position Title: School Principal .......................................................................................................................................... 45

Position Title: Primary/Elementary/Secondary/Adult Education Teacher (Licensed in B.C.) ..................................................... 46

Position Title: Teacher’s Aide (Assistant)............................................................................................................................ 47




Position Title: Cultural/Language Instructor ....................................................................................................................... 48

Position Title: Daycare/Preschool Manager ......................................................................................................................... 49

Position Title: Early Childhood Educators (ECE Workers) ..................................................................................................... 50

Position Title: ECE Assistants ............................................................................................................................................ 51

Position Title: School Bus Driver ....................................................................................................................................... 52

Natural Resource Management Program .................................................................................................................................. 53

Position Title: Fisheries Director (Manager, Administrator) ................................................................................................... 55

Position Title: GIS Technologist ........................................................................................................................................ 56

Housing and Infrastructure ..................................................................................................................................................... 57

Position Title: Housing Director ......................................................................................................................................... 58

Position Title: Housing Coordinator ................................................................................................................................... 59

Position Title: Director of Infrastructure ............................................................................................................................. 60

Position Title: Maintenance Worker ................................................................................................................................... 61

Position Title: Janitor ....................................................................................................................................................... 62

Governance and Leadership .................................................................................................................................................... 63




Executive Summary

The 2015 B.C. First Nations Salary Survey was commissioned by the Aboriginal Finance Officers Association of B.C. and conducted by

the Jouta Performance Group Inc.

The purpose of the survey is to identify pay ranges for leadership and employment positions typically found in First Nation

organizations and Tribal Council/Aboriginal Health/Family Service organizations.

Survey Design and Development

The survey was administered this year using an online survey tool. The survey was designed to be easy for participants to complete

and to reduce potential data entry errors of paper based surveys.

A significant change in approach to this year’s survey was for participants to submit actual pay data rather than average pay or a

pay range. As pay is not normally distributed throughout a range, actual salary data allows for a more accurate picture of what the

array of pay data for a job looks like.

Survey participants were also asked to comment on the closeness/quality of the match between their position and the benchmark

description. This allows for another statistical tool to objectively level the data received.

As in past years, survey participants were asked to provide information on the size of their organization in order to analyze and

report the data based on organizational size (Total Revenue) and type (First Nation or a Tribal Council/Aboriginal Health/Family

Service Organizations).

A new section to the survey this year was compensation, administration and benefit practices. This information provides a more

complete picture of total compensation as group benefits, retirement savings plans, vacation and paid time off benefits are an

integral part of an employee’s compensation package.

The survey job categories and benchmark job descriptions remained similar to prior years. Over 60 jobs were included within 11

areas of operation:

1. Governance and Leadership

2. Management and Administration




3. Finance and Accounting

4. Human Resources

5. Social Development

6. Health

7. Education

8. Housing and Infrastructure

9. Natural Resource Management

10. Economic Development

11. Treaty/Land Claims

The survey was sent out by AFOA BC to its database who were invited to participate in the survey.

Survey Data and Analysis

A similar response as compared to prior years, 41 surveys were received this year. While stronger participation was hoped for, the

data submitted provides representative sampling for most positions. As organizations do not employ every position, there are some

positions where the sample size is too small to analyze and report. Unlike past surveys, this year’s data has not been amalgamated

with prior year’s data.

When considering survey data, it is important to be comparing “apples to apples” for this reason a number of statistical principles

were implemented to “level” the data received.

1. Participants were asked to submit their data either as hourly or salary; however they usually compensate the position. All

data received was converted to a salary and an average hourly equivalent was also reported. Most organizations submitting

data in this survey follow a 35 hour (7 hours per day) work week. This was used as the basis for calculating and levelling pay

data. For the few organizations that work a 40 hour or 37.5 hour week, a conversion factor was applied to the data.




2. Participants were asked to rate the quality/closeness of the match of the duties performed by their incumbent to the

benchmark job description. For positions that were rated as “duties performed by incumbent are slightly less than described

duties” a conversion factor of 5% was added to the salary. For positions that were rated as “duties performed by incumbent

are slightly more than the described duties” a conversion factor of 5% was deducted from the salary.

3. Outliers were also considered. Outliers are those salary figures that are significantly higher or lower than other data points

within the set. Given the relatively small sample size of data and the variability of salaries, care was taken not to deplete the

sample size by the over-zealous trimming of data. A very moderate approach was used to remove a few statistically

significant outliers. The criteria used was that a submission was excluded if the salary was ≥30% higher or lower than the

next data point within the set.

Reporting

Each position will be reported using the following framework

Position Title: Title

Description: Description

Number of

Salary quotes

25th percentile Average Salary 75th percentile Average Hourly Rate

First Nation < $10 Million Revenue

First Nation > $10 Million Revenue

First Nation All

Tribal Council, Health Authority, Agency

All




The data has been divided, where there is sufficient sample size, into the following categories:

1. First Nation <10 Million Revenue

2. First Nation >10 Million Revenue

3. Tribal Council/Health Authority/Agency

To report data in any of these categories, there must be a minimum data set of 3 salary quotes. This is to safeguard confidentiality

as well as to ensure validity of the data. Where there are less than 3 salary quotes in either the <10 M or >10 M but there are at

least 3 submissions combined, these quotes were amalgamated into a “First Nations All” category. If the sample size is small in all

categories, but 3 or more salary quotes exist overall, they were combined and reported as “All”

The “average” or the “mean” is used as the middle measurement of the data. It is calculated by adding the series of numbers

together and dividing by the sum of the number of items in the series. The 25th percentile (or bottom quartile) indicates the point in

the range where 25% of the data will fall below. The 75th percentile (or top quartile) is the point where 25% of the data will rise

above. Some organizations may target to “lead the market” with salaries in the top quartile, while other organizations may “lag the

market” with salaries in the bottom quartile.

