Job Title:                    Water Resources Specialist

Department:           Environmental         

Reports To:              Environmental Specialist

Location:                  Administration Building

Level/Status:          Non-Exempt/Full Time

Wage:                          $32.38 - $41.04

Open Date:               September 11, 2025

Close Date:              September 21, 2025

SUMMARY

The Water Resources Specialist will oversee and implement the water resources programming and projects and the mnomen restoration strategy for Tribal Government.  The position routinely coordinates with Tribal government staff and outside agencies.

The Water Resources Specialist will perform functions for the Tribal Government in compliance with Tribal policy and Federal Government standards.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Freshwater Biology or related field
• Three (3) years of experience working at a similar level in water resources or Master of Science Degree in Freshwater Biology or;
• Experience working for Gun Lake Tribe will be considered when reviewing qualifications
• Demonstrated knowledge of aquatic ecology and water quality
• Excellent professional writing skills
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs, and ability to learn specialized software as needed

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to the following:

• Leads water conservation; makes informed recommendations on water conservation; leads the Clean Water Act Sections 106 and 319 portion of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Performance Partnership Grant and contributes to reporting and subsequent application; drafts and updates surface water quality assessments, the Tribal Water Monitoring Strategy, and Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs)
• Oversees and implements Source Water Protection Plan; advises on drinking water issues in coordination with the Tribal Utility Authority
• Coordinates with staff in Tribal government departments and other Tribal entities to provide technical assistance, protect shared resources, give professional input on developments/projects, design and implement projects, etc.
• Assists with implementation of stormwater standards through permit review, compliance inspections and outreach to other departments and developers
• Contributes to departmental strategic planning
  • Leads mnomen restoration efforts including development of harvest regulations, development and implementation of Mnomen Stewardship Plan, coordination with other Tribes and partner organizations
• Acts as program lead, counselor or other position at the Tribe’s annual Jijak Youth Camp
• Prepares weekly, monthly, annual and other reports as needed/assigned

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations
• Ability to safely operate and haul watercraft including loading and unloading
• Strong work ethic including being service-oriented
• Excellent interpersonal, self-starter, organizational, and time management skills
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adjust to changing priorities in a professional manner
• Ability to operate standard office equipment
• Ability to work in a team orientated environment and maintain an effective team working relationship with co-workers
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50+ lbs
• Must obtain Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate for drone operation
• Must maintain aquatic pest management and Right-of-Way pesticide applicator certification 
• Maintain CPR and First Aid Certification

• Snorkel and/or SCUBA dive related to projects/programs

• Familiarity with state federal and local water resource laws

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and be insurable
• Occasional non-traditional hours including working evenings, weekends 
• Ability and willingness to travel for field work, meetings, and continuing education 
• Field duties can require working in harsh weather conditions including regularly exposed to wet and/or humid and other outside weather conditions
• This position may be subject to frequent exposure to extreme levels of temperature, air pollution, noise pollution and chemicals.  
• The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and other potentially hazardous equipment
• Must maintain Stormwater Operator certifications for SESC and Construction Stormwater Operator
• Must maintain aquatic pest management and Right-of-Way pesticide applicator certification 
• Maintain CPR and First Aid Certification
• Must possess boaters safety certification

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervisory responsibilities over seasonal or temporary staff.  Leads field crews.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this job. These statements should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. 

All applicants must be able to demonstrate their US work authorization during the employment verification process. The pre-employment process also requires the ability to pass a criminal background investigation and drug/alcohol test.  

NATIVE AMERICAN PREFERENCE

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi recognizes Native American preference in its hiring and employment policies.

EMPLOYER BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION
 The Gun Lake Tribe offers a competitive base salary and the best benefits package around.

• Medical, dental, vision and telehealth coverage for employee and all dependents, with no employee premium!
• Paid Time Off and 15 paid Holidays
• Short-and-long term disability coverage
• Life insurance for the employee, spouse and their dependents 
• Pension plan for Public Safety employees
• 401K/Roth retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness Program
• Voluntary Benefits: AFLAC and Flexible Spending Account, additional life insurance
• On-site gym, free memberships for entire household
• One hour paid lunch break