Environmental & Natural Resources Director

TRIBAL COLLEGE JOURNAL; Laguna (NM); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pueblo of Laguna seeks an experienced Environmental & Natural Resources Director to lead programs protecting tribal lands, waters, and natural resources. Reporting to the Chief of Operations, this role provides strategic guidance for Environmental, Natural Resources, Rangeland Management, and Realty programs, balancing ecological protection with cultural values and community priorities.

You will oversee planning, budgeting, grants management, regulatory compliance, and staff development

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Ecology, Biological Sciences, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in environmental or natural resource management with supervisory experience.
• Experience with strategic planning, budgeting, grants management, regulatory compliance, and organizational leadership.
• FEMA/ICS 300 & 400 certifications preferred (must obtain within one year of hire).
• Fluency in the Laguna language preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee Environmental, Natural Resources, Rangeland Management, and Realty programs.
• Develop and implement strategic plans, goals, policies, and operational priorities.
• Manage department budgets, grants, contracts, and external funding opportunities.
• Supervise and develop managers, supervisors, and program staff.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Tribal, federal, state, and local regulations.
• Build partnerships with governmental agencies, Tribes, organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Provide leadership on natural resource management, environmental protection, land stewardship, and community education initiatives.

Skills

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Grants management

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor's in Environmental Science

Master's degree preferred

Tools

FEMA ICS 300/400

Job description

The Pueblo of Laguna is seeking an experienced and visionary Environmental & Natural Resources Director to lead programs that protect, preserve, and enhance Tribal natural resources. Reporting to the Chief of Operations, this position provides strategic leadership for Environmental, Natural Resources, Rangeland Management, and Realty programs while ensuring sustainable land and water stewardship for future generations.

The Director is responsible for departmental planning, budgeting, personnel management, regulatory compliance, grant and contract administration, policy development, and community engagement. The role serves as a key advisor to Pueblo leadership and represents the Pueblo in partnerships with Tribal, federal, state, and local agencies. The successful candidate will balance environmental protection, natural resource conservation, cultural values, and community priorities while leading a multidisciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee Environmental, Natural Resources, Rangeland Management, and Realty programs.
• Develop and implement strategic plans, goals, policies, and operational priorities.
• Manage department budgets, grants, contracts, and external funding opportunities.
• Supervise and develop managers, supervisors, and program staff.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Tribal, federal, state, and local regulations.
• Build partnerships with governmental agencies, Tribes, organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Provide leadership on natural resource management, environmental protection, land stewardship, and community education initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Ecology, Biological Sciences, or a related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in environmental or natural resource management, including at least three (3) years supervising managers or supervisors.
• Experience with strategic planning, budgeting, grants management, regulatory compliance, and organizational leadership.
• FEMA/ICS 300 & 400 certifications preferred (must obtain within one year of hire).
• Fluency in the Laguna language preferred.

This leadership opportunity offers the chance to make a lasting impact on the stewardship and sustainability of Pueblo of Laguna lands, resources, and community priorities.