Senior Environmental Specialist (Wetland Program)

~ The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) is a sovereign tribe located in the metropolitan Phoenix area. Established by Executive Order on June 14, 1879, the Community operates as a full-service government and oversees departments, programs, projects and facilities. ~

The Community is located in Maricopa County and is bounded by the cities of Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa and Fountain Hills. The Community encompasses 52,600 acres, with 19,000 held as a natural preserve. With two distinct backgrounds and cultures, the Community is comprised of two Native American tribes: the Pima, “Akimel O’Odham” (River People) and the Maricopa, “Xalychidom Piipaash” (People who live toward the water). Today, over 9,000 individuals are enrolled tribal members. Comprised of the President, Vice President and seven elected Council members, the Community Council governs the Community.

Approximately 12,000 acres are under cultivation in a variety of crops including cotton, melons, potatoes, onions, broccoli and carrots. Commercial development is reserved along the Community’s western boundary. The Community proudly owns and operates several successful enterprises including Talking Stick Golf Club, Talking Stick Resort, Salt River Fields, Salt River Devco, Casino Arizona, Salt River Sand and Rock, Phoenix Cement, Saddleback Communications, Salt River Financial Services, and Salt River Landfill. The majestic Red Mountain can be seen throughout the Community and is located on the eastern boundary. The sight of the mountain symbolizes the home of the Pima and Maricopa people.

Position Overview

Under general supervision from Environmental Protection & Natural Resources (EPNR) Manager, the Senior Environmental Specialist (Wetland Program) manages existing demonstration wetlands and conducts a baseline inventory of the Community's wetlands and riparian areas. Develops and implements enhancement, restoration and protection plans for the Community's wetlands and riparian areas. Coordinates and provides support to the Water Quality Program on non-point source projects. Addresses environmental concerns relating to habitat, endangered species, invasive vegetation and vector control. This job class is treated as FLSA Exempt.

Distinguishing Features: The Senior Environmental Specialist (Wetland Program) is distinguished from the Senior Environmental Specialist for Air and Water Quality through education and work experience related to aquatic and riparian plants and ecosystem knowledge. This includes an understanding of the Clean Water Act as it relates to wetlands, "404" activities and mitigation procedures.

Essential Functions: Essential functions may vary among positions but may include the following tasks and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Location: 10005 E Osborn Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

Responsibilities

Wetland Program: 

• Implement and continually enhances the Wetland Program according to the EPNR's Wetland Program Plan. Conducts a baseline inventory and mapping of the Community's wetland and riparian areas.
• Identify new sites for wetland development and pursues all necessary funding and approvals.
• Manages plant health and wildlife at existing SRPMIC wetlands and oversee all wetlands maintenance.
• Develops and implements protection plans for enhancing, restoration and protection plans for select locations.
• Coordinates with other SRPMIC departments and external agencies regarding wetland protection and restoration.
• Conducts water quality monitoring and assist in the preparation of the annual Water Quality Assessment Report.
• Assists with updating assessments and evaluating SRPMIC water bodies.
• Assist EPNR personnel with Community's vector control activities.
• Coordinates with the Cultural Resources Department to conduct surveys of, and possibly harvest, traditional use plants.

Wetland Program Outreach & Development: 

• Develops and implements outreach activities including wetland tours and presentations.
• Pursues all available opportunities, resources and funding for starting a SRPMIC native plant nursery. Conducts outreach activities to gain support of the nursery.
• Assists with the development and delivery of key wetland protection and restoration messages to internal and external groups.
• Represents the Community at professional meetings and conferences that pertain to wetland protection and restoration.
• Works with consultants regarding various components of program implementation and development.
• Coordinates with other EPNR Programs to develop and implement a long-term Invasive Species Eradication Plan.
• Coordinates and assists other EPNR Programs in conducting wildlife surveys.
• Strengthens relationships with external partners.

Wetland Program Operations & Metrics: 

• Compiles analytical results and assist with comparison and evaluation of data.
• Develops necessary program documents including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Quality Assurance Project Plans, Sample Analysis Plan, etc.
• Reports on trends seen in water quality data and wetland plant and wildlife health.

Budget & Administration: 

• Develops long-term plans to effectively seek grant funding, organize the Wetland Program, provide fiscal responsibility and ensure grant compliance and management.
• Manages all Wetland Program funds, grants and contracts.
• Prepares quarterly reports and summarizes program deliverables in accordance with EPA requirements.
• Manages data within electronically compatible format (STORET, WQX).
• Provides assistance to ensure compliance with grant conditions while meeting objectives and priorities of the Community.
• Maintains professional knowledge regarding wetland protection, restoration and current issues.

Miscellaneous: 

• Performs other job related duties as assigned by the Environmental Programs Supervisor or Environmental Protection & Natural Resources Manager.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: 

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Physical Sciences, Ecology, Biology, Chemistry, Botany or a closely related field AND 2 years of field work experience relating to wetland, riparian areas and aquatic ecosystems.

OR

• 2 years work as an Environmental Specialist with SRPMIC.

OR

• An Associate's Degree from an accredited college, vocational or technical school directly related to Environmental Sciences or a closely related field AND 3 years work experience in an environmental science, planning or resource work required.

OR

• 5 years work experience in a related aspect of environmental science or closely related field.

Equivalency:

•  Any equivalent combination of experience and education that will allow the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be considered.

Insurability: 

• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver's License and meet the SRPMIC insurance standards.

Special Requirements: 

• May be required to work beyond normal work hours including nights, weekends and holidays.
• May be required to perform extensive field work and be exposed to severe weather conditions including heat and cold.
• May be required to lift and carry special (heavy) equipment or other objects.
• May be exposed to solid waste and hazardous materials or chemicals.
• May be required to stand or walk for extended periods.
• Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the "Community Code of Ordinances", Chapter 11, "Minors", Article X. "Investigation of Persons Working With Children."
• Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing.
• Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check.
• Employees are subject to random and alcohol testing.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of the history, culture, laws, customs, and traditions of the SRPMIC.
• Knowledge of wetland biology, chemistry and aquatic science.
• Knowledge of aquatic ecosystems and riparian habitats in arid environments.
• Knowledge of native and invasive plant species as well as control of invasive plant species.
• Knowledge of environmental and water quality indicators.
• Knowledge of wildlife surveys and wetland delineation.
• Knowledge of Environmental Impact Analysis.
• Skill analyzing and evaluating information accurately and expressing ideas clearly when providing verbal and written reports and recommendations.
• Skill using a personal computer and job-related software programs including MS Office.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills using both technical and non-technical language to explain complex subjects and processes.
• Skill using environmental quality measurement and monitoring equipment.
• Ability to use initiative and judgment while working independently.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a team of environmental professionals.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, effective working relationships with all levels of the Community government and federal, state and local agencies, Community members and the public.
• Ability to write and organize complex, comprehensive documents.
• Ability to lift and carry 45 pounds.

Compensation

• Pay Rate: $60,278 to $82,884/per year

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter and resume.
• Closing date is October 19, 2018.

~  "SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified Community Member, then a qualified Native American and then other qualified candidate ~