Local recruitment: Water Resources Manager

Job Title:         Water Resources Program Manager

Department:    Natural Resources

Reports To:     Natural Resources Director    

Job Status:       Exempt

Type:               Full Time

Grade:             K                                 

Revised:          September 11, 2023

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Assistant Natural Resources Department Director, the Water Resources Program Manager will be responsible for planning, administering, and managing the Department’s Water Resources Program and serving as technical lead on water resources-related issues for the Department.   The duties of the position include (1) management of program grants and contracts; (2) oversight and implementation of water resources assessment and monitoring projects; (3) water resources protection; (4) participation in local, state and federal watershed and water resources management forums; and (5) technical support for the Tribe’s participation in the Nooksack Basin general stream adjudication. 

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Directly manage multiple grant programs and projects, which include water resources monitoring and management planning of nonpoint source pollution, wetlands protection and restoration program development.   Duties include: 1) development of annual workplans and grant proposals; 2) budget management; 3) implementation of workplans consistent with grant agreements; 4) supervision of Water Resources Specialist and other staff; 5) review of technical reports and data quality control; and 6) grant reporting.
2. Oversee and implement projects to assess and/or monitor: stream temperature, general water quality parameters, suspended sediment, fecal coliform, wetland condition and function, and the effects of climate change on treaty resources.  Oversee development of associated technical reports, including reviewing staff work products.   
3. Develop, negotiate, and manage contracts with consultants, including soliciting bids and/or requests for proposals, evaluating proposals and selecting subcontractors, and reviewing and providing input on reports and other technical work products prepared by contractors.  
4. Participate in watershed and water resources management, wetlands, and climate change forums to protect and restore tribal treaty resources, including WRIA 1 Watershed Management Board Watershed Staff Team, Whatcom Clean Water Program, and Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. Represent the Tribe as technical staff in other technical forums as assigned.  
5. Support treaty water resources protection, including: (1) reviewing water right permits and claims; (2) supporting the Resource Protection Manager in reviewing proposed actions (land use actions, water right permits, etc.) as applicable; (3) reviewing water resources monitoring data and reports to identify and address issues of concern; (4) sharing water resources monitoring data with Washington Department of Ecology to inform updates to the state’s 303(d) list of impaired waters; and (5) providing technical input to regulatory updates. 
6. Work closely with other Department managers and professional staff to inform, develop, implement, and/or evaluate Department programs and activities.
7. Build program and hire additional staff as needed.

OTHER DUTIES:

•     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 relate to their regular responsibilities.

PREFERENCE:

• Indian Preference Policy applies to this and all positions with the Nooksack Indian Tribe. Tribal Enrollment Documents are required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following qualifications are required for the incumbent to have, in order to be considered for the position.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION: 

• Master’s Degree in hydrology, hydrogeology, groundwater hydrology, watershed science, or similar degree.

AND

• At least five years of professional experience working in the discipline of water resources management and data acquisition, data management, data analysis, and report preparation; federal, state, and local environmental regulations, and ecosystem/watershed processes, and protection of water resources.    

AND

• At least two years of experience managing grants and budgets.

AND

• At least two years of experience in staff supervision and management.

REQUIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES OF POSITION:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential.  Specifically, experience writing scientific reports, grant proposals, and other technical material and presenting is required.
• Ability to manage EPA grants including federal Clean Water Act sections 106 and 319 and Indian General Assistance Program (IGAP) grant programs, and/or other state and local grant programs involving water resources, wetlands, and/or climate change.
• Experience with grant application preparation and grant and budget management.
• Ability to design and conduct studies to monitor and assess surface and ground- water quantity and water quality, and related watershed processes, including measurement of discharge, water temperature, suspended sediment, and other water quality parameters.
• Ability to evaluate and apply federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to water quantity, water quality, wetlands and streams, and shorelines. 
• Understanding of water quality impacts on Indian Treaty resources (e.g., finfish and shellfish)
• Proficiency in the use and application of Microsoft Office and GIS (e.g. ESRI) software products. 
• Ability to plan scientific studies and collect, interpret, and report scientific data, and understand and apply technical guidance documents.  
• Strong ability to understand, synthesize and communicate complex technical information to Tribal policy.  

REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must pass alcohol/drug test at time of hire and throughout employment.
• Must pass criminal background check at time of hire and periodically thereafter.

REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS: 

• Must have and maintain throughout employment a valid Washington State Driver’s License and meet the insurability requirements of the Tribe. (Must provide three-year driving abstract at time of hire).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.):

Work is characterized by the necessity for considerable physical exertion, and by working under varied weather conditions while exposed to dampness, fumes, odors, dust, dirt, rain, sleet, snow, heat, chemicals, loud noises, and foul odors.

• This position requires work both in the office and in the field. The position will require the ability to work in the field both in streams with slippery rocks and on steep and unstable slopes,  at heights above water such as on a bridge, and during inclement weather. Such work may be required during inclement weather. 
• Work requires climbing, stooping, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, grasping, and repetitive motions. Extended periods of sitting.
• Frequently walking and lifting, up to 30 pounds and occasional lifting of equipment up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to ascend and descend stairs and steep trails.
• Physically capable of meeting the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the required duties. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

DESIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES OF POSITION:

The following qualifications are preferred/helpful for the incumbent who has these skills/knowledge or abilities for this position.

• Familiarity with WRIA 1 Watershed Management Project studies and work products is strongly recommended.
• Strong understanding of Washington water law, water rights, water use, groundwater and surface water hydrology.  
• Ability to perform wetlands assessment, monitoring, and restoration planning and implementation.
• Professional Wetland Scientist standing or the ability to obtain such certification within one year of hiring.
• Licensed hydrologist, and/or licensed hydrogeologist.
• Experience working with Native American tribes and evaluation and assessment of impacts on Treaty resources.
• Proficiency in applying GIS, statistical and other software tools, including water resources modeling.
• Software design and programming for the purposes of hydrologic system modeling.