Environmental Specialist - Welch, United States - Prairie Island Indian Community

Description

Job Description

CLOSING DATE: May 13, 2024

SUMMARY: The Environmental Specialist will develop and facilitate environmental priorities and projects for the Prairie Island Indian Community within the Community's Land & Environment office. Activities will include a variety of efforts with environmental focus including project planning, assessments, monitoring, air quality, solid waste, recycling, policy review, and other environmental protection efforts. The position will also serve as representative for the Community on environmental matters at the local, regional, state and national levels with various external agencies, partners, and entities. The Environmental Specialist will report to the Environmental Program Manager.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

The following duties and responsibilities are not meant to be all inclusive and may be adjusted to meet business needs.

• Develop and maintain environmental capacities and programs for the Community
• Serve as the Community's environmental expert and advisor on environmental topics including, but not limited to, policy, permitting, compliance, solid waste, climate and environmental justice
• Develop and facilitate projects and initiatives that improve on the Community's environmental health and security including climate adaptation and environmental justice
• Prepare and evaluate internal environmental policies, procedures, codes and ordinances
• Pursue environmental-focused grants that have potential to address the Community's environmental objectives
• Write and submit grant applications and facilitate management and proper execution of awarded grants including reporting of program/project status as required by granting agencies
• Represent the Community regarding environmental issues deemed important to the Community between the Community government and external agencies/entities by participating in meetings/consultations, providing reports, comments or letters, and speaking on behalf of the Community.
• Facilitate community solid waste and recycling initiatives within the Community
• Plan and facilitate program tasks related to ambient and indoor air quality
• Coordinate project consultants to facilitate Community projects/assessments and monitor progress
• Participate and serve in environmentally-focused organizations within and outside the Community
• Provide environmental outreach for the Community
• Utilize GIS/GPS software to assist in developing environmental data sets, area maps and reports regarding environmental management and decision-making
• Complete and submit weekly reports to Dept. Manager
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• Education or one (1) year of practical experience in environmental studies, environmental health, environmental policy, biology, chemistry, or similar field.
• Skilled in sampling, data collection and data management
• Minimum one (1) year experience in technical writing and policy review and reviewing technical reports
• Demonstrate basic grant writing and management skills
• Demonstrate competency in database management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in daily use of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel and Outlook)
• The ability to work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work well in the existing team and government structure.
• Able to work effectively and respectfully with community members
• Able to represent the organization regarding environmental issues within and outside the community
• Able to travel occasionally
• Sensitive to Native American Culture
• Valid driver's license and proof of insurability
• Pass drug screen (UA) and a federal criminal background check in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act and the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act

Preferred

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental health, environmental policy, biology, chemistry, or similar field.
• Two (2) or more years of experience serving in an environmental capacity, investigation, compliance and other environmental capacities
• One (1) year experience working w/ database software and preparing applicable documentation
• One (1) year of experience preparing technical report and plan writing
• Two (2) years of grant writing and management experience
• Basic experience and proficiency in statistical operations and analyses
• Experience working with external contractors
• GPS and ArcGIS software experience, specifically using ESRI programs
• One (1) year of experience working within or supporting Tribal entities
• Two (2) years of experience reviewing, writing or evaluating federal, state and local environmental policy

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:*

• Must have the ability to independently lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to walk, stand or sit for long periods throughout the day
• Ability to work in extreme temperatures and weather conditions

REQUIRED TRAINING:

• Effectively Handling Harassment training
• Any position-related training as determined by department manager

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting, but may include occasional outdoor activities 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