Average pay for each position is reported both as a salary and as an hourly rate. As noted previously, the salary data is levelled to

reflect a 35 hour work week.

There are several positions in First Nation organizations that are common in the general labour market. Where these “benchmark”

positions exist, we have provided general market data from the Economic Research Institute (ERI). ERI is renowned in North

America for providing robust salary information for 6,000 positions that can be presented by industry, geographic area etc. The

market data provided from ERI in this survey is based on the following criteria:

All Industries average

BC Province Wide,

5 years of experience

This information is to provide readers of this survey an additional market-based tool when evaluating their own compensation plans.




A short section of notes is included at the end of some positions to provide any additional information that was learned through the

analysis or to guide the reader through interpretation of the results.

Our overall findings in this year’s survey is that in the two years since the last survey, salaries have increased in most categories by

5% - 7%. This is an estimate as the exact percentages were not calculated. In cases where a more substantial increase or a

decrease has been noted over the 2013 survey, this has been pointed out in the notes section.




Compensation and Benefit Practices

Compensation Practices

Out of 41 responses, 31 organizations indicated they review their compensation on an annual basis. Others responded that

compensation is reviewed irregularly or infrequently.

When asked to rate the following factors in order of importance, the tallied results indicated the following (1 being the most

important):

1. The organization’s ability to pay

2. Employee performance

3. Market wage rates

4. General economic conditions

5. Staff turnover and completion for employees

General increases

17 organizations responded that they provided salary increases between 2-3% last year. 4 organizations indicated an

increase greater than 3%.

Bonus Plan

5 organizations indicated they have a year-end bonus for employees

Benefit Practices

Breaks

34 respondents indicated they provide an unpaid lunch break. 7 organizations indicated they pay for all or part of the lunch

break. The most common length for a lunch break is 60 minutes.

Nearly all respondents indicated they provide 2 paid breaks each day of 10-15 minutes.




Vacation

Of the responses to this question, 14 organizations start vacation at two weeks per year and 19 organizations start vacation

at three weeks per year.

After five years, 12 organizations provide three weeks of vacation and 17 provide four weeks of vacation (4 organizations

provide more than four weeks).

Statutory/General Holidays

When asked if organizations provide additional holidays over and above legislated requirements, most organizations indicated

they follow BC Stat holidays even though not federally required to do so.

In addition, Aboriginal Day is observed by most organizations.

7 organizations indicated they provide two weeks’ time off at Christmas. 4 organizations indicated they provide 1 week off at

Christmas time.

Paid Sick Leave

Offered by all respondents to this question

8 organizations provide sick days of 12 days or less

23 organizations provide sick days of 15 days or more

Group Benefit Plans


19 organizations cost share the benefit premiums with employees

17 organizations pay 100% of the benefit plan

Retirement


All have a pension plan with the exception of 4 organizations who offer an RRSP.

Contributions are employer matched by nearly all respondents at 4-6%




Education /Professional Development Tuition

17 organizations provide a plan to reimburse/cover costs for employee development, most at 100%

21 organizations report they do not provide this benefit.

First Nation organizations provide favourable and generous employee benefits overall. It is important to consider benefits and paid

time off provisions, as these items are an important part of an employee’s overall compensation package.




Management and Administration

This section of the survey overall had a lot of response. Positions such as the General Manager (Band Manager), Receptionist,

Executive Assistant, Clerical Assistant, are found in many organizations resulting in quality job matches and data.

The only position not reported in this section is the Secretary/Admin assistant due to small sample size. It appears likely that the

duties included in this position are covered in other positions.




Position Title: General Manager (Band Manager, Executive Director)

Description: A position usually required by all First Nation and Tribal Council organizations, this position reports

directly to Chief & Council or a Council of Chiefs or Board of Directors. The position is responsible for planning and administering the

organization’s annual operating budget, implements Band Council Resolutions (BCRs) or Council of Chief’s Resolutions and decisions,

directs a team of professional and support staff.

Notes:

4 organizations report that incentive/bonus pay forms part of total compensation for this position.

12 organizations report that this position is eligible for overtime or time in lieu for hours worked above standard hours.

The reported results for this position show an increase overall from the 2013 survey, particularly in the large First Nations

category.

Number of

Salary quotes


First Nation < $10 Million Revenue 16 $ 65,250

$ 73,897

$ 83,684

$ 40.60

First Nation > $10 Million Revenue 6

$ 100,278

$ 114,705

$ 127,905

$ 63.02

First Nation All


12

$ 66,875

$ 83,173

$ 87,094

$ 45.70

All




Position Title: Executive Secretary

Description: A position usually required by medium to large organizations, this position reports directly to the General

Manager (Band Manager), this position provides a high level of administrative and secretarial support to the General Manager, members

of Chief & Council, Council of Chiefs, Board of Directors. Prepares meeting agendas and arranges committee, Chief & Council, or

Council of Chiefs, and other meetings. Takes accurate meeting minutes, maintains files, arranges travel for executive positions, may

coordinate and manage General Manager, or Executive Director, appointments and meetings. Types and compiles letters, documents,

support materials for the General Manager/Executive Director and/or Chief & Council or Council of Chiefs.

