Habitat Coordinator

Yakima Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP)

Department of Natural Resources

Hourly Wage: $46.10/Regular/Full-Time

Location: Wahkiakus

The Habitat Coordinator in the Yakima/Klickitat Fisheries Project (YKFP) is responsible for the management and coordination of the professional, scientific, and technical work. Conducted by the various components of the Habitat Section. The work is associated with fisheries issues, habitat quality, and the operation of habitat projects. Results of the work will be consistent with the goals and objectives of the Yakima/Klickitat Fisheries Project as approved by the Fish and Wildlife Committee of the Yakama Nation Incumbent will work closely with the YKFP Policy Advisor Project Coordinator. The Habitat Coordinator will be responsible for writing and reviewing technical reports and policy analysis, communicating with the YKFP Policy Advisor Project Coordinator and the Yakama Nation Fish and Wildlife Committee and providing leadership in coordination with professional staff from other government entities and agencies. Position will require involvement with land-management actions conducted by various local, state, and federal agencies to assure that Yakama Nation Treaty rights are given due consideration and government-to-government consultations occur. This position will also be involved in the development and implementation of local, state, and federal policies and plans pertaining to fisheries habitat management. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and managing the YKFP Habitat Project budget and Scope of Work.

The Habitat Coordinator is primarily responsible for the development and management of aquatic habitat projects. This work involves developing, reviewing, and carrying out scopes of work for actions being implemented pursuant to the Yakama Nation's goal of recovery of their historic fishing, hunting, and food gathering of natural resources. This work includes habitat assessment, project planning and development, implementation, contract administration, and employee development. The purpose of the position is to serve as the Habitat Lead for projects within the YKFP.

This is a leadership position responsible for planning, development, and administration of aquatic habitat restoration/enhancement at the multi-watershed scale.

Examples of Work Performed:

• Manages and integrates habitat project budgets and accounts to ensure that work products comply with tribal policy and funding agency requirements. Maintain statement of work, such as work elements, milestones, work schedule, and deliverables. Submit quarterly status reports and annual reporting.
• Provides policy assistance for tribal, state, and federal funding, management, and regulatory agencies. Provide technical assistance to local resource groups. Hiring and direct supervision of professionals and technicians.
• Plans, develops, organizes, supervises, and participates in the YKFP Habitat Program, particularly related to fisheries and habitat issues associated with land-management agencies and activities.
• Sets internal goals and objectives by working with YKFP Habitat Project staff and develops general strategies for meeting them. Establishes annual plans for work requirements, professional development, professional goals, and measurable objectives.
• Monitors and evaluates performance and activities of professional and administrative YKFP staff for which employee is responsible. Establishes performance standards for the supervised staff and must adhere to Yakama Nation Personnel Policies.
• Procurement of consultants and independent contractors pertaining to federal requirements. Prepare contracts including work statements and budget to obtain program funds from various State and Federal agencies, coordinates with various contract agencies to ensure contract compliance including adherence to work statement and timely submittals of invoices, billing, and reports.
• Assists YKFP Policy Advisor Project Coordinator/YKFP Klickitat Subbasin Manager to develop presentations to Tribal Council, General Council, and Fisheries Program concerning Tribal fisheries management especially related to Yakama Nation interests and fisheries habitat issues associated with land-management activities.
• Attends professional meetings to disseminate and gain information beneficial to YKFP, maintains liaison with State and Federal fisheries and land-management officials and in consultation with the YKFP Policy Advisor Project Coordinator/YKFP Klickitat Subbasin Manger, may delegate certain responsibilities to professional staff.
• Assures that Regional Offices and US National Forests coordinate with Tribal Fishery management plans and objectives and ensure that Tribal Treaty rights are considered and not restricted by National Forest polices or activities.
• Work with Federal, State, and local governments to develop and implement Salmon Recovery plans.
• Experience coordinating with various local, state, tribal and federal agencies as well as other NGO's, particularly those involved with habitat restoration protection.
• Provides technical expertise in the development of watershed and stream restoration/rehabilitation plans.
• Identifies information needs and assists development of short-and long-range goals for watershed and habitat restoration.
• Analyzes resource conditions (e.g., channel, floodplains, riparian function) and assists in cumulative ecosystem effects analyses and watershed restoration projects.
• Develops grant proposals, contract work statements and budgets, and ensures that work products comply with funding agency requirements and Yakama Nation policy.
• Develops construction subcontracts and monitors contract compliance.
• Work with state, local, and federal agencies to ensure regulatory compliance (e.g. NEPA, Endangered Species Act, Section 106, Hydraulics permitting). Assists preparation of required Federal and State permits and documentation for project activities.
• Communicates proposed actions and results orally and in-writing. Completes reporting requirements associated with contracts.
• Apply comprehensive knowledge of scientific principles, theories, and methodologies to develop solutions and recommendations to complex problems.
• Provide scientific oversight, manage contracts, and direct activities for consultants for habitat, hydrology and geomorphology assessments, and habitat improvements projects.
• Oversee contractors, construction work and complete construction site inspections of a construction project as it ascertains compliance with project requirements.
• Serve as an expert representative for Yakama Nation in consults with NMFS, USFWS, and BPA providing technical analysis to support proposed habitat actions.
• Represent Yakama Nation Fisheries in various regional forums, such as Northwest Power and Conservation Council's Fish and Wildlife Program, and NMFS Regional Forum, as well as regional and national scientific conferences.
• Analyze Yakama Nation programs, projects, activities, objectives, and goals to ensure conformance with regulatory and contractual requirements.
• Have knowledge and understanding of Yakama Nation Treaty Rights and governmental policies related to fisheries management.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the funding and contracting policies/procedures of external funding agencies.
• Knowledge of the Yakama Nation administrative policies, procedures and federal construction contracting procedures.
• Ability to work tactfully and effectively in collaborative technical or stakeholder groups.
• Ability to apply GIS and other software systems to fisheries management problems, including independent planning, organizing and implementation of analysis projects.
• Ability to prepare written technical reports, reviews, articles, and instructional materials.
• Ability to analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate technical projects.
• Possess a thorough understanding of hydrography, geomorphology, and life histories of anadromous and resident fishes within the watersheds where the Yakama Nation maintains management/co-management responsibilities.
• Expertise in watershed and fisheries habitat restoration principles.
• Must have a thorough understanding of the life histories of the salmonid species native to the Columbia Basin.
• Prefer field experience and familiarity with rivers and tributaries in which the Yakama Nation conducts aquatic habitat restoration/enhancement actions.
• Demonstrated experience in project planning, budgeting, and management.
• Ability to make effective oral and written presentations to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Sensitivity to Tribal culture and values, and the ability to work with and bring together individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
• Ability to handle difficult private and public situations with firmness, tact, and courtesy.
• Demonstrated expertise and ability to plan, organize, evaluate, and control the work of professional, technical and clerical subordinates.
• Ability to travel and to work outdoors under various weather conditions, and to perform physical labor.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master's Degree in Fisheries Science or related field, or professional certification in aquatic restoration.
• Three years of experience as a Yakima Basin Habitat Biologist III or equivalent level in fisheries management.
• Seven years of experience in fisheries administration or management in relation to habitat restoration/protection activities.
• Must pass a pre-employment background check.
• Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving Permit.
• Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.