Aquatic Biologist

SUMMARY The Aquatic Biologist will work to protect the quality of water utilized by the Tribal Members, fish, wildlife and plants under the terms of the assigned program, and provide technical assistance to other tribes, agencies, and organizations for water quality protection and restoration.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must provide a resume, educational transcripts, and any certifications to meet the educational requirements: Bachelor's Degree in Aquatic Biology, Water Resources or Environmental Science is required.
• Three (3) years of field experience.
• Must have a valid unrestricted Driver's License and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform data collection, data summarizing and trends analysis of surface and ground water samples for water quality parameters sediment surveys and habitat assessments in the 1855 Reservation area which includes Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Michigan, inland lakes, rivers, streams and creeks.
• Use standard equipment and scientific protocols for collecting physical, biological and chemical data in lakes and streams.
• Perform aquatic macro invertebrate collection and identification to genus using a stereomicroscope (preferred).
• Collect and synthesize available historical data from the 1855 Reservation area - rivers, streams, and ground water, atmospheric deposition.
• Develop and follow Quality Assurance Project Plans.
• Develop and implement water quality standards for the 1855 reservation area.
• Perform stream-crossing inventories/updates and promote restoration projects.
• Promote and implement the Grand Traverse Band's Source Water Protection Plans, Wetlands Management Plan, and the Non-Point Source Pollution Management Plan.
• Perform wetland identification, protection and restoration efforts, as needed.
• Review and award soil erosion and storm water runoff control permits and assist the enforcement in accordance with the Grand Traverse Band's Soil Erosion and Storm Water Runoff Control Ordinance.
• Participate in watershed planning through coordination with other tribes, agencies (local, state, federal) and organizations in the region.
• Comply with all funding agency and Grand Traverse Band policies and procedures. This includes reports and grants development, projects, closeouts, etc.
• Participate in meetings regarding water quality and training's to update or acquire new skills, so some travel is involved.
• Perform statistical data analysis and scientific reporting.
• Operate and maintain a 16-foot boat, 4-stroke motor, and trailer.
• Perform Program Director duties as needed.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Must have outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills are critical.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional detail and follow-up skills.
• Use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for data analysis and mapping preferred.
• Work requires advanced proficiency in computer literacy, preferably in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, EPS's Storet/WQX, and other Microsoft office products and database applications.
• Uses good judgement in interpreting guidelines, in adapting department procedures, or in recommending approaches or solutions for specific problems.
• Ability to identify terrestrial, aquatic, and wetland plants.
• Basic knowledge of budgeting, accounting, purchasing, and planning.
• Basic knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, rules, and procedures.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Aquatic Biology, Water Resources, or Environmental Science is required.* Master's Degree preferred
• Three years of field experience required.
• Must complete Program Director's Training within one year from date of hire.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

OTHER INFORMATION

Federal Tax Exemption: 26 U.S.C. § 7873(a)(1) provides an exemption from federal income tax on income, including wages, derived by members of the Tribe in the exercise of a fishing rights-related activity of the Tribe. 26 U.S.C. § 7873(a)(2) provides an exemption from federal employment taxes, including FICA taxes, on wages paid to members of the Tribe for services performed in a fishing rights-related activity of the Tribe.

In accordance with the fishing rights-related tax exemption listed above, GTB has evaluated and determined that certain duties of this position will be tax exempt. This percentage will be re-evaluated and examined on an annual basis to determine validity in the percentage.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

General office equipment: calculators, computers, modem, copiers, fax, phone systems, etc. Other equipment such as: 16-foot boat, trailer and motor, Hydrolab Multiprobe, Ponar Dredge, Kemmerer Water Sampler, Secchi Disk, Marsh-McBirney Flo-Mate, Macro-invertebrate kick net and dip net, hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS), Digital Camera, and Stereo Microscope

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires sitting, lifting, reaching, walking, and lifting up to fifty pounds. Also requires manual dexterity to operate office equipment, keyboarding, copiers, microscope, etc. Must also be able to load/unload 16-foot boat with motor from trailer. Should have corrected normal range of hearing and sight.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

The employee uses judgement in identifying and selecting the most appropriate procedures to use, or in determining which of several established alternatives to use. Some deadlines are involved, so there is time pressure on occasion.

WORKING CONDITIONS

A good deal of work is performed in an office environment, but it is important to realize that some of the work you are exposed are fumes, airborne particles, outside environmental conditions, and to wet and/or humid conditions. You are also exposed to moving mechanical parts when operating boat, water conditions that are unpredictable at times, and other outside environmental conditions.

COMMENTS

Native American Preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy in regard to confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources

Current Openings for Aquatic Biologist Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians