Full Job Description
Summary:
The Water Resource Specialist will develop and implement aspects of a water quality monitoring and protection program for the waters within, adjacent to, and of importance to the tribal community. This includes building the technical capabilities within the tribe to effectively address water quality-related issues and protect tribal water resources.
The Prairie Island Indian Community offers a comprehensive and competitive benefit package for all full-time employees. Benefits include the following:
- Free, on-site medical clinic for employees enrolled in our medical plan
- Variety of free prescription medications
- Paid Time Off – Vacation, Sick and Holiday pay
- 13 paid holidays plus 2 paid half-day holidays
- Retirement – 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
- Health & Wellness Coverage – Medical, dental and vision coverage
- Flexible Spending Accounts – Healthcare and Dependent care reimbursement accounts
- Life Insurance – Employer paid basic life insurance
- Supplemental Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Supplemental Coverage – Short-term, Long-term Disability, and Accident
- Generous paid bereavement leave
- Identity theft protection
- Education Reimbursement Opportunities – For pre-approved specific, job related education
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Face-to-face counseling, Legal assistance, Financial assistance, ID recovery, Tobacco cessation, Dependent care and Daily living resources, and Crisis consultation
- Health Club Reimbursement
- Free access to onsite Fitness Center
- Employee fuel discount
Job Responsibilities & Duties:
The following duties and responsibilities are not meant to be all inclusive and may be adjusted to meet the needs of the community.
- Manage and administer the tribal water resources program; including implementation of the water quality monitoring, aquatic vegetation surveys, and wetlands program
- Collect water quality and biological samples from area lakes, rivers, and wetlands
- Perform analytical procedures in a laboratory setting
- Calibrate and maintain sampling equipment
- Manage water resource-related grant funding resources; includes application, writing and reporting which includes semi-annual progress reporting and annual technical data reports
- Seek federal approval of quality assurance project plan (QAPP), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and monitoring assessment plan for water monitoring projects
- Incorporate data into PIIC GIS and WQX databases
- Work collaboratively on project planning and implementation with the Non-point Source Pollution (NPS) Specialist
- Develop strategies with short-and long-term goals that benefit water resources
- Facilitate management and protection of wetland habitats
- Represent PIIC regarding water resource issues at local, regional and national levels
- Supervise summer seasonal staff or interns as relevant; assist with hiring process in water-resource related positions
- Collaborate across local/state/regional agencies/groups to benefit broad-scale water resource issues.
- Manage wild rice restoration program and associated water quality standard rule changes
- Review and provide comment on existing state and federal water quality standards and rulemakings
- Partner with other departments within the organization on outreach/education efforts
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, chemistry, or related field
- Minimum of one (1) year experience with environmental monitoring
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Strong computer skills Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook)
- Grant management experience
- Ability to travel occasionally
- The ability to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision.
- Successful experience working in a team setting.
- Sensitive to Native American Culture
- Pass drug screen (UA) and a criminal background check
- Valid driver’s license and proof of insurability
Physical Demands:
- Must have the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
- Must have ability to operate field equipment, tools, boats and watercraft
- Must be able to walk, stand or sit for long periods throughout the day
- Must be able to push, pull and grasp objects routinely
- Must have good balance and be able to bend and crouch frequently
- Ability to work in extreme temperatures and weather conditions
Working Environment:
- Work is performed in office setting and outdoors in a natural/rural environment and may include exposure to extreme weather conditions
Disclaimer and Conditions of Employment:
All Prairie Island Indian Community employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship
Closing date: Open until filled
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $52,960.00 – $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Welch, MN 55089: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Welch, MN 55089