Notes:

A wide variety of titles reported by respondents including Executive Assistant, Clerk to Council, Office Manager, Corporate

Clerk.

Number of

Salary quotes



$ 40,583

$ 40,950

$ 22.30

First Nation > $10 Million Revenue 4 $ 39,644

$ 43,086

$ 46,330

$ 23.67

First Nation All


9 $ 42,588

$ 44,678

$ 48,125

$ 24.55

All

ERI Benchmark Administrative Secretary

$ 52,307




Position Title: Clerical Assistant

Description: Typical in many organizations, this position sorts and files records and assists staff or department in

performing clerical tasks requiring limited knowledge of systems or procedures. Answers phone, conveys messages and runs

errands. Stamps, sorts and distributes mail.

Notes:

4 organizations reported having multiple (2-4) incumbents in this role.

Number of

Salary quotes



$ 26,758

$ 29,781

$ 14.70


$ 30,970

$ 32,190

$ 17.02

First Nation All

Tribal Council, Health Authority,

Agency

11 $ 29,739

$ 33,572

$ 38,010

$ 18.45

All




Position Title: Receptionist

Description: A position usually required by most organizations this position primarily greets visitors arriving at the

office, directs visitors to appropriate office staff or service, answers and forwards telephone calls, takes messages, may schedule

appointments or perform clerical duties.

Notes:

Due to small sample size of First Nations >10 $M and Tribal Council Categories, results are also combined and displayed as

“All”

Number of

Salary quotes


First Nation < $10 Million Revenue 8

$ 25,339

$ 28,197

$ 31,641

$ 15.49


$ 26,699

$ 28,295

$ 14.67

First Nation All


Agency

3

$ 30,849

$ 32,548

$ 35,172

$ 17.88

All 15

$ 25,565

$ 28,668

$ 33,852

$ 15.75

ERI Benchmark Receptionist

$ 36,316




Position Title: Membership Clerk

Description: This position performs the following duties either guided by Band(s) membership codes or by Section 6

of the Indian Act. This position assists individuals with their applications for Indian Status Registration; maintains and updates the

AANDC Indian Registry for Band population; assists individuals with Band membership application; updates and maintains the Band

membership list with respect to births, deaths, marriages, divorces, adoptions, transfers, and other events that would affect the

Indian Registry or Band membership list.

Notes:

Most results reported for this position work part time hours or on-call as needed.

Number of

Salary quotes



$ 34,214

$ 36,213

$ 18.80


$ 31,531

$ 31,901

$ 17.32

First Nation All


<3

All




Position Title: Computer (IT) Technician

Description: This position performs some, or all, of the following duties; Maintain, troubleshoot and administer the

use of local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), mainframe networks, computer workstations, connections to the

Internet and peripheral equipment. Evaluate and install computer hardware, networking software, operating system software and

software applications. Operate master consoles to monitor the performance of computer systems and networks and to co-ordinate

access and use of computer network. Provide problem-solving services to network users, install, maintain, troubleshoot and upgrade

Web-server hardware and software. Implement network traffic and security monitoring software, and optimize server performance,

perform routine network start up and shut down and maintain control records. Perform data backups and disaster recovery

operations, conduct tests and perform security and quality controls, control and monitor e-mail use, Web navigation, and installed

software, may perform shell scripting or other scripting tasks.

Number

of Salary

quotes

25th percentile Average Salary 75th percentile Average Hourly

Rate



First Nation All 8 $ 35,260

$ 45,553

$ 52,211

$ 25.03


Agency

4

$ 50,005

$ 58,809

$ 65,452

$ 32.31

All




Notes:

As 2 First Nation organizations reported multiple incumbents, the results for First Nations were combined for a more

representative result.

Salaries for this category were quite varied. This likely indicates a variety of IT jobs being matched to this category.

A couple of responses were not included in the results of this position due to the position title of “Director” and the

corresponding high salary.




Accounting and Finance




Position Title: Controller (Finance Manager) CPA, CAFM

Description: This position is head of the accounting department and oversees; payroll, accounts payable, accounts

receivable, and general accounting functions. Maintains the general ledger and assists accounting staff with the development and

submission of sub-ledgers, evaluates financial statements, assists the G.M., Chief & Council, or Council of Chiefs, with the

interpretation of financial statements, makes recommendations to address areas of surplus or deficits, develops and implements

financial policies and procedures, may supervise one or more accounting staff.

Notes:

8 of the responding organizations indicated that this position is eligible to receive overtime or time in lieu for hours worked

above standard work hours.

Salaries for this position are quite varied with a wide range for both First Nation categories and Tribal Council/Health

Authority organizations.

Number of

Salary quotes



$ 74,455

$ 87,083

$ 40.91


$ 61,250

$ 70,757

$ 75,510

$ 38.88

First Nation All


8 $ 61,250

$ 78,122

$ 85,175

$ 42.92

All




Position Title: Finance Officer (Bookkeeper) 2 year diploma/degree

Description: A position required by most all organizations, this position performs a variety of accounting work

including, but not limited to; preparing income/expense statements, cash flow statements, may assist with preparation of year-end

audits, may assist departments with budget formulation. Analyzes monthly financial statements, flags areas of surplus or deficit, may

assist with the development of variance reports.

