River Restoration Ecologist

* The River Restoration Ecologist is a grant funded position; therefore, the duration of this position is subject to the guidelines outlined in the grant.

SUMMARY

The River Restoration Ecologist position is in the Natural Resources Department. The position will operate regionally where office locations may vary depending on project needs. The primary responsibilities of this position are to develop, coordinate and implement innovative strategies and methods that serve to restore function and resiliency of habitats important for self-sustaining fishery and wildlife resources; with focus on fluvial systems. The position coordinates collaborative efforts on watersheds targeted for restoration planning, assessment, monitoring and evaluation of projects funded and developed through grants and contracts awarded from outside funding sources. The position provides technical assistance to other agencies responsible for the management of natural resources in the region. Assignments are designed to develop and build Departmental professional working knowledge and capacity in the field of watershed assessment, restoration planning, engineering, design, implementation and evaluation. Assignments require innovation and application of standard scientific methods for physical and biological data collection designs while integrating applied engineering principles and practices in accomplishing logical and defensible evaluations of river restoration project plans in the context of natural channel design performance standards. This position provides guidance to related management and monitoring programs within the Department with specific focus on interdisciplinary assessment and evaluation of watershed restoration projects and programs assigned to Natural Resources Department staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master of Science Degree in Fisheries, Hydrology, Geology, Civil Engineering or related field required.
• Minimum 10 years demonstrated knowledge and experience in aquatic ecology and management, river restoration project management, implementation and monitoring work.
• Certified training in Applied Fluvial Geomorphology, River Assessment and Monitoring, and Natural Channel Design (Equivalency to Rosgen training regime Levels I-IV).
• Must have a valid Michigan Driver's License and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares executive and summary reports for all Resource Restoration related programs to the Natural Resources Department Manager.
• In coordination with Natural Resources Department staff the position will identify and prioritize potential restoration projects, develop applicable watershed assessments, prepare detailed stream design assessments, conduct conceptual level planning, develop and assist with preliminary and final design phase work including permitting, construction administration, and post-construction monitoring.
• Serves on technical, operational and implementation teams and committees associated with specific projects or regional planning or technical committees as assigned or appropriate; such that the position engages and contributes to meetings of various committees and working groups related to the projects through preparing and presenting reports, providing leadership or chairmanship of committees as necessary or pertinent, and representing the Tribe in an exemplary and professional manner (Examples - Boardman River Implementation Team, Michigan Stream Team, Barrier Technical Committee).
• Prepares, executes and provides technical training related to protocols and analytical procedures applicable to watershed assessment, planning, design and monitoring of targeted watershed/river restoration and enhancement projects.
• Performs field work involving the collection of geomorphic, hydraulic, hydrologic and ecological data; integrates field survey data utilized for design and evaluation of river restoration projects through natural channel design elements including pattern, profile, dimension, hydraulic and hydrologic conditions, sediment transport and management.
• Secures and maintains good public relations and communicates with both Tribal and non-tribal individuals to assist in the interpretation and distribution of biological, ecological and social information; with emphasis on tribal Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and its applicability and correlation to conventional scientific principles, practices and techniques.
• Prepares technical reports, memoranda and other documentary materials focusing on evaluating functional performance of applied restoration practices, standards and specifications.
• Works with and assists engineers, hydrologists, geologists, natural resources management specialists, biologists, chemists, educators, and planners specializing in stream restoration.
• Applies standard hydraulic and general Engineering practices and techniques, correlates data, recognizes discrepancies in results, and follows operations through a series of related detailed steps or processes.
• Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing, concerning all job related technical requirements.
• Prepares, reviews and coordinates integration of project-based grant proposals in conjunction with other Natural Resource Department Programs.
• Supervises or coordinates the work of technicians, surveyors and other staff assigned to specific projects as necessary and appropriate.
• Provides technical guidance to applicable Natural Resources Programs / Staff contingents on matters including integrated watershed planning, assessments, mitigation proposals, and prescribing other measures to protect, preserve and restore natural resources.
• Works with consultants and coordinates the work of other consultants.
• Meets regularly with other natural resource professionals to discuss and exchange technical information.
• Assists with public education/outreach and grant writers.
• Conducts and provides oversight on administrative activities, budgetary components, and reporting requirements related to watershed restoration and assessment programs.
• Other duties as assigned by the Department Manager.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• General supervisory skills.
• General mechanical ability is required.
• Proficiency in the use of survey grade instrumentation (Robotic Total Station, RTK GPS, etc.)
• Proficiency in the operation of Unmanned Aerial Systems and associated imagery technologies.
• Proficiency in computers and multiple packages of software (GIS, HEC-RAS, AutoCAD, Rivermorph, etc.).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated patience, tact, and respect.
• Exceptional detail and follow-up skills.
• Ability to effectively establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency in leadership and management skills and techniques.
• Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Ability to read and write legibly.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Master of Science Degree in Fisheries, Hydrology, Geology, Civil Engineering or related field required.
• Minimum 10 years demonstrated knowledge and experience in aquatic ecology and management, river restoration project management, implementation and monitoring work.
• Certified training in Applied Fluvial Geomorphology, River Assessment and Monitoring, and Natural Channel Design (Equivalency to Rosgen training regime Levels I-IV).
• Preference will be given to candidates demonstrating a high level of understanding of tribal Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and its applicability and correlation to conventional scientific principles, practices and techniques.
• Successful completion of Program Director Training within one year from the date of hire.
• Advanced knowledge of business, budgeting, accounting, purchasing and planning.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable law, regulations, rules, procedures, and administration is required.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid Michigan Driver's License and be insurable by the GTB insurance carrier.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The River Restoration Ecologist is responsible for supervising and coordinating activities and functions of applicable technical staff and other positions as assigned.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.

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 (River Ecologist and Restoration Expert) will be set at 73% tax exempt. This percentage will be re-evaluated and examined on an annual basis to determine validity in the percentage.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

Specialized equipment include, but is not limited to, survey grade instruments [Robotic Total Station and Real Time Kinetic Geographic Positioning Systems (RTK-GPS)] and associated equipment and software, GPS, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), radio telemetry and Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag detection systems, remote camera systems, digital and conventional photographic equipment, remote temperature recording devices, electro-fishers and other fishery collection equipment, water quality and velocity measuring devices, boats and motors, snowmobiles, off-road vehicles, chain saws, hydraulic and hand operated high capacity winches, vegetation sampling equipment, construction tools, explosive detonation equipment, and fire control equipment. General office equipment including computers, faxes, copiers, phone systems, calculators, slide projectors, video imaging, and power point projectors.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly involves sedentary work: exerting up to 10 pounds of force and/or a negligible amount of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

The employee uses judgment in identifying and selecting the most appropriate procedures to use and/or develops creative and innovative alternatives to apply. Performance requires regular cognitive engagement in complex scenario analyses and problem solving over a wide range of demographics. Many deadlines are involved, so there is time pressure on occasion.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Occasionally exposed to tobacco smoke, fumes or airborne particles.
• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and mechanisms.
• Regularly subject to inside environmental conditions, which provide protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes.
• Regularly subject to outside environmental conditions and to wet and/or humid conditions.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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 regarding 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 River Restoration Ecologist Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians