Environmental & Natural Resources Internship

This internship falls under the Kickapoo Department of Environmental Programs of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma. Operational hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00A.M. to 5:00 P.M., or as may be needed. We are seeking a college student in environmental, biological, or related studies for a wetlands-focused internship funded as a sub-award by the Oklahoma Conservation Commission through the Southern Great Plains Wetlands and Prairie Collaborative in Oklahoma and Kansas Grant. The successful candidate will gain knowledge in how to identify wetlands, experience in ArcGIS, and community outreach/education. In addition, this position may also work with the Kickapoo Agriculture and Natural Resources Department.  The ideal candidate should have an interest in wetland health, environmental processes, and natural resource management while respecting cultural heritage. The hired intern should expect to work in the office as well as out in the field. As this position works intimately with Tribal resources, the ideal candidate has a deep understanding of tribal culture and land stewardship.

Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities are but not limited to:

1. Communication & Correspondence: Answer and direct phone calls, draft and distribute emails, letters, and other documents, and serve as a professional liaison for internal and external contacts.
2. Document Management: Prepare, format, and edit reports, presentations, newsletters, flyers, and other documents, and maintain organized filing systems (both electronic and physical).  
3. Office Operations: Order and maintain office supplies, ensure office equipment is in good working order, and coordinate with external resources.
4. Support & Organization: Assist team members with various tasks, support project management by tracking deadlines, and help maintain databases; this includes assisting in the field with wetland assessments, including but not limited to water sampling, invasive plant removal, species index, and preparing management plans. Cooperate with other departments, including the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department, in supporting other relevant tasks such as natural resource management.
5. Testing and Analysis: Collecting and preparing biological and soil samples for analysis by an outside lab, and the ability to read and follow the directives from the test results. 
6. Safety and Training: Participating in safety training and sessions; and completing any training as deemed necessary to complete duties of the job.
7. Cultural Preservation: Integrate traditional ecological knowledge into wetland initiatives, promoting cultural revitalization through habitat assessment and wetland improvements.
8. Attend or participate in outreach activities, training, workshops, or conference events to support education and sharing information on wetland benefits and conservation.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.

The incumbent must be flexible in order to undertake a variety of miscellaneous duties as assigned by the Director or a team leader.   

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma
• Actively pursuing higher education in biology, water sciences, environmental sciences, or a related field is preferred.

Additional Qualifications:

• Valid Driver’s License
• Physical Endurance and Conditioning: The job requires up to 40% of the time in the field and work is physically demanding, requiring above average physical performance and stamina to work in challenging environments and elements such as extreme temperatures and work outdoors in various weather and environmental conditions.
• Communication Skills: Must be able to communicate and interact effectively with other crew members, directors, tribal members, government employees and the public.  Must be able to read, comprehend and follow written policies and work orders.  The ability to communicate effectively is vital to the department’s success and safety of its employees.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with standard office software, such as word processors and spreadsheet programs; and familiar with Canva and Microsoft Publisher.
• Teamwork: Must be able to work effectively as part of a crew and coordinate with other technicians and tribal departments.
• Organization & Multitasking: The ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and keep the office well-organized.
• Other skills: ability to do the work with or without direct supervision.
• Must be able to pass a drug screen and background check.

• ArcGIS Experience: Knowledge of ArcGIS applications for mapping and data tracking.
• Environmental Awareness: Understanding of natural resource management, including water samples and testing.
• Traditional Ecological Knowledge: Have a deep understanding of tribal culture, and land stewardship.
• Troubleshooting Skills: Must have the ability to troubleshoot because work may occasionally be in distant locations or on challenging terrain without immediate access to the tribal offices. 

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary functions of this job as an Enrollment Assistant.  Normal office conditions exist as do conditions with other associated programs and services; Noise levels, stress, tribal members/visitors flow and number of associates directly managed will vary but may be considered high.  Administrative workload will be managed daily with additional hours required from time-to-time.

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. This job may require up to 40% of time in the field and requires significant physical strength for lifting, pulling, and carrying heavy objects, as well as stamina for repetitive movements, long periods of standing, walking, and working in extreme temperatures. Workers frequently lift, carry, push, or pull objects, livestock and crops, sometimes weighing up to 50 pounds. Tasks often involve working outdoors for extended periods in very hot or cold weather. Workers are often exposed to noise, dust, fumes, and chemicals, which can pose health risks if safety procedures are not followed. 

In terms of the performance of their respective duties, functions and responsibilities, all employees of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma are expected to conform to the following:

• Fully uphold all principles of confidentiality.

• Adhere to all professional and ethical standards as set forth in the personnel policies and procedures.
• Interact in an honest, trustworthy, and dependable manner with co-workers and clients.
• Must be culturally sensitive and respectful to the beliefs and traditions of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma.
• Meet or exceed the performance standards set by the organization.
• Work independently and as a team member: consistently demonstrating professionalism, courtesy, efficiency and excellent internal and external customer service.
• Uphold the Policies and Procedures of the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma.
• To report and document accidents/injuries immediately to a supervisor/director.
• Maintain reasonable standards of personal appearance and grooming. For an outside job in agriculture, personal appearance should prioritize safety, practicality, and weather protection over style. Work attire should be durable enough for physical labor and provide protection from the elements, chemicals, and equipment. 
• Attend all scheduled employee meetings/trainings and bring suggestions for improvement.

The Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma is committed to Equal Employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, national or origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation.  However, in accordance the Indian Preference Act (Title 25 USC §472 & §473) preference in filling vacancies are given to qualified Indian candidates. 

In reference to Personnel Policy, Section 1-24, Employment At-Will.  All employees who do not have a written contract with the employer for a specific fixed term of employment are thereby employed at will of the employer for an indefinite period   Employment with the Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma, without a written contract, is voluntary and therefore employees are free to resign at any time with or without cause or reason.  Likewise, the Tribe may terminate the employment relationship at any time with or without notice and for any lawful reason deemed appropriate by the Tribe for good cause, bad cause, or no cause at all.  This policy is referred to as “employment-at-will.”