Fish and Wildlife Technician II

SUMMARY

The Fish and Wildlife Technician II gathers, organizes, and analyzes biological and relevant environmental data as well as associated harvest and use information as guided by the Goals and Objectives listed under, but not limited to; any Inland Fish and Wildlife Program activities or initiatives or other related Programs described under the Natural Resources Department Management Plan. This position assists in the day to day operation of the Grand Traverse Band's (GTB) Fish and Wildlife Program through tasks to help increase the efficiency and efficacy of the program in protecting, managing, and restoring natural resources for the benefit of Tribal Members, and protection among all beneficiaries to natural resource stewardship while keeping within the context of Tribal usufructuary rights.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree in Biology, with emphasis in Fisheries Management or in a related field or work equivalent experience as determined by the Human Resources Director and Natural Resources Department Manager.
• Some field related experience.
• Must have a valid Michigan Driver's License and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with fishery and wildlife management, restoration and enhancement activities by collecting and compiling a variety of existing biological and environmental data pertaining to any projects or activities cited in the Natural Resources Department Strategic Plan, Fish and Wildlife Program and/or BIA grant(s).
• Assist with the maintenance of comprehensive databases on management activities affecting fish and wildlife resources in treaty areas and produce detailed technical reports communicating the results of field observations.
• Maintains Tribal Repository, inventories all items, maintains database of all member applications, coordinates with Federal Agencies, issues permits to possess threatened and endangered species and ensures delivery of requested items and parts; also responsible for collection of archival materials in coordination with museum.
• Assist in public outreach and education efforts related to Natural Resources issues; documentation of traditional / cultural practices as they relate to inland fish, wildlife, plants and supporting resources use, management, preservation and enhancement.
• Assist in coordinating, implementing and evaluating fishery and wildlife management plans and programs as related to and guided by the Natural Resources Department Strategic Plan.
• Responsible for coordination of youth/elders involvement with departmental program activities as requested
• Assists in preparation of office records, reports, and field office long-range plans.
• Develop and promote knowledge of Tribal natural resource issues; with particular emphasis as to a level of understanding of tribal Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and its applicability and correlation to conventional scientific principles, practices and techniques.
• Gathers, compiles and documents needed information and other field data (soil information, plant identification, surface drainage, and hydrological evidence) along with the use and creation of maps and plans to qualify, quantify, and display this data.
• Work situation requires an ability to work cooperatively with technical experts from various agencies, local units of government, and NGO's (Non-Governmental Organizations).
• The purpose of the assigned work is to assist biologists, ecologists and land managers in evaluating and demonstrating how various habitat improvement practices and restoration techniques benefit natural resources. The work is also expected to increase mutual understanding and provide better access to financial programs that would support these practices.
• Personal contacts include but will not be limited to tribal members, tribal resource professionals, peers and supervisors, Federal, State, and local government officials, non-profit organizations, rural and community residents, and contractors to exchange information about natural resources and implement the conservation work of the GTB and partnering organizations.
• As necessary, assist with field assessments of tribal commercial and subsistence catch of all target and important incidental fish species.
• Other duties as assigned

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated knowledge of fisheries, wildlife and general life history requirements for sustainable community structures through time.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in biological and habitat data collection protocols, techniques and associated equipment and instruments.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, Word, Access, Publisher and Power Point.
• Familiarity with technical software including ArcGIS and various other Passive and Active data logging devices.
• Knowledge of written and oral communications techniques sufficient to make effective presentations of program / project objectives to a wide variety of technical and non-technical audiences
• Good time management and organizational skills are critical.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact, and respect.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Exceptional detail and follow-up skills.
• Ability to effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• General mechanical abilities.
• Duties, responsibilities, requirements, and expectations pertaining to this job are subject to change as needed.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED/ RESOURCES

Global Positioning Systems (GPS), mirror sighting compasses, stream-flow instruments, electrofishing equipment, nets, survey equipment, photo-documentation general office equipment including computers, faxes, copiers, calculators, phone systems, video and still photography equipment, gas powered chainsaw, gas powered portable winch, and other gas powered equipment, vessels up to 28 feet in length, motor vehicle operations including ATV's and snowmobiles. GTB will also provide guidance in Grant requirements through the provision of Program Director Training within one year from the date of hire. Ample information will be made available on fish and wildlife assessment technical protocols and procedures, textbooks, and other related technical bulletins or references as applicable.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Associate's degree in Biology, with emphasis in Fisheries Management or in a related field or work equivalent experience as determined by the Human Resources Director and Natural Resources Department Manager.
• Minimum of five years of field related experience preferred.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a valid and unrestricted Michigan Driver's License and appropriate endorsements for all vehicles.
• Must pass a Moving Violation Report (MVR) and be able to be insured by the Tribes driver insurance carrier.

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 this position (Fish & Wildlife Technician II) will be set at 100% tax exempt. This percentage will be re-evaluated and examined on an annual basis to determine validity in the percentage.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory responsibility required.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Regularly involves sedentary work: exerting up to 10 pounds of force and/or a negligible amount of force to lift, carry, push, and pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
• Frequently involves light work: exerting up to 25 pounds of force and/or up to 10 pounds of force and/or negligible amount of force to move objects.
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Regularly requires the ability to give and receive detailed information through verbal communication.
• Regularly requires verbally expressing or exchanging ideas of important instructions accurately, loudly, or quickly.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

• Receives work assignments with defined objectives, priorities, and deadlines, and clear indications of any special considerations or unusual requirements.
• Responsible for planning and carrying out recurring assignments.
• Guidelines include, but are not limited to, departmental regulations, written policies, and existing precedents.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and mechanisms.
• The employee is regularly subject to inside environmental conditions, which provide protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes.
• The employee is frequently subject to outside environmental conditions and to wet and/or humid conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Local travel is frequently required.
• Travel outside of the state is infrequently required.
• Typical travel time is generally less than a week.

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 through approved motion by Tribal Council. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.

Current Openings for Fish and Wildlife Technician II Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians