Environmental Scientist

About the role

The Muckleshoot Indian Tribe (MIT) is seeking a full-time position to assist in natural resources protection and environmental compliance. The role requires expertise in environmental laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing environmental documents
• Writing comment letters
• Preparing program plans
• Providing recommendations on implementation of environmental regulations
• Collaborating with all MIT Fisheries Division programs as well as federal, state, county, and city programs that promulgate environmental regulations
• Participating on teams reviewing, updating, and implementing regulations relevant to salmon population enhancement/restoration and habitat needs across their life cycle
• Tracking, analyzing, and participating in current and future federal, state, and local regulation development
• Providing recommendations to MIT and coordinating response to proposed changes
• Notifying Tribal fishers of potential conflicts with local waterway agencies
• Aiding the Fisheries Division in developing and implementing an operational plan aligned with the strategic direction of the program
• Maintaining regular contact with division staff to identify issues of concern and attending meetings as directed
• Preparing summaries of discussions
• Providing technical support for a wide variety of issues affecting the Tribe's interests
• Reviewing, researching, and preparing reports documenting the implementation of environmental quality and compliance of regulations related to fish and fisheries of interest to the Tribe
• Collaborating and coordinating with the Puget Sound Treaty Tribes and other federal, state, and local governments to advocate for policies and regulations that promote safe fish passage, improved water and habitat quality, and the restoration and rebuilding of harvestable salmonid populations
• Participating in fieldwork including site visits and hands-on activities that may occur during inclement weather and/or outside of regular business hours

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Fisheries Biology, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a directly related field from an accredited college or university
• At least 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours) of upper level (500 or higher) in science courses in subjects such as genetics, physiology, ecology, resource management, restoration, aquaculture, and 6 semester (9 quarter) hours of research design, statistics and/or biometrics (course numbers 500 or higher)
• Four (4) years of related work experience with regulatory agencies or development of Environmental Impact Statements or Environmental Assessments
• OR Bachelor’s degree in Fisheries Biology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a directly related field from an accredited college or university
• A minimum of at least 34 upper level semester hours (51 quarter hours) in science subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, shellfish biology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, aquaculture and upper level courses in probability and statistics
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience with regulatory agencies or development of Environmental Impact Statements or Environmental Assessments

Qualifications

• Advanced skill in negotiating with representatives of regulatory agencies to resolve technical and/or compliance issues
• Ability to analyze, interpret, explain, and apply relevant laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, problem-solve, and take initiative within established procedures and guidelines
• Ability to collaborate, establish, and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of people and perspectives in local decision-making
• Ability to communicate clearly, logically, and persuasively, both verbally and in writing; prepare concise and comprehensive reports, correspondence, and other documents
• Extensive knowledge of fish and shellfish species, including anadromous salmonids, habitat characteristics and requirements, and ecological relationships
• Knowledge of principles, theories, methods, and techniques of natural resources management and environmental protection
• Current literature, trends and developments in fisheries and fish habitat research
• Knowledge of physical and natural sciences related to ground/surface water quality, quantity, development, and basin-wide management
• Knowledge of environmental regulation processes including NEPA, SEPA, HPAs, NPDES permits, and USACE permits