Environmental GIS Specialist (7541)

This position leads and manages the Tribe's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS/drone) programs, supporting environmental initiatives through spatial analysis, map development, geodatabase management, and integration of geospatial technologies into environmental and economic planning. As the primary UAS pilot, the role ensures safe and compliant drone operations for monitoring, land assessment, cultural site documentation, emergency response, and data collection. The position collaborates within Tribal Programs to support grant deliverables, maintain accurate datasets, and provide GIS-based solutions that enhance project planning and reporting.

You are the heart of our Five-Star Experience for guests and fellow Team Members, embodying our Service Promise: We are the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians Team, where your experience is our top priority. Every person and detail matters. Our commitment is to provide outstanding guest service through consistent service expectations with HEART: Hello, Engage, Anticipate, Respond, Thank.

Responsibilities

• Provide outstanding customer service to guests and all other employees by exceeding our mission statement and delivering the HEART Experience (Hello, Engage, Anticipate, Respond, Thank).
• Protect human health and the environment on the Twenty-Nine Palms Reservation through environmental monitoring and program implementation.
• Perform duties to support Tribal Environmental Programs, including but not limited to:
  • Water quality/resources management
  • Wellhead protection
  • Nonpoint source pollution control
  • Solid waste management
  • Air quality management
  • Public education & outreach
• Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures and follow established quality control procedures.
• Manage and maintain the Tribe’s GIS database, spatial datasets, and workflows; develop maps, dashboards, and visual tools; integrate UAS/drone data; perform spatial analysis, modeling, and environmental site assessments.
• Provide GIS training and technical support to staff to support planning, reporting, and decision-making.
• Coordinate with IT to ensure GIS software, hardware, and servers remain updated, functional, and secure.
• Serve as the lead UAS pilot, conducting drone flights for environmental monitoring, mapping, inspections, and emergency response support.
• Conduct field sampling, environmental site assessments, and basic laboratory analyses; collect, validate, and analyze environmental data to support restoration, mitigation, and GIS-based planning.
• Develop and maintain UAS Standard Operating Procedures, safety protocols, and compliance documentation per FAA Part 107 regulations.
• Manage drone program assets, including flight logs, maintenance records, equipment inventories, and mission planning.
• Train and mentor additional staff in safe UAS operations, including Part 107 preparation where applicable.
• Integrate drone imagery and data into GIS workflows for analysis, reporting, and long-term environmental planning.
• Support emergency response activities, providing GIS mapping, drone reconnaissance, and data analysis during wildfires, spills, or other incidents.
• Participate in cultural and natural resource protection activities, providing GIS and aerial documentation support as needed.
• Maintain organized, auditable GIS and UAS data repositories, ensuring adherence to quality assurance and data retention policies.
• Coordinate GIS and drone-related project needs with other Tribal departments such as Public Safety, Emergency Services, and Tribal Projects.
• Assist with environmental outreach efforts by preparing maps, visuals, and data-driven materials for Tribal community presentations or educational events.
• Assist with identifying and pursuing GIS-, UAS-, and environmental-related funding opportunities, including grant writing and budget development.
• Ensure compliance with FAA UAS requirements, EPA guidelines, and Tribal environmental regulations related to data collection and program implementation.
• Assist in the preparation of workplans and budgets for grant applications.
• Prepare reports of environmental protection activities and environmental grant progress reports.
• Assist the Environmental Manager in developing, maintaining, and nurturing a positive work environment.
• Supervise and manage programmatic and mapping tasks and deliverables for any environmental grants the Tribe has been awarded.
• Assist the Tribal Environmental Manager with developing necessary environmental impact studies, technical analyses, examinations, surveys, literature searches, tests, etc.
• Attend training seminars, meetings, and conferences as assigned by the Tribal Environmental Protection Agency Manager.
• Generate quarterly reports summarizing work activities, environmental reports based on interpretation of data, and other reports as assigned.
• Draft updates to Tribal environmental plans, quality assurance plans, and other documents as necessary or assigned by the Environmental Manager.
• Troubleshoot, communicate, organize projects, and solve problems independently.
• Perform computer-literate tasks and be familiar with Microsoft Office products.
• Travel for meetings, conferences, and training.
• Ensure compliance with all Minimum Internal Control Standards (MICS) as well as all Tribal Internal Control Standards (TICS).
• Present a positive image of the Tribal organization to its guests and vendors and assist them as required.
• Follow all safety policies and procedures and attend all scheduled safety meetings and training as a condition of employment.
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Participate in recruitment, interviewing, and selection of GIS/UAS program staff.
• Train, onboard, and mentor staff in GIS, UAS, safety, and operational procedures.
• Support employee development through coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Ensure staff compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), quality assurance/quality control standards, and safety protocols.
• Coordinate staff schedules, workloads, and assignments to ensure timely completion of program deliverables.
• Promote a positive, safe, and collaborative work environment aligned with Tribal EPA values.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geomatics, Natural Resources, Engineering, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in environmental programs, GIS analysis, spatial data management, or related technical fieldwork.
• Formal GIS training or certification (e.g., academic certificate, Esri training, remote sensing/UAS coursework, or equivalent).
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Knowledge of tribal governmental structure and Tribal environmental program operations is strongly preferred.
• Must pass periodic random drug screens.
• Must be able to pass background suitability investigation.
• Must obtain a Tribal Gaming License.
• Must obtain all other applicable certifications and licenses.
• Must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States within 72 hours of employment.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to talk and hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit.
• Occasionally required to use upper extremities, including hands and fingers to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms.
• Occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, bend, push, pull, twist, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds and/or push/pull up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally required to use repetitive movements to complete tasks.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• May occasionally work in low-light conditions and be exposed to loud noise for extended periods.

Work Environment

• Multiple locations, including enterprises open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• Must be flexible to work any and all hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Must be available for emergency calls 24/7.
• Some enterprises are gaming facilities.
• Some enterprises are not smoke-free environments.
• Surveillance cameras and audio equipment monitor the premises 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.