Job Title: Water Quality Biologist
Department: Natural Resources Department
Reports to: Environmental Services Manager
Salary Range: $19.52 to $27.32 per hour ($40,593 to $56,830) Annually
Status: Non-Exempt
Level: B24
Terms: Grant funded: Performance Partnership Grant (Renewable Every 2 Years)
Opens: April 15, 2021
Closes: April 29, 2021
SUMMARY: The Water Quality Biologist will be responsible for ensuring the protection and wise use of the LTBB’s water resources through the monitoring and assessment of Tribal water resources, the development of water quality standards, and the enforcement of regulations enacted to protect those water resources. The Water Quality Biologist will develop, manage, and implement restoration projects associated with Tribal water resources. The Water Quality Biologist will be charged with the administration and implementation of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grants, Bureau of Indian Affairs grants and any other grants pertaining to surface and ground water issues within and adjacent to the 1855 exterior reservation boundaries of Ceded Territory as needed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Manage 319 Non-Point Source Pollution program and use this as a guide to seek funding for, and coordinate restoration projects.
• Use water quality data to collaborate with other NRD programs on various projects including, but not limited to Arctic Grayling reintroduction, and wild rice restoration.
• Implement and update Tribal water quality standards.
• Pursue Tribal and/or EPA Approved Water Quality Standards and Uses and/or legislation and policies.
• Development of Tribal ordinances on water quality, land use and zoning to preserve, protect and enhance reservation groundwater, surface water and wetland resources.
• Oversee and conduct analyses on all surface water data collected.
• Complete grant requirements including two year technical, annual and quarterly reports, monitoring strategy, work plans, budgets, and quality assurance protection plans.
• Implement LTBB non-point source assessment report and management plan.
• Perform activities associated with the monitoring, assessment and regulation of selected wetland sites.
• Review wetland assessments and delineations for regulatory purposes.
• Manage projects related to water quality enhancement and/or restoration.
• Oversee maintenance of data on LTBB network and upload all data to the Environmental Protection Agencies national database (WQX/CDX).
• Update and assess LTBB surface water quality protection program.
• Administer, implement and update LTBB’s water quality monitoring program.
• Collect physical, biological, and chemical data in the field on LTBB water systems.
• Develop and implement a water quality monitoring plan for water resources within and adjacent to reservation boundaries.
• Oversee routine maintenance of field and/or lab equipment used to implement the water quality monitoring plan.
• Oversee management of water quality data.
• Oversee and assist with development analytical reports related to water quality.
• Preparation of proposals and quality Assurance Project Plans related to water quality.
• Development of watershed protection plans for LTBB Reservation.
• Cooperation with and participation in water related activities and projects of other conservation agencies that affect water quality within and adjacent to reservation boundaries.
• Research and pursue grant opportunities
• Attend meetings and trainings to update or acquire new skills.
• Serve as speaker, presenter, etc. at meetings, workshops and conferences on environmental issues.
• Research and pursue water related grants to build environmental capacity.
• Collaborate and represent LTBB on Tribal, local, state and federal workgroups, and/or projects pertaining to water resources in Indian Country.
• May serve as a technical lead to other staff engaged in related activities.
• Complete Tribal program requirements including quarterly and annual reports.
• Provide technical support to other programs engaged in water related activities and assessments such as plant, wildlife or educational activities.
• Monitor water quality program productivity and provide direction.
• Management of projects related to water quality enhancement or restoration.
• May be required to assist other programs and perform other duties as needed.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Water Quality Biologist is responsible for supervising other water quality staff as it relates to water quality work.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Must possess a Bachelors of Science degree from a four year college/university in environmental Sciences, Natural Resources, Biology or related field and two years of environmental field related experience. One year of that experience must be in a position equivalent to the Water Quality Technician duties.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required.
• Knowledge required in Microsoft Suite.
• Must be detail oriented.
• Experience in an outdoor setting with boat and snowmobile operation required.
• Willingness to hike and carry heavy equipment for moderate distances.
• Knowledge of basic water quality concepts required.
• Experience in GIS and using GPS is required.
• Macroinvertebrate and wetland plant identification skills preferred.
• Experience using SigmaStat and SigmaPlot preferred.
• Must be able to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, be able to write scientific and quarterly reports and be able to effectively present information.
• Must be capable of empirical analysis and comprehension of symbolized information such as that found in formulas and graphs.
• Must be able to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.
• Must be knowledgeable about Tribal, state, and federal wetland, water; laws and regulations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (data collection equipment on land and off a boat or canoe). Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, peripheral vision; depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions for long periods of time during all four seasons. Will work frequently on a boat, canoe, or kayak. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and be insurable for duration of employment. Individuals must pass a thorough background investigation, including criminal and employment.
COMMENTS: Indian preference will apply.