Notes:

Number of

Salary quotes



$ 40,280

$ 46,812

$ 50,960

$ 25.72


$ 52,101

$ 57,038

$ 28.63

First Nation All


<3

All




Position Title: Accounts Payable Clerk

Description: A position usually required by medium to large organizations, this position processes, verifies and

balances accounts payable financial records and business transactions (invoices), enters data into ledger or computerized system,

executes bill or invoice payment procedures.

Notes:

The results for this position have decreased slightly from the 2013 survey and are below market average as shown by the

ERI benchmark. It is noted that the reported salaries for the Finance Clerk position have increased since the 2013 survey, so

this may be a matter of how positions were matched in this survey.

Number

of Salary

quotes


Rate


$ 33,638

$ 36,762

$ 18.48


$ 29,058

$ 29,376

$ 15.97

First Nation All


Agency

<3

All

ERI Benchmark

Accounts Payable Clerk

$ 47,062




Position Title: Payroll Clerk

Description: A position usually required by medium to large organizations, this position maintains records of

employee attendance, leave, and overtime. Calculates pay and benefit entitlements using manual or computerized system. Prepares

and verifies statement of earnings for employees, may be required to process benefits forms and documents for pension plan,

employment insurance.

Notes:

Results combined due to small sample size in each category.

Number of

Salary quotes




First Nation All


All 6 $ 30,622

$ 40,508

$ 44,836

$ 22.26




Position Title: Finance (Accounting) Clerk

Description: In small to medium size organizations that do not justify the hiring of a full-time accounts payable,

accounts receivable, or benefits clerk positions, a general “accounting clerk position” that undertakes a combination of accounts

payable, accounts receivable, and benefits clerk responsibilities seems to be a more practical and cost effective approach to finance

department structure.

Notes:

Salaries for this position are varied. Most results indicated that their position was either “slightly more” than stated

description or “slightly less” than stated description. Although salaries are levelled to account for this, this correlates with the

variability of reported salaries.

Number of

Salary quotes



$ 40,782

$ 49,999

$ 22.41


$ 40,705

$ 44,222

$ 22.37

First Nation All


<3

All

ERI Benchmark Accounts Payable and Receivable Clerk

$ 43,994




Human Resources

There was insufficient sample size for the Human Resources Manager position.




Position Title: Employment Counsellor

Description: This position normally performs some or all of the following duties; interviews candidates/clients to

obtain employment history, education background and career goals; identifies personal barriers to employment and assists clients

overcome identified personal barrier; assists clients in the development of job readiness skills and job search skills; administers and

interprets tests designed to identify interests, aptitudes and abilities; assesses client need for assistance and provides referral to

those services; collects labour market information on job postings, entry level skills required, and other occupational information for

the client.

Notes:

Number of

Salary quotes


First Nation < $10 Million Revenue <3


<3

First Nation All


<3

All 5 $ 42,382

$ 47,375

$ 51,670

$ 26.03




Social Development

The following positions were not reported due to insufficient sample size:

Social Worker Supervisor

Social Worker

Foster Home Recruiter




Position Title: Social Development Director

Description: This position manages programs and services that may or may not include Child Welfare Transfer

Programs. This position oversees multiple social development programs/services such as; Social Assistance Programs; Family

Support Programs; Adult Care Programs, and may include Child Welfare and Foster Home programs. This position manages program

budgets and services delivery and usually oversees a number of professionals and employees delivering social services.

Notes:

While there is some variability of salary data, reported salaries for this position are generally homogeneous as compared to

some positions.

A modest increase is noted in the small First Nations category since the 2013 survey.

Number of

Salary quotes



$ 52,067

$ 56,502

$ 28.61


$ 60,801

$ 66,807

$ 33.41

First Nation All


<3

All




Position Title: Family Care Support Worker

Description: This position develops and executes prevention strategies for children at risk, executes children at risk

detection, liaises with Ministry or First Nation/Tribal Council employed Social Workers to jointly investigate reports of child

abuse/neglect. Ideally, jointly develops individualized family care plans and child-in-care plans, may be involved in arrangement of

foster care homes for children-in-care.

Notes:

9 Responses were reported from 6 organizations. To alleviate weighting issues in small organizational sample sizes, the

results have been combined into the “all” category.

Number of

Salary quotes




First Nation All


Agency

All 9 $ 37,310

$ 39,611

$ 40,040

$ 21.76

ERI Benchmark Social Service Worker

$ 46,720




Position Title: Social Assistance Clerk

Description: This position is specifically involved with the administration of the Social Assistance Program by

assisting clients with applications and performing income tests, performs social assistance calculations. May be involved in

employment counselling or referral, may execute the social assistance payment process.

Notes:

Only First Nation Organizations with Revenue > $10 M reported results for this position.

While this is a small sample size, reported salaries are generally homogeneous for this position.

A modest increase over the 2013 survey.

Number of

Salary quotes




$ 39,079

$ 39,706

$ 21.47

First Nation All


0

All




Position Title: Recreation Coordinator

Description: Sometimes a stand-alone position, this position can be included under Social Development or Health as

a program promoting healthy living/life styles. This position organizes sporting events and league play for indoor/outdoor

recreational activities that target a broad age range in community membership.

Notes:

A slight decrease is noted for this position since the 2013 survey.

