The Natural Resources Senior Director oversees all environmental quality and planning related activities for the Samish Tribe including water quality, air quality, water resource planning, land use planning and geographic information system development. The Senior Director serves as the liaison between the Infrastructure & Resources Executive Director and various local, tribal, state and federal entities regarding environmental quality and planning issues. Duties include new program development, program administration, and project management of environmental quality and planning issues of specific concern to the Tribe. Continuation of these activities depends on accurate and timely work products, renewing grants and contracts, and developing the capacity of the Samish Indian Nation to implement policy, procedures and projects that benefit both the Tribe and its members and the agencies that fund those related activities.

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

• 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. Manages, administers, and implements Tribal Environmental Quality Programs
2. Manages, mentors, motivates and develops a highly skilled Natural Resources Staff
3. Coordinates with tribal, local, state, and federal environmental quality managers to develop Tribal environmental quality programs consistent with the goals of the Tribal Council
4. Represents tribal environmental quality and planning interests on an ongoing basis with other tribes, local, state and federal government entities and organizations; Monitors and participates in environmental quality management efforts at the state and local level
5. Works with committees on issues related to environmental quality and land use planning; Serves as a liaison between the Tribe and local environmental quality and land use planning entities
6. Manages the development of a Tribal Geographic Information System; Creates a GIS database to effectively monitor and tract Tribal natural and cultural resources; Continues to expand the scope and capability of the Tribal GIS to meet the needs of Tribal Council and staff
7. Manages the development of Tribal Climate Change Resiliency Planning Program
8. Prepares and submits reports to the funding agencies
9. Prepares documents as required by the NEPA process and potential funding agencies
10. Develops, in conjunction with Infrastructure & Resources Executive Director, required environmental ordinances for submission to Tribal Council
11. Implements and enforces all environmentally related policies, resolutions, and ordinances as approved by Tribal Council
12. Tracks environmental issues relevant to the Tribe on a local, state and Federal level and advises Council in the formulation of official comments and Tribal Governmental engagement regarding those issues
13. Actively pursues and develops new partnerships and opportunities on a local, state, Federal and International level
14. Represents Samish Tribal Council and Samish Natural Resources issues and ideals at regional, national and international conferences
15. Investigates environmental grant opportunities; drafts and submits proposals as directed
16. Represents Samish Council as directed at governmental and NGO working groups to advance the needs of the Samish People with regard to Natural Resources protection, preservation and restoration

 The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.

1. Bachelor's Degree in natural resources management, environmental studies, land use-planning, fisheries management or a related field AND two years of relevant experience in the implementation and/or management of environmental quality or environmental planning programs; Bachelor’s degree may be substituted for an Associate’s Degree AND five years of progressively responsible experience in a related field
2. Must possess practical experience with environmental quality and planning issues of concern to the Tribe, in particular, land use planning, water quality and air quality
3. Must have organized work habits which will assure timely and accurate submission of reports, grant requests, budgets and other time sensitive materials
4. Must be a strategic thinker and have a strong analytical mind to understand how emerging environmental issues may affect the Tribe
5. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs
6. Must possess ability to communicate information verbally and in written form in clear, concise, accurate and professional manner
7. Must possess leadership qualities to produce positive results with funding agencies, contractors, attorneys and other key personnel
8. Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to meet the minimum insurance requirements regarding driving record in order to utilize GSA vehicles

**Obtaining full COVID-19 vaccination no later than 60 days from the hire date will be a condition of employment for all Samish employees**

Applicants must be a Washington State resident or willing to relocate to Washington State.

Physical Demands: Regular periods of sitting, including driving (60% of time); Some walking, hiking, standing (25% of time); Some bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting, carrying, and pushing (15% of time); May lift/carry 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. 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. Protective equipment and clothing may be required (goggles, gloves, masks, boots, PFDs, etc.)

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.

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.

This position is a “covered position” under the Tribe’s Indian Child and Family Violence Act Policy and all applicants must undergo a fingerprint background investigation in order to be hired for this position.  The Tribe will not hire, permit anyone to work or volunteer in a covered position if the person has ever been found guilty or entered a plea of no contest or guilty to any offense under federal, state, or Tribal law which involves violence, threat of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, prostitution, crimes against persons, or offenses committed against children.