Benefits:

401(k)

Health insurance

Wellness resources

Closes: 5/28/2024

Water Quality Specialist

Reports to: Environmental Protection Department Manager

Salary (Grade): $29.02 (G23-E)

Status: Regular FT (Non-Exempt)

Location: Environmental Protection Department, Winnebago, NE 68071

Job Purpose and Position Overview

This position is responsible for coordinating, implementing, and sustaining the work activities as described in the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 106 Water Pollution Control Grant Program and the CWA Section 319: Nonpoint Source Pollution Program work plans and provide direct assistance and supervision to the Water Resources Technician in the implementation of work activities as described in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Gulf Hypoxia Project work plan.

Specific Job Duties/Responsibilities:

Collect surface water samples from creeks, streams, lakes, ponds, and the river throughout the Reservation in a manner described in standard operating procedures.

Conduct physical, biological, visual habitat assessment activities throughout the Reservation as described in standard operating procedures.

Conduct groundwater monitoring of domestic drinking water wells.

Establish and maintain communication with the agricultural community as well as various local, state, and federal agencies.

Operate and maintain various field measurement equipment as described in operating manuals.

Record field data as described in standard operating procedures.

Establish and maintain custody of water samples and transport them to contracted analytical laboratory.

Review and evaluate analytical laboratory reports and field measurements from water samples collected, organize data, create tribal databases, and implement data management.

Develop CWA Section 401 Certification Authorization letters.

Implement Best Management practices described in the 9-Element Watershed-Based Plan.

Prepare quarterly and final progress reports and prepare and negotiate future CWA 106/319 work plans and budgets.

Prepare surface water quality assessment reports and enter data into the EPA’s national database on a yearly basis.

Maintain, understand, and implement the concepts and protocols described in quality assurance project plans.

Identify water quality issues of concern to the Tribe and design assessment projects to evaluate these concerns.

Conduct community outreach activities.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications/Skills:

Bachelor of science degree (environmental related field preferred but not required) OR an associate degree in environmental science WITH 4 years of experience.

Must have excellent verbal and written communication; ability to write technical reports, training, and marketing materials.

Must be able to work and accomplish work plan activities in an independent and timely manner with minimal supervision.

Will be required to travel extensively for training, conferences, and workshops.

Must be proficient with Microsoft Office with emphasis in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Must be able to pass drug screen and background checks.

Must have a valid Driver’s license and be insurable.

Grants experience and proposal development a plus.

Knowledge in the environmental protection area a plus.

Experience with developing and following Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Assurance Project Plans a plus

Training Requirements:

Participation in opportunities to include but not limited to water monitoring techniques, water quality management, water quality assessment, and communication, education, and outreach techniques.

Physical Requirements:

Normal office work but must be able to occasionally lift and carry 40- 50 pounds.

Regularly required to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time and use hands to operate computer keyboard, phone, and various office equipment.

While performing daily duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.

Ability to work outside in various weather extremes when relevant.

Must have the ability to travel via car or plane.

Mental Requirements:

Reading, writing, calculating.

Above average social interaction skills

Reasoning/Analysis

Works with minimal to no supervision

Language Requirements:

Must possess the ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently.

Must be able to employ professional verbal and written communications skills continually and effectively.

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit an application at www.winnebagotribe.com, a resume, cover letter, and two (2) letters of recommendation are required. Applications submitted after the closing date or without proper documents will not be considered.

If claiming Native American or Veteran preference, please include pertinent documentation.

Call Human Resources at 402-878-2272 for further information.

As provided by Federal Law, all qualified Native American applicants shall receive preference over Non-Native American applicants. In the absence of qualified Native American applicants, consideration will be given to all other applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.