Number of

Salary quotes



First Nation > $10 Million Revenue <3


$ 32,843

$ 33,867

$ 18.05


0

All




Position Title: Youth Coordinator

Description: A majority of these types of positions are usually involved in arranging social and recreational activities

to a specific age group ranging from mid-teens to early twenties. This position may also provide client referral to drug & alcohol-

counselling services and provide or arrange for the provision of life skills education. Youth Services (Coordinators) may target

services for youth at risk to offend or re-offend.

Notes:

As 2 organizations had more than 1 incumbent in the position, the results have been combined to decrease weighting factors.

A slight decrease is noted from the 2013 survey.

Number of

Salary quotes





$ 31,309

$ 31,386

$ 17.20


<3

All




Position Title: Homemaker

Description: Differing from long term care aides, homemakers provide more non-personal household services such

as washing & changing bed linen, ironing, washing & drying dishes, cleaning house. This position may also be required to transport

clients and assist with shopping and other routine tasks such as mail pickup, bill payments, etc. Limited personal care services may

also be performed.

Notes:

5 of the participating organizations reported more than one incumbent for this position.

Number

of

Salary quotes


Rate


$ 26,663

$ 30,576

$ 14.65


$ 28,343

$ 30,103

$ 15.57

First Nation All


Agency

0

All

ERI Benchmark

Home Care Aide

$ 33,670




Health Programs/Departments

The Licensed Practical Nurse position is not reported due to insufficient sample size.




Position Title: Health Administrator (Manager, Director)

Description: A position usually required by medium to large First Nation organizations, this position oversees a

number of health related programs and services, some of which may include; NNADAP, Drug & Alcohol Camps or Treatment

Facilities, Community Health Programs (of which CHNs and CHRs are employed), Mental Health (Clinicians), Healthy Babies, Brighter

Futures, etc. This position manages multiple health program budgets and oversees a number of health care workers / professionals

employed under those programs.

Notes:

4 positions noted that they receive over time or time in lieu for hours worked above the standard work week.

Salaries for this position are quite varied with a wide range for both First Nations categories.

Number of

Salary quotes



$ 61,202

$ 67,167

$ 33.63


$ 68,888

$ 78,030

$ 37.85

First Nation All


<3

All




Position Title: Community Health Nurse

Description: Dependent on the existence of Health Transfer Agreements some First Nations, or Tribal Councils,

employ Community Health Nurses. This position may be involved in the delivery of health prevention/education for pre/post-natal,

infant, child, youth, adult and elders. This position may also perform detection services such as screening and testing, and delivers

or arranges for the delivery of health services for diagnosed health problems.

Notes:

A significant salary difference is noted for this position between First Nations < $10 Million and those > $ 10 Million.

All reported positions pay this position on an hourly basis vs salary.

A decrease is noted from the 2013 survey.

Number of

Salary quotes



$ 52,295

$ 55,692

$ 28.73


$ 66,789

$ 73,200

$ 36.70

First Nation All


All

ERI Benchmark Community Health Nurse

$ 67,538




Position Title: Community Health Representative

Description: A CHR works closely with CHNs in the establishment of community health priorities relating to health;

prevention, detection, assessment, and treatment. This position is usually involved in the delivery of health education (prevention)

workshops and seminars on a variety of prioritized health care topics and may be involved in assisting CHNs with the establishment

of community health problem detection and service delivery networks with school nurses, doctors & specialists. This position

promotes cross-cultural understanding between community clients/patients and health care professionals.

Notes:

A modest increase is noted for this position over the 2013 survey.

Number of

Salary quotes





$ 42,255

$ 44,090

$ 23.22


0

All




Position Title: Home Support/Residential Attendant

Description: Usually associated with a Home Support Program, this position is an extension of, but does not include

Homemaker positions. These attendants/aides assist residents (in a long term care facility) or clients (at home) with personal

hygiene, movement, safety and nutrition. These positions may also be involved in the delivery of special care to people who are

cognitively impaired. Unlike Homemakers, these positions require certification.

Notes:

As 3 organizations had more than 1 incumbent in the position, the results have been combined to decrease weighting factors.

A modest increase since the 2013 survey is noted for this position.

Number of

Salary quotes




First Nation All


Agency

All 9 $ 33,816

$ 35,805

$ 40,404

$ 19.67

ERI Benchmark Nursing Aid

$ 37,832




Position Title: Patient Travel Clerk

Description: A position usually employed by medium to large First Nation, or Tribal Council, organizations. This

position determines client/patient eligibility for transportation to and from health care facilities, tracks eligible costs and issues

payments. Many Patient Travel Clerks are also involved in the arrangement and scheduling of transportation services on behalf of

clients/patients.

Notes:

A modest increase over the 2013 survey is noted for this position.

Number of

Salary quotes




$ 33,910

$ 36,128

$ 18.63

First Nation All


<3

All 7 $ 32,760

$ 35,893

$ 38,011

$ 19.72




Position Title: NNADP Worker (Drug and Alcohol Counsellor)

Description: A position employed by a majority of First Nation, and some Tribal Council organizations, this position

is usually involved in the identification of community priorities as they relate to drug & alcohol; prevention, detection, treatment and

aftercare. Delivers substance abuse & alcohol education awareness workshops, executes client assessments and intake for the

NNADA Program; develops individual/group recovery case plans. Provides client referral to treatment centres or camps; may be

involved in client release planning and provision of aftercare services for clients completing treatment programs.

