Environmental Programs Specialist

Job Description:

SUMMARY

The Environmental Programs Specialist supports the Tribe’s environmental programs through environmental monitoring, regulatory support, restoration efforts, and ecocultural stewardship activities focused on air, water, and natural resource protection. This work strengthens ecosystems and reciprocal relationships with the land, supporting the long-term health and well-being of Tribal members.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Air Quality:

• Conducts ambient and indoor air quality monitoring, including data collection, analysis, quality assurance, and reporting.
• Develops and maintains Air Quality Program Plans, QAPPs, and monitoring strategies in compliance with EPA and Tribal standards.
• Reviews air quality permits (e.g., New Source Review, Title V) and conducts community outreach related to wildfire smoke, indoor air quality, and exposure prevention.
• Supports and integrates traditional cultural burning practices and collaborate with agencies and community partners to address air pollution sources.

Water Quality:

• Conducts field-based water quality monitoring and operates, calibrates, and maintains monitoring equipment.
• Assists with development and updates to water quality program plans and EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans.
• Analyzes and summarizes data and prepares technical reports, datasets, and visualizations for internal and external use.

Boat Operations:

• Assists with the operation and maintenance of Tribal vessels in inland, nearshore, and offshore waters.
• Supports Tribal member cultural, subsistence, and educational fishing activities while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Laboratory:

• Supports development and implementation of laboratory testing methods, analytical procedures, and quality assurance documentation.
• Coordinates with staff and partners to ensure compliance with federal and Tribal laboratory standards.

Restoration, Botany, and Greenhouse:

• Coordinates the Tribal greenhouse and traditional cultural plant revitalization program.
• Supports ecocultural restoration using projects using culturally significant native species, including propagation, plant collection, and monitoring.

Administration, Grants, and Policy:

• Assists with grant writing, reporting, contract management, and environmental policy development.
• Reviews environmental permits and regulatory documents (e.g., NPDES, 401 Certifications, Title V, EIS/EAs) to support Tribal compliance and advocacy.
• Maintains organized program records and participates in interagency and regional coordination efforts.

General Duties:

• Participates in ongoing professional development, cross-training, and community outreach.
• Performs additional duties and special projects as assigned by the Director, Assistant Director, Lab Manager, or Chief Executive Officer.

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY & RESTRICTIONS

• This position requires working independently without overseeing others, with no authority in decision-making

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS

• Ability to manage moderate levels of stress arising from schedules, workload, and diverse or adversarial stakeholders.
• Vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• May be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to stand, walk, reach, and climb or balance as needed for listed duties.
• Physical and mental demands as needed for scuba diving and small-vessel operations.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENVIRONMENT

• Laboratory environment: settings that require adherence to health and safety protocols.
• Field environment: variable weather conditions, landscapes, and terrains.
• Office environment: moderate level of noise, frequent interruptions, and distractions.
• Requires occasionally working evenings, weekends, and irregular working schedules around tides, other cycles or events, evening and weekend meetings, out-of-area travel for meetings, conferences, workshops, trainings, etc.
• Will require the ability to walk, hike, swim, drive, and boat in difficult conditions at various hours and days of the week.
• Must be willing and able to travel both locally and within the CTCLUSI service area.

Job Location:

Tribal Government Building

1245 Fulton Avenue

Coos Bay, Oregon 97420

Experience and Skills:

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 25 years of age per vehicle use policy.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to be insured to drive Tribal Government vehicles.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
• At least two years’ experience in environmental data collection, management, analysis, and reporting of environmental data (air or water quality).
• SCUBA certification required or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Must possess or obtain Oregon Boater Safety Card within 90 days of hire.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including technical and regulatory writing, with federal, state, county, and local governments.
• Requires the ability to work well with Tribal members, the general public, private landowners, and stakeholder organizations in a courteous, professional, and efficient manner.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, verbally, in writing or by other acceptable means.
• This is a safety sensitive position and will be subject to pre-employment drug testing and criminal history background check, which will include fingerprinting.
• Must have employment eligibility in the United States.
• Indian preference will be observed in the hiring process.