Environmental Scientist - Water Resources
Job Summary
The Environmental Scientist -Water Resources under the direct supervision of the Environmental Program Manager, shall be responsible for implementing the Port Gamble SKlallam Tribes (Tribes) water resources and climate change programs and contributing to the protection and restoration of the Tribes resources through the Environmental Program. Responsibilities shall include addressing on-Reservation water resource and climate issues and participating in off-reservation processes. The position will be responsible for overseeing the Tribes water resources program plan implementation and climate action planning and implementation, ensuring all program actions are consistent with the intent and direction of the Tribe. The position will participate in other activities of the Environmental Program as needed to protect and restore resources within the Tribes usual and accustomed area.
Duties: Duties:
- Develop and effectively implement a water resources program plan under the approval and direction of supervisor, Natural Resources Director, and the Tribal Council.
- Develop and implement a climate action plan, building on the work already done, to address ongoing climate related issues under the approval and direction of supervisor, Natural Resources Director, and the Tribal Council.
- Address all on-reservation water resources issues and climate change issues including but not limited to the following:Advise the Tribe on the status of on-reservation water resources,
- Implement activities identified in or based upon the Tribes climate vulnerability assessment, coastal analysis, landslide susceptibility analysis and shoreline management plan,
- Respond to Tribal requests regarding water resources issues and climate change issues with recommendations for action, and follow up with implementation of actions at the direction of supervisor, Natural Resources Director, and Tribal Council,
- Provide input on preventive and mitigative measures to manage environmental effects of on-reservation development projects,
- Communicate water resource issues and climate change issues and make technical presentations to the Tribal Council, departments, and committees.
- Oversee and participate in off-reservation water resources-related and climate change-related activities including but not limited to the following:Participate in activities of local, state, and federal agencies related to water resources and the protection of the Tribes water rights,
- Participate in activities of local, state, and federal agencies related to the effects of climate change on the Tribes resources and treaty rights,
- Provide technical review of regulations and policies to assist the Tribe in water-related and climate-related negotiations and decision-making (e.g., county ordinances, WRIA 15 processes, rules, and conservation plans),
- Provide input on permits and mitigative measures for off-reservation development projects and potential effects on the Tribes treaty rights and resources,
- Organize and provide direction for the development of joint water protection and restoration measures (i., with other tribes, agencies, and other entities) approved by the Tribe,
- Ensure coordination of the Tribes water resources and climate activities with those of the Point No Point Treaty Council, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, other tribes, state, federal and local agencies, and other entities,
- Communicate the Tribes water resources and climate-related issues and make technical presentations to local, state, and federal agencies and other tribes.
- Develop an annual work plan subject to approval of supervisor.
- Prepare funding proposals and grant applications and provide grant deliverables as appropriate. All efforts to seek funding must be approved by supervisor.
- Prepare technical analyses and project implementation in support of Environmental Program activities as needed.
- Work in cooperation with the entire Natural Resources Department, as well as other Tribal departments, in the management of the Tribes natural resources and protection of the Tribes treaty rights.
Qualifications:
- Masters degree in hydrogeology, geology, ecology, environmental science, or other related scientific field and a minimum three (3) years of relevant experience in water resource management, climate change planning, or natural resources protection and restoration.
- Desirable skills/experience include: (1) familiarity with federal, state and local environmental, climate and water laws and regulations, (2) experience working with local governments and agencies in climate-related and/or water-related assessments, planning and rule making, (3) experience communicating and working with local communities, (4) experience with water resources and climate change planning and implementation, (5) strong scientific background in water resources assessments and management, water quality, hydrology, geology or environmental science, (6) understanding of sampling designs and statistical analysis, and (7) experience in using personal computers and word processing, spreadsheet and relational database software.
- Familiarity with tribal governments, treaty fishing rights and cultural resources desired.
- Familiarity with general tribal water resources issues and tribal climate change issues desired.