Description

 Job Description

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability status in employment. Individuals of Indian ancestry will be given preference by law in initial employment or re-employment.

Position Purpose:

The Lead Mussel Biologist is responsible for developing and administering the Peoria Tribe’s Endangered Species and Freshwater Mussel Program. Additional duties may include grant writing, field team management, outreach and education of Tribal youth, as well as cross-training and participation in other Natural Resource departments. This position is responsible for writing grants for mussel projects and ensuring the grant program guidelines are followed. This position is also responsible for the mussel lab and work and research involving the freshwater mussel lab. This position may require a lot of outdoor time and can be very labor-intensive. This position reports directly to the Natural Resources Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify, collect, and propagate native freshwater mussels.

• Build and maintain freshwater aquaculture systems.

• Propagate freshwater mussels.

• Take care of, maintain, and grow mussels in the program.

• Work with Tribal, USFWS, State, and other entities for projects. 

• Act as team lead for mussel surveys, fish surveys, and habitat assessments.

• Coordinate with Tribal leaders, Tribal Citizens, USFWS, State and other entities for wildlife research, restoration, and augmentation projects.

• Assist in research programs, including toxicology, phycology, and environmental assessments.

• Manage and interpret large sets of data and use analytical techniques to interpret the results.

• Draft progress reports and reports on the completion of activities.

• Present laboratory updates to the public.

• Develop and administer outreach and education programs for Tribal Citizens and Local Youth.

• Use ArcGIS and GPS to assess field sites.

• Lead and participate in discussions with Tribal Citizens and members of the community to identify, prioritize, and document community concerns.

• Oversee the mussel lab and staff. 

• Ensure all data and information are properly logged, reported, and filed. 

• Meet with Federal, State, local, and Tribal environmental agencies to coordinate/discuss environmental programs.

• Maintain program/project files and records. Electronic and hard copies. 

• Work with other programs to meet the environmental needs of the Tribe.

• Keep current on program/grant regulations and changes. All Tribal, State, and Federal.

• Organize work in a timely manner to meet all deadlines and schedules. 

• Travel both in and out of state for necessary trainings. Will look for annual meetings/conferences/trainings in which to attend to stay up to date with current research information. 

• Ensure all lab equipment is properly cleaned, maintained, and working. 

• Responsible for all State and Federal permits for the Tribe. Application and reporting.  

• Responsible for finding continued funding and grants to fund the position. 

• Responsible for producing and selling mussels as requested. 

• Participate in NRDAR, TCTC, TCTCIT calls and work 

Requirements

  Additional Expectations:

• Work overtime when necessary.

• Comply with all grant reporting requirements.

• Maintain appropriate files and records.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

To qualify for this position, you must possess at least one of the following qualifications.

Education:

• Possess a Bachelor of Science in Malacology, Field Biology, Ecology, Zoology, Environmental Science, or other related fields. At least 24 semester hours must be in coursework related to scientific or technical study, including biology, chemistry, statistics, scientific writing, ecology, agriculture, environmental science, wildlife biology, and others. At least 6 semester hours must be directly related to this position (fisheries management, ichthyology, malacology, phycology, aquatic botany, stream ecology, limnology, etc.).

-OR-

Experience:

• At least two years of mussel production experience.

• Has led research projects, wildlife surveys, or environmental assessments.

• Knowledgeable on statistical analysis and statistical analysis software.

-OR-

Successful completion of a combination of education and experience as described above. Related work experience and/or higher education resulting in a Master’s degree is preferred.

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must be able to manage a mussel production facility.

• Grant writing experience preferred.

• State and Federal permitting knowledge preferred.

• Needs excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Needs excellent organization and record-keeping skills to accurately maintain files, correspondence, records, and issue follow-up reports.

• Must be able to conduct meetings/discussions with Tribal and community members.

• Must be proficient with computers and programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Proficiency in ImageJ, R, and video editing preferred.

• Needs to be able to pull a boat and safely operate a boat for mussel surveys and collections.

Certifications:

• Valid Driver’s License and Insurance.

• SCUBA certification preferred.

• Oklahoma Boater Card (or willingness to procure a boater card once hired).

Conditions of Employment:

The Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma operates a drug-free workplace.

• May be required to submit to and pass applicable drug test and background check.

• Adhere to all work rules, policies & procedures, and safety standards.

Work Requirements:

Position involves prolonged sitting, standing, stooping, or bending, lifting, or carrying up to 50 pounds on a daily basis. Work is generally performed in a laboratory environment and outside with varying levels of lighting, air quality, noise, and / or temperature. Will also need to be able and comfortable to work in rivers and ponds, on a boat, and or with snorkeling/diving.