Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientist

The Environmental Scientist works within the Environmental Protection Department, providing interdisciplinary environmental review and technical support for natural resource management activities on the Quinault Indian Reservation (QIR). The primary emphasis will be on on-reservation timber sale planning and implementation, but will also include QIN Planning Department development projects. The incumbent will be expected to cross-train in the responsibilities of the Fish Habitat, Wildlife, Wetlands, and Environmental Quality sections to understand the purpose, regulatory requirements, and resource protection objectives of each discipline. They will also coordinate environmental permitting, participate in interdisciplinary team (IDT) processes, identify potential environmental concerns, and develop recommendations that protect the Nation's natural and cultural resources while supporting timely project implementation.

Primary Functions:

• Participates in the implementation of the Quinault Indian Reservation Forest Management Plan and all interdisciplinary team (IDT) processes associated with on-reservation timber sale development.
• Cross-trains within the Fish Habitat, Wildlife, Wetlands, and Environmental Quality Sections to develop working knowledge of each program's responsibilities, regulatory authorities, and resource protection objectives.
• Assists in reviewing proposed timber sales from multiple environmental disciplines to identify permitting needs, environmental risks, resource conflicts, and opportunities for project improvements.
• Coordinates and tracks environmental permits, approvals, and associated documentation required for timber sales and other natural resource projects.
• Conducts field reviews to identify environmental resources, verify project conditions, and document potential impacts.
• Provides technical recommendations that protect fish habitat, wildlife habitat, wetlands, water quality, native vegetation, invasive species management, and other natural resources consistent with QIN laws, policies, and management objectives.
• Assists with the preparation, review, and coordination of Forest Practice Applications, Hydraulic Project Applications, environmental permits, and associated documentation.
• Coordinates communication between Environmental Protection sections to ensure timely permit review and consistent regulatory recommendations.
• Assists with maintaining permit databases, project tracking systems, GIS information, and environmental records.
• Participates in monitoring project implementation and permit compliance; documents observations and recommends corrective actions when necessary.
• Assists with environmental monitoring, restoration, inventory, and data collection efforts across multiple Environmental Protection programs as workload and priorities require.
• Researches applicable tribal, federal, state, and local environmental regulations and recommends approaches that improve consistency and efficiency in environmental review processes.
• Provides technical support to QIN Forestry and other QIN departments regarding environmental permitting requirements and natural resource protection measures.
• Assists with development of standard operating procedures, guidance documents, and educational materials related to environmental review and permitting.
• Identifies opportunities for grant funding and assists with grant writing, implementation, reporting, and project management.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with Tribal departments, regulatory agencies, consultants, contractors, and the public.
• Prepares comprehensive written reports, technical memoranda, presentations, and recommendations for supervisors, senior management, the Business Committee, and other audiences.
• Enhances professional growth through participation in training, certifications, workshops, conferences, and continuing education across multiple environmental disciplines.
• Establishes and maintains an effective system of communications within the organization and builds and fosters effective working relationships with others.
• Oversee the work of QDNR Technicians, within their area as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Natural Resources, Ecology, Forestry, Hydrology, Wildlife Biology, Fisheries, or a closely related field.
• One (1) year of experience in environmental science, natural resources, permitting, environmental compliance, or related work.
• Working knowledge of environmental permitting and natural resource management.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• Valid driver’s license is required.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and lift up to 50 pounds. Work involves physical risks such as falling, slipping, and tripping. Specific vision abilities include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance. Work is performed in an indoor and outdoor setting with regular exposure to natural weather conditions; rough terrains, dust, fumes, airborne particles, and/or allergens. The use of protective clothing, equipment, devices, materials is necessary. Standing and walking may be on uneven surfaces or unstable ground. Overnight travel, and evening and/or weekend work is occasionally required.

The successful candidate must be able to comply with the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act, hold or have the ability to obtain a valid Washington State driver’s license, and have and maintain the ability to be insured under QIN automobile insurance.

To apply, please visit https://quinaultindiannation.com/161/Human-Resources and complete a QIN job application. Send your application, cover letter, and resume by email to the QIN Human Resources Dept. at [email protected]. Please CC [email protected]. You may request a full position description by emailing [email protected]. For further information regarding the details of this position, you may contact Lauren Macfarland, QDNR Environmental Protection Manager, at [email protected]

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Up to $82,477.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Taholah, WA 98587