Notes:

One organization in the First Nation > $10 Million reported more than one incumbent in the position.

Number of

Salary quotes



$ 38,166

$ 40,249

$ 20.97


$ 40,424

$ 39,130

$ 22.21

First Nation All


All

ERI Benchmark Drug Abuse Counsellor

$ 46,864




Education




Position Title: Education Director (Manager, Administrator)

Description: A position usually required by medium to large First Nation or Tribal Council organizations, this position

oversees a number of education related programs, some of which may be; Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP),

Elementary/Secondary, Pre-School, Daycare, Adult Basic Education (ABE), First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC)

programs. This position manages multiple education program budgets and oversees any number of education professionals and

support workers.

Notes:

A wide and variable range of salaries and titles reported for this position.

Number of

Salary quotes



$ 50,884

$ 60,591

$ 27.96


$ 58,070

$ 67,058

$ 31.91

First Nation All


<3

All




Position Title: Education Coordinator (Assistant)

Description: This position usually administers the four most common education programs; Post-Secondary;

Elementary/Secondary; Adult Basic Education and FNESC. Student applications and registrations are reviewed by this position and

nominal roles prepared, funding proposals may be prepared and submitted. This position calculates funding for eligible Post-

Secondary students, Block Funding for Elementary/Secondary, Adult Basic Education, and perhaps Pre-school Education. This

position may schedule visits with students at post-secondary institutions, and in the case of many elementary/secondary students,

may act as or oversee Native Education Workers working at School District schools.

Notes:

Number of

Salary quotes





$ 40,046

$ 46,657

$ 22.00


0

All




Position Title: School Principal

Description: This position performs some or all of the following duties; plans, organizes, directs, controls and

evaluates the activities of teachers and support staff; reviews programs to ensure conformance to school board or provincial

standards and develops programs within limits of authority; coordinates teaching activities of the institution by making staff

assignments, determining class size and preparing timetables. Organizes and maintains procedures for the keeping of records;

prepares and administers institution or program budgets; directs and coordinates school maintenance services and use of school

facilities; may recruit and hire teachers, may teach on a fill-in basis.

Notes:

While a small sample size, a modest increase over the 2013 survey is noted.

Number of

Salary quotes





$ 81,629

$ 72,000

$ 44.85


All

ERI Benchmark School Administrator

$ 82,023




Position Title: Primary/Elementary/Secondary/Adult Education Teacher (Licensed in B.C.)

Description: Under this classification some or all of the following duties would be performed; prepares subject

material for presentation to students according to approved curriculum; teaches students using a systematic plan of lectures,

discussions, audio-visual presentations, and laboratory, shop and field studies; assigns and corrects homework; prepares,

administers and corrects tests; evaluates student progress, determines individual needs of students and discusses results with

parents (for secondary students) and school officials; prepares and implements remedial programs for students requiring extra help;

participates in staff meetings, educational conferences and teacher training workshops; may advise students on course selection and

on vocational and personal matters; may supervise student teachers or teacher aides.

Notes:

4 organizations with multiple incumbents in the role.

Number of

Salary quotes





$ 59,252

$ 64,111

$ 31.91


0

All




Position Title: Teacher’s Aide (Assistant)

Description: Generally, a teacher’s aide performs some or all of the following duties; assists students with lessons

under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher; monitors and reports to the classroom teacher on student progress; assists

with the preparation of learning materials and environment; accompanies and supervises students during activities in school

gymnasiums, laboratories, libraries, resource centres and on field trips; monitors students during recess and noon hour; may assist

with marking of tests and worksheets; assists with classroom inventory.

Notes:

Total of 4 organizations, 2 with multiple incumbents.

This position has seen a substantial increase since the 2013 survey.

Number of

Salary quotes





$ 39,540

$ 43,800

$ 21.73


Agency

All




Position Title: Cultural/Language Instructor

Description: This position delivers lesson plans and learning outcomes for some or all of First Nations culture and

language elements: language (reading, writing, speaking), spirituality, traditional hunting, trapping, fishing, food gathering

techniques, traditional crafts & art, current verse traditional political structure and governance. This position teaches other cultural

elements important to the preservation of First Nations language and culture. This position may be employed in a Primary or

Secondary School setting.

Notes:

3 organizations, each with multiple incumbents. Two of these organizations have different rates of pay which may indicate a

more senior and more junior instructor level.

Number of

Salary quotes





$ 41,515

$ 41,651

$ 22.81


Agency

0

All




Position Title: Daycare/Preschool Manager

Description: This position usually oversees daycare/pre-school facilities and program operations; prepares and

administers approved annual daycare/pre-school operating budgets and may supervise a number of Early Childhood Educators and

Assistants; Oversees the delivery of daycare/pre-school program components such as nutrition, health, culture, school readiness,

child development and children with special needs. This position may also provide fill-in ECE duties on a temporary basis. This

position requires ECE Certification.

Notes:

Salaries for this position have remained flat with a slight decrease in the large First Nations category since the 2013 survey.

Number of

Salary quotes



$ 37,419

$ 39,332

$ 40,841

$ 21.61


$ 38,316

$ 42,375

$ 42,000

$ 23.28

First Nation All


<3

All




Position Title: Early Childhood Educators (ECE Workers)

Description: This position normally assists with the annual planning and adjusted delivery of pre-school curriculum

and services; the delivery of pre-school program curriculum lesson plans to children in support of their spiritual, emotional,

intellectual and physical growth; the adjusted delivery of pre-school curriculum in accordance with the special development needs of

each child; the guidance of child behaviours in support of positive social interaction and self-concept; the assurance of a safe and

healthy play and learning environment for the children; the foster of positive and constructive communication with parents. ECEs

require certification, without certification they would be ECE Assistants.

