Environmental Director

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa•Red Cliff, WI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Environmental Director oversees that programmatic guidelines and funding requirements are met in the Red Cliff Environmental Department. The Environmental Director oversees Red Cliff Code of Laws Chapter 12, Pollution and Environmental Protection (RCCL Ch. 12), ensures timely review of land use applications (RCCL Ch. 11), issues wood cutting and small harvest permits (RCCL Ch. 11). The department typically has 6 – 9 staff working collaboratively within the larger Treaty Natural Resources Division. Planning, development, implementation and oversight of environmental programs for the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa are the central functions of this position. Also, key is the incumbent’s ability to serve as a representative for the Red Cliff Band on a variety of environmental issues in an articulate and professional manner.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or related field is required.
Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
Excellent computer skills and familiarity with GIS, Microsoft Office and other relevant software programs.
Proven ability to work independently with little supervision and in cooperation with other departments and staff.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Must maintain driver’s eligibility as a condition of employment.
Must be eligible to be put on the Tribe’s vehicle insurance policy.

Nice To Haves

Completion of a Masters in the field or equivalent experience will increase an applicant’s competitiveness in the selection process.
Experience drafting or reviewing NEPA or similar environmental assessment documents is desired.
Previous experience working for or with Tribes or intertribal agencies is strongly desired.
A minimum of 5 years of professional experience, including 3 years of supervisory experience, is desired.
Knowledge of a wide range of environmental issues, particularly those relevant to Ojibwe Tribes.
Knowledge of and sensitivity for Ojibwe culture and traditions.
Familiarity with or capacity to implement environmental assessments will be advantageous.
Knowledge of EPA programming available to tribes will be extremely advantageous, as will an understanding and awareness of Ojibwe culture.
Experience in grant management, budgets, and environmental oversight would be beneficial.
Ability to understand and interpret engineering or architectural plans would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

Fulfill the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) workplan requirements for the General Assistance Program (GAP) and the tribal environmental program priorities in the EPA-Tribal Environmental Plan (ETEP).
Provide supervisory oversight of environmental staff and programs within the Environmental Department.
Support Environmental Department staff in and conduct financial management of grant funding in the Environmental Department.
Facilitate setting and tracking of environmental goals and objectives for the Department.
Establish, review and revise environmental codes in the Red Cliff Code of Laws and environmental program management documents.
Work with various Tribal departments for environmental code compliance.
Participate in tribal, local, state, federal and international work groups and committees.
Cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with agencies and community members.
Carry out project reviews for on-reservation land use applications (PAC) and issue Environmental Change and Activity permits in accordance with RCCL Ch. 12.
Provide environmental oversight and support for transfer station and associated events.
Provide environmental oversight and assess non-compliance and determine remediation and/or corrective actions in relation to RCCL Ch. 12
When applicable, implement and manage grant funded projects associated with cleaning up open dump sites.
Evaluate and respond to environmental policy notifications, consultation requests, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and other state or federal permits, as appropriate, around Lake Superior and within the ceded territories.
Assess tribal needs and achieve programmatic support in the development of new environmental initiatives and programs.
Evaluate needs and staffing for EPA Treatment as a State (TAS) delegation for Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act programs.
Develop and aid in efforts of other TAS applications for other environmental programs.
Collaborate with other TNR Departments on shared projects and undertakings.
Be considerate of tribal culture in programming and outreach efforts.