Environmental Specialist

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
• Oversee collection of ambient radiological data and manage associated databases
• Serve as a point of contact for nuclear environmental monitoring
• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in an environmental field (such as environmental studies, biology, chemistry, hydrology, natural resources, or similar)
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in an environmental field
• Minimum one (1) year experience in technical writing and policy review and reviewing technical reports
• Skilled in sampling, data collection and data management
• Strong grant writing and organization skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong computer skills Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook)

• ArcGIS software experience, specifically using ESRI programs

• Ability to manage funding/grant budgets

• Able to travel regularly locally, and within the continental U.S.

• The ability to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision
• Successful experience working in a team setting and across depts./specialties
• Sensitive to Native American Culture
• Pass drug screen (UA) and a criminal background check
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurability

Preferred

• Master’s degree in an environmental science or related field.
• 3 years of experience serving in an environmental capacity
• 1 year of experience working within or supporting Tribal entities

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