Environmental Scientist

Muckleshoot Indian Tribe • Auburn, WA

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe (MIT) is seeking to fill a full-time position that is responsible for assisting in natural resources protection and environmental compliance. This role requires expertise in environmental laws and regulations. Responsibilities include reviewing environmental documents, writing comment letters, preparing program plans and providing recommendations on implementation of environmental regulations. This position involves collaboration with all MIT Fisheries Division programs as well as federal, state, county, and city programs that promulgate environmental regulations and requires excellent communication and organizational skills.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Fisheries Biology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a directly related field from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) of upper level (500 or higher) in science courses in subjects such as genetics, physiology, ecology, resource management, restoration, aquaculture, and 6 semester (9 quarter) hours of research design, statistics and/or biometrics (course numbers 500 or higher).
• Four (4) years of related work experience with regulatory agencies or development of Environmental Impact Statements or Environmental Assessments.
• OR Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Biology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a directly related field from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of at least 34 upper level semester hours (51 quarter hours) in science subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, shellfish biology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, aquaculture and upper level courses in probability and statistics.
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience with regulatory agencies or development of Environmental Impact Statements or Environmental Assessments.
• Transcripts are required as part of the application process.
• Advanced skill in negotiating with representatives of regulatory agencies to resolve technical and/or compliance issues.
• Advanced ability to analyze, interpret, explain, and apply relevant laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, problem-solve, and take initiative within established procedures and guidelines.
• Ability to collaborate, establish, and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of people and perspectives in local decision-making.
• Ability to communicate clearly, logically, and persuasively, both verbally and in writing; prepare concise and comprehensive reports, correspondence, and other documents.
• Extensive knowledge of fish and shellfish species, including anadromous salmonids, habitat characteristics and requirements, and ecological relationships.
• Knowledge of principles, theories, methods, and techniques of natural resources management and environmental protection.
• Current literature, trends and developments in fisheries and fish habitat research.
• Physical and natural sciences related to ground/surface water quality, quantity, development, and basin-wide management.
• Knowledge of environmental regulation processes including NEPA, SEPA, HPAs, NPDES permits, and USACE permits.

Responsibilities

• Participate on teams reviewing, updating, and implementing regulations relevant to salmon population enhancement/restoration and habitat needs across their life cycle.
• Track, analyze, and participate in current and future federal, state, and local regulation development; provide recommendations to MIT; and coordinate response to proposed changes. This may include ESA, NEPA, SEPA, HPAs, NPDES permits, US Army Corps of Engineers permits, and other permits related to the Tribe’s interests.
• Notifies Tribal fishers of potential conflicts with local waterway agencies.
• Assist the Fisheries Division in developing and implementing an operational plan aligned with the strategic direction of the program by meeting regularly with division staff to identify issues that are of concern and attend meetings as directed and prepare summaries of those discussions.
• Provide technical support for a wide variety of issues affecting the Tribe's interests by reviewing, researching, and preparing reports documenting the implementation of environmental quality and compliance of regulations related to fish and fisheries of interest to the Tribe.
• Coordinate and collaborate with the Puget Sound Treaty Tribes and other federal, state, and local governments to advocate for policies and regulations that promote safe fish passage, improved water and habitat quality, and the restoration and rebuilding of harvestable salmonid populations.
• Participate in fieldwork including site visits and hands-on activities that may occur during inclement weather and/or during outside of regular business hours.
• Because of the Tribe's commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior