Environmental Scientist/Project Manager

position Summary

This position provides technical and operational support for the Mechoopda Tribe’s Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR). Under the general supervision of the Environmental Director and in close collaboration with DNCR staff, the Environmental Scientist/Project Manager is responsible for managing complex projects (i.e., restoration projects, environmental monitoring programs, etc.) and advising the Tribe in technical matters involving the management of the Tribe’s natural resources. This position is responsible for managing field research and data collection, developing protocols and scientific methodologies, and representing the Tribe in interagency decision-making processes. This position requires a high degree of technical expertise, demonstrated project management experience, an ability to understand and communicate highly complex natural resource issues, and the ability to independently manage multiple projects, contracts, and/or grants with competing deliverables and deadlines.

Employment in this position is subject to the availability of grant funding and may be terminated if such funding is reduced or discontinued.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Manage natural resource and environmental grants, which includes developing annual budgets and workplans, establishing and meeting grant deliverables, and completing required reports
• Under the general supervision of the Environmental Director, develop, implement, and manage projects on Tribal lands
• Coordinate interagency projects as a representative of the Tribe’s DNCR
• Serve as contact for consultation requests, as directed by senior DNCR staff
• Develop, refine, standardize, and oversee ecological monitoring protocols for Tribal lands and resources
• Implement ecological monitoring activities and environmental surveys on Tribal lands, including but not limited to: wildlife inventories, botanical surveys, surface water and groundwater monitoring, fisheries surveys, soil analysis, aquatic bioassessments, habitat assessments, etc.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies to refine scientific methodologies as applied to assessment and management of Tribal resources
• Attend technical advisory committees, working groups, trainings, conferences, etc. as a representative of the Tribe’s DNCR
• Responsible for data entry, database management, quality control, and analysis and interpretation of complex datasets
• Develop, improve, and consolidate Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPP’s)
• Provide direct supervision of technical and field staff
• Receive/interpret scientific reports and conduct independent research on relevant topics
• Ensure compliance with external and internal environmental regulations
• Interpret and navigate environmental permitting processes such as CEQA and NEPA to ensure legal compliance and facilitate advancement of environmental objectives
• Support DNCR operations by serving in a project management role: facilitate efficient department workflow, manage subcontractors, identify unmet needs, etc.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

These entry qualifications would normally be obtained through a completed bachelor’s degree program (or its equivalent) in a natural resources field such as biology, ecology, environmental science, or a related field, combined with three years of related work experience OR an advanced degree (or its equivalent) in a related field with at least one year of relevant work experience:

• Demonstrated project management experience and the ability to manage subcontractors, budgets, timelines, and grants.
• Experience successfully achieving project objectives and deliverables
• An advanced technical knowledge of natural resource management and environmental science topics such as fisheries, forestry, botany, wildlife, habitat restoration, etc.
• Experience conducting field surveys and collecting environmental data in the field
• Experience in managing complex datasets, data analysis and interpretation
• Familiarity with GIS applications such as ESRI products, Google Earth, or Avenza Maps
• Experience working with field equipment such as mobile GPS units, water quality sensors, and remote cameras
• Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate to the Tribal community
• Ability to understand, analyze, interpret, and apply federal and state laws and regulatory processes pertaining to environmental programs, such as CEQA and NEPA
• Ability to identify native and non-native plant and animal species in the Sacramento Valley and Butte County foothills 
• Physical capability and endurance to conduct fieldwork in remote settings under strenuous conditions, including the ability to carry up to 50 lbs. over rough terrain and hike for an extended length of time in inclement weather
• Must be eligible for coverage under the Tribe’s vehicle policy
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel locally and/or regionally, as necessary, during or after regular working hours

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in biology, ecology, environmental science or related field
• An understanding of proper equipment calibration and maintenance protocols
• Familiarity with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) systems operation and photogrammetry
• Experience navigating environmental laws and permitting such as CEQA
• Experience working with Native American communities and an understanding of indigenous land stewardship techniques
• Experience working in remote areas, wilderness first aid qualifications, and/or experience in operating equipment such as off-road vehicles, chainsaws, trailers, etc.

Additional information

• This work involves some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; walking over rough, wet, uneven, or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching; or similar activities; and recurrent lifting of moderately heavy items (50 pounds or more).
• Preference in hiring is given to qualified American Indians in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25 U.S. Code § 472 and 473). Applicants claiming Indian preference must submit verification by tribe of affiliation or other acceptable documentation of Indian heritage.
• All offers of employment are contingent upon:
  • Successful completion of background and reference checks
  • Passing a pre-employment physical.

Note: This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The Mechoopda Tribe of Chico Rancheria reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not to be construed as a contract for employment.