POSITION SUMMARY:

The Environmental Specialist – Water Quality, under the direction of the Environmental Program Manager, is responsible for protecting and restoring the natural resources of the Tribe, through inspection, planning, management, monitoring, and reporting on water and other aquatic resources and projects. This position is the leading collection of biological, physical, and chemical data from surface and ground water to fulfill the requirements of the CFR Clean Water Act, Section 106.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Drafts, reviews, and revises Tribal Water Quality Standards.
• Drafts, reviews, revises, and follows the Quality Assurance Project Plan for Section 106 of the Clean Water Act.
• Leads strenuous field activities under all weather conditions, promotes a safe working environment and maintains environmental equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Performs identification of biological specimens (e.g. macro invertebrates, fish, and aquatic plants); develops and maintains biological reference collections.
• Independently performs statistical analysis and summarizes findings into scientific reports to meet Section 106 grant requirements and effectively manage Tribal waters.
• Utilizes GIS and other computer software applications to assist meeting program goals.
• Imports water quality data into EPA WQX database.
• Organizes and maintains water quality data and other pertinent records and/or information; manages extensive databases, produces quarterly reports.
• Serves as Chemical Safety Officer; drafts, reviews, revises, and follows Chemical Hygiene Plan.
• Manages water laboratory, including purchasing, contracting, maintaining supplies.
• Works with State, Federal, and other Tribal Natural Resources and Environmental professionals to integrate environmental/water programs with Tribal goals and cultural values.
• Assesses and delineates wetlands using federal standards and other methodologies.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensures tools and equipment are safely and correctly used, maintained, and stored.
• Participates in Environmental Department outreach activities regarding water issues and technologies.
• Attends meetings, training, and conferences as required to maintain professional skills. 
• All other job-related duties as assigned.

CONTACTS:

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, customers, outside vendors/service providers, children and youth, tribal members, volunteers; Federal, State and County and Tribal agency representatives.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position light with lifting of 20 pounds and occasional lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds. Physical factors include frequent walking, sitting, use of hearing, smell, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception, color/field of vision, typing; occasional pushing/pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching, driving and bending. Must be willing to travel within 7 County Service Area to sample water quality. Working conditions include occasional exposure to weather, extreme cold, wet/humidity and air quality. Potential hazards include frequent computer use and occasional exposure to chemicals, insecticides/pesticides, and infectious exposure and needles/syringes.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Biology or Chemistry field required or five years of relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of education.

Experience: Minimum 3 years' experience carrying out water quality monitoring program required. 40-Hour HAZWOPER training preferred.

Certification/License: Must maintain confidentiality. Will be required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Must maintain a good moral character standing. 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: Ability to work extra hours in emergency to protect public health and safety. Must have working knowledge and be able to use word processing and spreadsheet and data base software. Interest and motivation to achieve Tribal environmental goals required. Must be able to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with supervisory personnel, coworkers, subordinates and the general public. Native American preferred.