Notes:

6 organizations with multiple incumbents for a total of 20 salary quotes. Reported together due to small organizational

sample size in one or more categories.

Number of

Salary quotes




First Nation All


All 20 $ 31,213

$ 35,793

$ 40,470

$ 19.67

ERI Benchmark

Teacher Preschool

$ 38,044




Position Title: ECE Assistants

Description: These positions work in pre-school and daycare centres, they assist ECE Workers, lead children in

activities to simulate intellectual, physical, social and emotional development; they may assist with the preparation of play and

learning activities, and accompany children during these activities; Under the supervision of ECE Workers, they may be required to

work with special needs children requiring more attention; they also assist children with personal hygiene and toiletry as required.

ECE Assistants do not have ECE certification and therefore must be supervised by a qualified ECE Worker.

Notes:

While a small sample size, a decrease from the 2013 survey is noted.

Number of

Salary quotes





$ 24,267

$ 27,528

$ 13.33


Agency

All




Position Title: School Bus Driver

Description: This position; conducts pre-trip inspections of the bus, drives the school bus to transport children to

and from home and school, drives defensively and ensures child safety during boarding, on board, and during departure of the bus,

undertakes child passenger behavior management as necessary. This position requires more than a class 5 drivers’ license, and may

or may not require airbrakes certification.

Notes:

Number of

Salary quotes





$ 36,983

$ 37,765

$ 20.32


All




Natural Resource Management Program

The number of data submissions for this job category decreased from prior survey years. Several positions had less than 4 data

points, so results have not been reported.

The following positions are not reported due to insufficient sample size:

Registered Professional Forester

Forestry Technician

Fisheries Technician

Salmon Enhancement Program manager

Salmon Program Worker

Fish Ranger




Position Title: Natural Resources Officer (Director of Lands and Resources)

Description: This position liaises with a number of Provincial and Federal district offices and Managers to ensure the

interests and concerns of the First Nation, or Tribal Council member First Nations, are promoted with respect to natural resource

protection, or utilization, within the Nation(s) traditional territory, or delegate Tribal Council area. This position should review

proposed natural resource utilization plans (e.g. timber, mineral extraction) by companies operating within the Nation(s) traditional

territory, or delegated Tribal Council area. New natural resource management /protection programs may be created and managed by

this position through direct management or co-management agreements.

Notes:

Many participants noted their job titles as “Lands Manager” or “Lands Officer”. There was a “Lands Manager” position noted

in the Treaty section of the survey with less than 4 data submissions so it did not meet the sample size criteria for reporting.

Therefore, the data from that position has been merged with the data for this position.

An increase is noted in the small First Nation category and a decrease noted in the large First Nation category from the 2013

survey.

Number

of Salary

quotes


Rate


$58,945

$60,141

$61,898

$ 33.04


$59,926 $64,022

$68,905

$ 35.17

First Nation All


Agency

<3

All 13

$58,240

$61,207

$64,613

$ 33.63




Position Title: Fisheries Director (Manager, Administrator)

Description: This position is usually associated with First Nations or Tribal Councils that have negotiated management or

co-management agreements with the Department of Fisheries & Oceans (DFO). This position works collaboratively with DFO and

local fisheries commissions to annually; review, evaluate, and conduct short and long term plans for fisheries programs. This position

also formulates, justifies, negotiates and controls fisheries program(s), annual operating budgets, manages and controls fisheries

program operation activities, may supervise one or more fisheries biologists, technicians, or seasonal stream crews.

Notes:

The salaries reported for this position had a wide range.

The results show a moderate decrease from the 2013 survey.

Number

of Salary

quotes


Rate



<3

First Nation All


<3

All 5 $ 44,248

$ 51,242

$ 57,700

$ 28.15




Position Title: GIS Technologist

Description: Operates specialized computer hardware and software and peripheral equipment to model, manage,

analyze and display geospatial data. Develops specialized computer software routines, Internet based GIS, database and business

applications to customize geographic information. This position may work with external organizations on data transfer and systems

compatibility issues; may also perform data entry and editing activities and maintenance operations to systems following pre-

determined calibration procedures.

Notes:

Number

of

Salary quotes


Rate




$ 43,057

$ 44,028

$ 23.66


Agency

All 7 $ 42,317

$ 47,947

$ 49,311

$ 26.34

ERI Benchmark

GIS Specialist

$ 53,305




Housing and Infrastructure

The following positions are not reported due to insufficient sample size.

Housing Coordinator

Heavy Equipment Operator

Capital Projects Manager




Position Title: Housing Director

Description: A position usually associated with most medium to large size First Nation organizations, some Tribal

Councils may employ this position as a professional advisory position for their member First Nations. This position may manage a

housing department or housing authority that delivers multiple programs such as; CMHC Social Housing, Capital Housing, Band

Owned Housing, and perhaps the Residential Rehabilitation Assistant Program (RRAP). Annual housing program budgets are

managed and maintained by this position, and new housing phase or unit construction projects may be required of this position.

Notes:

Organizational titles vary from Housing Coordinator to Housing Director.

4 positions report eligible to receive overtime or time in lieu for hours worked beyond the standard work week.

