Climate Resilience Specialist - Dowagiac, United States - Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Ind

Description

Job Description

Commitment to Citizen Service

Service encompasses all aspects of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indian's governmental operations. Every employee shares the responsibility to provide exemplary service, dignity, and respect to all Tribal Citizens, the Tribal Council, and staff members. To this end, all employees have an obligation to identify and report any service problems, issues, or concerns and through designated channels, initiate, recommend, and actively participate in solutions.

Position Summary: The Climate Resilience Specialist will provide technical expertise and coordination support to develop and integrate Tribal priorities regarding climate resilience, change, and adaptation. The Climate Resilience Specialist may be supported through multiple grants or entirely through tribal funds, so attention to program details is essential. Responsible for developing strategies to integrate climate resilience/change effects and adaptation scenarios into governmental planning for tribal properties and governmental operations. Responsible for working directly with multiple Pokagon Band departments, regional, and local climate change groups to help develop tribal and non-tribal plans as they relate to climate change effects and the ability to adapt to the changing climate. Responsible for developing climate change related projects, seeking out funding sources to support climate resilience, and assist in developing grant proposals to implement projects. Responsible for position-related grant management and implementation, leading climate resilience fieldwork, data management, data analysis, technical report writing, and creating management recommendations as they relate to climate resilience/change/adaptation.

Essential Functions:

• Regularly collaborate with Kowabdanawa odë kė Director, Natural Resources Manager, Water Quality Specialist, Environmental Quality Specialist, and Agricultural Specialist in the development, periodic revision, and implementation of projects.
• Coordinate with the Department Director and other staff on work plan development and scheduling.
• Provide technical expertise and consultation in all areas of climate resilience including vulnerability assessments, resiliency planning, climate mitigation, policies, and programs.
• Represent the Pokagon Band on matters of climate effects, environmental protection, and resource planning.
• Assist with development and implementation of short- and long-term departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures in alignment with the Pokagon Band's vision, mission, expected outcomes and strategic initiatives.
• Implement and develop capacity within the Tribal climate resilience program and maintain an understanding of current trends and management techniques as they are related to climate resilience and climate effect monitoring.
• Attend climate resilience based trainings, meetings, and webinars, as needed, to assist in developing climate resilience planning.
• Work directly with multiple Pokagon Band departments, regional, and local climate change groups to help develop tribal and non-tribal plans as they relate to climate change effects and the ability to adapt to the changing climate.
• Develop climate change related projects, seek out funding sources to support climate resilience, and assist in developing grant proposals to implement projects.
• Responsible for position-related grant management and implementation, leading climate resilience fieldwork, data management, data analysis, technical report writing, and creating management recommendations as they relate to climate resilience/change/adaptation.
• Assist with the review, analyses, and comment preparation and position papers concerning environmental issues and policies as they pertain to climate resilience within the Tribe's Service Area and ancestral homelands.
• Acquire knowledge on National, State, Local, and Tribal legislative activities that may impact tribal resources as they pertain to climate effects.
• Review scientific literature and reports dealing with current developments in climate effects and vulnerability assessments related to resource management, environmental protection, and resource conservation. Provide technical information to substantiate or modify recommendations for proposed environmental policies or programs.
• Conduct field examinations of property to identify and assess natural resource values, including land, water, minerals, wildlife, recreation, and timber.
• Maintain records, and prepare reports and correspondence related to the work.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Perform other related functions as assigned.

Equipment:

• Standard office equipment.
• Systems used: MS Office applications, ArcGIS Pro 3.2, Acrobat Professional, Trimble Pathfinder
• UTVs, boats, brush saws, chain saws, backpack sprayers, tractors, etc.

Position Requirements:

• MA/MS degree with an emphasis in climate change studies, environmental studies, conservation ecology, or a related field and a minimum of two years of climate related experience; or BA/BS Degree with an emphasis in climate change studies, environmental studies, conservation ecology, or a related field along with a minimum of five years of climate related experience; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Technical ability in incorporating climate resilience into management plans and policies and ability to provide consultation.
• Knowledge of climate resilience incorporation, climate change scenarios, effects of climate change, and vulnerability assessments, as it relates to natural resources and governmental operations.
• Grant writing skills, management, implementation, and budgeting.
• Knowledge of State and Federal laws and legislative processes related to the work.
• Knowledge of land and water resources, natural resource conservation needs and objectives, principles of ecology, and methods of environmental research.
• Knowledge of the methods of compiling and organizing data, and the methods for presenting the results of environmental impact studies; ability to prepare charts, maps, and other graphs to show the analysis of the data; ability to analyze and evaluate data.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to speak effectively before groups of employees and respond to questions.
• Knowledge, intellect, temperament, and flexibility to work effectively in a fast-paced, environment.
• Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate program and administrative activities of a complex, interrelated, and independent nature where unknowns and numerous contingency factors are involved.
• Ability to formulate policies and procedures relevant to program areas based on information of a conceptual nature from varied and complex sources.
• Experience working with Native American communities is preferred.
• Advanced computer skills necessary, with knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), internet navigation, and research capabilities to create reports, proposals, presentations, and manage data.
• Ability to work independently, with community members, and in team settings.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions and in challenging locations.
• Valid driver's license and good driving record.
• Self-motivated and able to perform with minimal supervision required.
• Ability to learn to operate, calibrate, and maintain all tools and equipment to current industry standards (e.g., GPS units, UTVs).

Indian Preference:

• Pokagon Band Preference Code applies.

Physical Requirements:

• Office work is generally sedentary in nature and will frequently require sitting, however, standing and walking will occasionally be necessary.
• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to operate equipment.
• Outdoor work may involve exposure to outside weather conditions during all four seasons.
• Sometimes required to stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, and crawl.
• General office environment at times. Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there are no hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc.
• Travel is necessary (local and non-local conferences, meetings, etc.), so the ability to travel is required.

Work Environment:

• Office and/or outdoor environment. Must be flexible with work schedule. While work will generally be performed within an office environment, field work will be required. While performing outdoor duties, will be exposed to outdoor weather conditions during all four seasons.
• Occasional strenuous work required.

Competencies:

• Collaboration
• Continuous Learning
• Adaptability
• Analytical Thinking
• Initiative