Natural Resources Climate Change Specialist

The Sauk-Suiattle Indian people have lived under the gaze of Whitehorse Mountain for many generations: as Fishermen, Gatherers and Hunters in the region of Sauk Prairie and near the present-day towns Darrington, Marblemount and Rockport, WA. In the early days, we were known as the Sah-ku-me-hu.

Summary

The Natural Resource Climate Change Specialist will provide technical expertise and coordination support to develop and integrate Tribal priorities regarding climate change. Take lead in developing strategies to adapt to climate change effects on Tribal treaty resources. Work directly with Natural Resource Department personnel and partnering entities to develop and implement the Tribe’s natural resource projects, some of which are already climate change based. Develop climate change related projects and secure funding source to implement projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
• Regularly collaborates with Natural Resource Director, program managers (Water Quality Coordinator, Fisheries Biologist and Wildlife Biologist, incorporating climate impacts in the development, periodic revision, and implementation of natural resource projects.
• Work closely with policy staff from the Natural Resources Department (NRD) and Skagit River System Cooperative (SRSC), as well as Tribal leadership, to develop Sauk-Suiattle’s climate policies.
• Take lead in developing a climate change strategy and plan for the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe.
• Attend and represent the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe at climate related meetings.
• Develop experimental designs for climate change related projects and adaptation strategies.
• Review, engage, and consult with different state and federal programs and funding opportunities to mitigate and adapt to global warming.
• Identify funding sources, prepare applications, and submit grant proposals.
• Database management skills and experience.
• Collaborate with NRD and SRSC staff to identify opportunities incorporating climate impacts into research and restoration in the Sauk-Suiattle Tribe’s watersheds.
• Provide technical expertise to Natural Resource Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must possess the ability to express yourself clearly, persuasively, and produce technical writing understandable at non-technical levels.

Education and/or Experience

• Master’s degree in environmental science: Hydrology, Geomorphology, Meteorology plus two years of pertinent work experience; OR Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related field and five years of pertinent work experience.
• Fisheries and/or wildlife experience preferred.
• Experience working for a Native American Tribe preferred, but other experience will be considered depending on qualifications.

Computer Skills

• Microsoft Suite and Internet software experience required.
• Entry level GPS & GIS experience required. Capable of conducting empirical and statistical analysis of project data required.
• Working familiarity with climate change models a plus.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Current valid Washington State driver’s license.
• First Aid, CPR and Bloodborne Pathogen certification.
• Willing to obtain additional Certifications, Licenses and Registrations as needed to support the Department functions.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch; talk or hear. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to outside weather and extremes of heat and cold. Wet conditions may require rain gear and other weatherproof clothing.

Compensation

• Pay is $54,000.00 - $62,400.00 per year.

Culturally Sensitive

• All employees must be culturally sensitive to the customs, traditions, practices, and sovereign status of the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe.

Drug Free Workplace

• Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe is a drug-free workplace. All employees are subject to a pre-employment, post-accident and random drug screening.

Background Check

• Selected candidate must first pass background check before eligible to begin employment in accordance with SSIT policy.

NATIVE AMERICAN AND VETERAN PREFERENCE APPLIES.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between SSIT and the employee and is subject to change by SSIT as the needs of the tribe and the requirements of the job change.