A substantial decrease is noted from the 2013 survey.

Number of

Salary quotes



$ 41,727

$ 44,840

$ 22.93


$ 45,010

$ 47,513

$ 24.73


$ 43,368

$ 49,657

$ 23.83


Agency

<3

All




Position Title: Housing Coordinator

Description: A position employed by most First Nation organizations, this position focuses on the on-going

administration and management of current (existing) housing units and governing programs. Administration of existing CMHC Social

Housing phases, Capital Housing, Band Owned Housing, and RRAP is usually required of this position. Administering applications for

housing, or RRAP, performing income tests, LEM rent calculations, rent or mortgage payment collection, arranging for house

inspections and required maintenance are typical duties performed by this position.

Notes:

Number of

Salary quotes



$ 42,467

$ 45,500

$ 23.33


First Nation All


Agency

<3

All




Position Title: Director of Infrastructure

Description: Larger First Nation organizations possessing significant community infrastructure assets normally

employ a Director of Infrastructure, or O&M Manager. Some Tribal Councils employ this position as an advisory position for their

member First Nations. This position manages and oversees the operation and repair of all community infrastructure systems,

including but not limited to: road & drainage, hydrant fire protection, water distribution, sewer systems, and community owned

building/facility repair & maintenance. This high level position is responsible for managing annual budgets associated with the

operation and maintenance of infrastructure systems.

Notes:

Within this small sample size, a wide range of salaries reported for this position

4 positions report eligible to receive overtime or time in lieu for hours worked beyond the standard work week.

A modest decrease from the 2013 survey is noted.

Number of

Salary quotes




$ 46,600

$ 52,328

$ 25.60

First Nation All


<3

All 6 $ 44,240

$ 49,627

$ 52,677

$ 27.27




Position Title: Maintenance Worker

Description: Most all First Nation organizations, regardless of size, and some Tribal Councils employ this type of

position. Village Maintenance Workers carry out routine operation and maintenance duties of community infrastructure systems,

usually in accordance with a village maintenance plan. Repair and maintenance include; road & drainage, hydrant fire protection,

water distribution, sewer systems, and community facility/buildings. This position may also undertake solid waste disposal or

garbage collection.

Notes:

All submissions reported paying this position on an hourly basis vs. salary.

A modest decrease is noted in the small First Nations category from the 2013 survey. The large First Nations category has

remained flat.

Number of

Salary quotes



$ 33,530

$ 38,220

$ 18.42


$ 37,124

$ 41,091

$ 20.40

First Nation All


<3

All

ERI Benchmark Water Maintenance Worker

$ 45,786




Position Title: Janitor

Description: Janitors normally provide routine daily cleaning of community run facilities such as Band / Tribal

Council administration offices, community halls, etc. They also undertake major annual and spring-cleaning activities.

Notes:

4 organizations have more than one incumbent in the role.

A modest increase is noted from the 2013 survey.

Number of hours per week vary for this position.

Number

of Salary

quotes


Rate


$ 28,138

$ 30,530

$ 15.46


$ 31,723

$ 33,979

$ 17.43

First Nation All


5 $ 25,899

$ 29,597

$ 36,400

$ 16.26

All 17 $ 25,990

$ 29,832

$ 34,398

$ 16.39

ERI Benchmark

Janitor

$ 34, 640




Governance and Leadership




The reporting on Chief and Council pay has been placed after the rest of the report as the analysis for this leadership group is

different than for the employee positions in the rest of the report. The roles of Chief and Council and the remuneration they receive

varies by organization/Community. It is challenging to conduct analysis and draw meaningful conclusions from the data when it is so

variable. For example, when responding to the question with regard to the Chief “how many hours per month on average is

required in this role” answers ranged from 15-20 hours per month to 300 hours per month to 24/7. The following information can

be drawn from the results:

Chief (Chief Councilor)

How is this position paid?

Annual Honorarium/Salary

# organizations Average

Annual Honorarium + per meeting honoraria


Per meeting honoraria only


First Nations <$10 M Revenue 6 $ 41,920

5

$ 14,250 + 300

per meeting

5 $ 233.33

First Nations >$10 M Revenue 5 $ 77,887

<3 <3


4 <3 <3

Councilor

How is this position paid?

Annual Honorarium/Salary


Annual Honorarium + per meeting honoraria


Per meeting honoraria only


First Nations <$10 M Revenue 4 $ 14,200

5

$ 13,080+ 250

per meeting

5 $ 218.75

First Nations >$10 M Revenue

5 $ 49,358 <3 <3


<3 <3 <3




As a final note on Chief and Council remuneration, this information is readily available on the INAC website through the First Nations

Financial Transparency Act (FNFTA). Selecting other First Nations who have similarities to the target organization may be one of the

best ways to find meaningful comparator data.

The Jouta Performance Group has enjoyed working with AFOA B.C. and their members on the 2015 First Nations Salary Survey. If

you have any questions about this report, please contact Jennifer Biddlecombe at Jouta. [email protected] or 604.488.8885

http://pse5-esd5.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/fnp/Main/Search/SearchFF.aspx?lang=eng

http://pse5-esd5.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/fnp/Main/Search/SearchFF.aspx?lang=eng

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

B.C. First Nations Salary Survey Report 2015 EditionB.C. First Nations Salary Survey Report 2015 Edition AFOA BC strengthens First Nations communities by building leadership and management