Govt. Environmental - Water Quality Scientist Open Until Filled

• - Environmental
• 49783, MI, USA
• $25.051
• Hourly
• Year Round - Full Time

The Water Quality Scientist, under the direction of the Environmental Program Manager, is responsible for surface water and groundwater assessment, planning, regulation, and reporting activities necessary for the proper management of tribal waters and related ecosystems in the 1836 Treaty Ceded Territory.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)
 Develops and maintains Sault Tribe policies, ordinances, regulations, and procedures related to water quality, including Tribal Water Quality Standards.
 Plans and leads the collection, management, and reporting of biological, physical, and chemical data from surface and groundwater to fulfill the requirements of the CFR Clean Water Act, Section 106.
 Drafts, revises, and follows the Quality Assurance Project Plan for Clean Water Act Section 106.
 Performs data/statistical analysis including technical evaluation of water quality indicators and related management actions.
 Develops technical and administrative reports and presentations to advise Tribal decision-makers on water quality management and related actions.
 Reviews other agencies' policy and regulatory actions and prepares formal responses with appropriate analyses and recommendations.
 Represents Sault Tribe interests on inter-governmental technical committees.
 Pursues funding for assessments, management, and applied research, with budgeting, review, monitoring, and reporting.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
 Operates program vehicles and vessels, sampling gear, and related equipment.
 Serves as Chemical Safety Officer; drafts, reviews, revises, and follows Chemical Hygiene Plan.
 Assesses and delineates wetlands using federal standards and other methodologies.
 Conducts outreach regarding water quality issues.
 Works with Tribal, Federal, State, and local professionals to promote Tribal goals and cultural values in water quality-related activities.
 Attends meetings, training, and conferences as required to hone professional skills and expertise.
 All other job-related duties as assigned.
CONTACTS:
Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, executives, Sault Tribe Board of Directors, tribal members, conservation law enforcement, outside vendor/service providers, Tribal, Federal, State, and local Natural Resource Management Agencies and academic partners.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Position requires team or dual lifting up to 50 pounds, with lifting/carrying of up to 25 pounds. Physical factors include standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, driving and bending; reaching, manual handling, use of hearing, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception, field of vision and occasional sitting, crawling, use of smell, color vision and typing. Working conditions include exposure to weather, extreme heat/cold and wet/humidity and occasional exposure to noise, vibration and air quality in settings that may include indoor, outdoor, and aboard vessels in exposed areas. Potential hazards include interactions with moving mechanical parts and a variety of equipment such as trucks, trailers, boats, and hand and power tools, plus electric shock and chemicals. Required protective gear includes sanitary gloves, safety glasses, cold weather outerwear, rain suits/boots, and other PPE needed to perform functions of position. Role demands flexibility with extended days and weekends during field seasons and occasional overnight travel.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Environmental Science, or related degree required or five years relevant coursework and related work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
Experience: One year of experience performing water quality assessment activities required in addition to above education requirement.
Certification/License: Will be required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Must have a valid driver's license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Will be required to complete and pass pre-employment drug testing.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong understanding of surface water and groundwater systems required. Knowledge of field data collection methods required. Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, database, and statistical analysis software. Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems required. Must have organizational skills and be able to plan, prioritize and manage work load to meet goals in a timely manner. Must strive for accuracy and precision in data collection, with accurate and timely data entry into electronic formats including, but not limited to, Excel and Access. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills and be able to effectively communicate technical findings and recommendations to policy-makers, leadership, membership, and the general public. Must be able to prepare clear, concise, thorough, meaningful, and grammatically correct written reports, letters, memoranda, policy and procedural drafts, and other written documents. Must be able to identify management needs and develop data collection, analysis, and management plans. Must be able to establish and maintain effective communication with co-workers, supervisors, tribal members, and the general public. Must be able to work with minimal to no supervision. Must, at times, work extended hours outdoors in inclement weather, operate and work on a boat, and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle in the backcountry. Must be able to drive trucks with trailers, load and launch boats, operate outboard motors, and other equipment. Must ensure proper handling and maintenance of equipment and sampling gear. Must be able to maintain confidentiality. Must demonstrate a readiness to support Sault Tribe culture and engage Anishinaabe knowledges and ways in Program activities. Native American preferred.