The Samish Indian Nation is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Natural Resources Scientific Diver/Field Technician to support the Tribe’s environmental stewardship and marine resource management efforts. This position plays a vital role in collecting field data, conducting underwater surveys, and supporting habitat restorations and monitoring projects throughout the Tribe’s ancestral territory in the Salish Sea region.

Why work for Samish?

The Samish Indian Nation provides a very competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, optional supplemental coverage plans, a 401(k) Plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and approximately 16 paid holidays. Best of all, we offer a great environment with passionate and caring staff!

Benefits Summary

• Hybrid Work Arrangement potential
• Health insurance including medical, dental & vision
• Life, AD&D, STD and LTD insurance
• Annual & Sick Leave
  
• Paid holidays (up to 16+ days per year)
• Paid jury, bereavement & cultural leave
• Wellness & Employee Assistance Plan
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually (based on performance evaluation and available funds)
  

1. Fieldwork and Diving
1. Conducts scientific diving operations to monitor marine habitats, including eelgrass beds, kelp forests, and nearshore restorations sites.
2. Collects biological, chemical, and physical data from aquatic and terrestrial environments.
3. Operates and maintains field equipment including dive gear, GPS units, water quality meters, underwater cameras, and sampling gear.
4. Assists in deploying and retrieving monitoring instruments and participating in marine reintroduction of endangered species and habitat.
2. Data Management & Reporting
   1. Records and manages field data using standardized protocols.
   2. Assists in data entry, analysis, and preparation of technical reports and presentations.
   3. Supports GIS mapping and spatial data collection.
3. Program Support
   1. Participates in habitat restoration projects, including planting, invasive species removal, and shoreline stabilizations.
   2. Collaborates with Tribal staff, partner agencies, and community members on environmental initiatives.
   3. Assists with educational outreach and community engagement events related to natural resources.
4. Performs other duties as assigned

1. AA/AS degree in marine biology, environmental science, natural resources, or related field (or equivalent experience).
2. Minimum dive certification up through Rescue Diver with demonstrated experience in cold-water diving.
3. Strong understanding of marine ecosystems and field sampling techniques.
4. Ability to work in physically demanding outdoor environments and on boats.
5. Ability to become ReefCheck certified within the Tribe’s usual and accustomed areas.

 Preferred Qualifications:

1. AAUS certification a plus.
2. Experience working with Tribal governments or Indigenous communities.
3. Familiarity with Pacific Northwest marine/terrestrial species and habitats.
4. Small boat operation experience and relevant certifications.
5. Proficiency in GIS, data analysis software, and technical writing.

Physical Demands: Frequent walking, hiking, standing (40% of time); Frequent bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting, carrying, and pushing (30% of time); Regular periods of sitting, including driving (30% of time). Regularly lifts/carries up to 50lbs. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to use office and field equipment with frequent repetitive motion such as writing, typing, paperwork-handling, and phone use. Must be able to physically utilize vehicles and water vessels of various sizes including boats, kayaks, or zodiacs. Fieldwork may involve exposure to inclement weather, rough terrain, and remote locations. Diving operations require adherence to safety protocols and physical fitness. Mental/Visual Demands: Frequent mental and/or visual attention to task is required. Occasionally work requires heavy concentration. Frequent interruptions. Tasks involve eye-hand coordination. Working Environment: Work environment is mainly outdoors with various elements and inclement weather including wind, rain, sleet, cold, and heat. Unavoidable hazards/risks: Work requires frequent vehicular travel and frequent field work including land and bodies of water. May handle chemicals, solutions, and samples on a regular basis.

Samish Indian Nation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or ancestry.  Samish preference and Indian preference will be applied to the selection for this position as defined in Title 25, US Code Section 473.

CONFIDENTIALITY: This position develops, maintains, and is responsible for safeguarding the computer/electronic and hardcopy file folders containing sensitive and proprietary information about the Tribe and its members.  The incumbent must maintain confidentiality of all work and files pertaining to enrollment, clients, survey results, and all other material that may identify individuals by name (either directly or by reference), as set forth by the Tribal Council in the Personnel Manual.  Any violation in this matter may result in immediate termination of employment. All materials, including electronic materials of any type or format, produced are considered works made for hire and are the property of the Samish Indian Nation.

Please state your eligibility for Indian preference in your cover letter.  Indian preference must be documented prior to interview or hiring.  BIA Form 4432 or tribal enrollment ID may be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.

All persons who are offered employment with the Samish Indian Nation must give permission for a thorough background check of previous work performance, motor vehicle history, credit history and criminal history, as well as a pre-employment drug screen. Random drug tests may be performed.