Natural Resources Director

The National Congress of American Indians,; Aquinnah (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Natural Resources Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Tribe’s natural resources programs, including land, water, coastal, marine, wildlife, environmental protection, and climate resilience initiatives.

The Director protects and manages Tribal natural and cultural resources in accordance with Tribal sovereignty, traditional values, and long-term community priorities, while guiding budgeting, staffing, and interagency collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources management plus 7–10 years progressively responsible experience in natural resources management or related field
• Demonstrated leadership experience directing natural resources, environmental, or conservation programs, including planning, implementation, and evaluation
• Knowledge of federal funding requirements and regulations applicable to multiple programs and funding sources
• Experience coordinating with government agencies, communities, consultants, and partner organizations
• Experience managing budgets and contracts, including procurement oversight and contract administration

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and management of the Natural Resources Department.
• Develop and implement strategic plans, policies, and procedures.
• Supervise staff, consultants, and contractors.
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets.
• Oversee stewardship of Tribal lands, coastal and marine resources, wildlife, and water resources.
• Integrate traditional ecological knowledge with scientific standards.
• Lead climate adaptation and conservation initiatives.
• Serve as liaison with federal, state, and local agencies.
• Represent the Tribe in consultations and negotiations.
• Monitor regulatory and permitting processes.
• Identify and manage grants related to natural resources and environmental programs.
• Ensure grant requirements and reporting are met.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for Tribal leadership.
• Engage Tribal citizens and community members in resource planning

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Regulatory knowledge

Cultural competence

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural resources management

Tools

Computer literacy

Job description

The Natural Resources Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Tribe’s natural resources programs, including land, water, coastal, marine, wildlife, environmental protection, and climate resilience initiatives. The Director protects and manages Tribal natural and cultural resources in accordance with Tribal sovereignty, traditional values, and long-term community priorities.

Job Description

The Natural Resources Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Tribe’s natural resources programs, including land, water, coastal, marine, wildlife, environmental protection, and climate resilience initiatives. The Director protects and manages Tribal natural and cultural resources in accordance with Tribal sovereignty, traditional values, and long-term community priorities.

Skills & Qualifications

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities)

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Understanding of Tribal, federal, and state regulations to natural resource programs
• Cultural competence and sensitivity when working in and on behalf of Native communities

Physical Demands

• Ability to travel locally and occasionally overnight, including travel by car, ferry, or other modes of transportation.
• Ability to participate in outdoor fieldwork, including walking on uneven terrain, beaches, coastal areas, wetlands, wooded areas, and construction or project sites.
• Ability to climb, bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch as needed during site visits or inspections.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally (e.g., field equipment, files, materials).
• Ability to use hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment (computer, keyboard, phone) and field equipment as required.
• Ability to see, hear, and communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via electronic means.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, and sun exposure

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources management or a closely related field plus 7 to 10 years of progressively responsible experience in natural resources management, environmental management, environmental policy, conservation, land management, coastal or marine resources or a closely related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing or directing natural resources, environmental, or conservation programs, including responsibility for planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs or projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal funding requirements, rules and regulations applicable to a variety of programs and funding sources.
• Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, community members, consultants, and partner organizations.
• Experience managing budgets and contracts, including procurement oversight, consultant selection, and contract administration
• The ability to communicate well verbally and in writing.
• Working knowledge of computer operating systems and related software programs.

Tribal Preference

In accordance with the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA) and the policies of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), preference in hiring will be given to qualified Tribal members, their spouses, and descendants, as well as other Native American applicants. Proof of Tribal affiliation or descent may be required.

Duties & Responsibilities

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Provide overall leadership and management of the Natural Resources Department.
• Develop and implement strategic plans, policies, and procedures.
• Supervise staff, consultants, and contractors.
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets.
• Oversee stewardship of Tribal lands, coastal and marine resources, wildlife, and water resources.
• Integrate traditional ecological knowledge with scientific standards.
• Lead climate adaptation and conservation initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison with federal, state, and local agencies.
• Represent the Tribe in consultations and negotiations.
• Monitor regulatory and permitting processes.
• Identify and manage grants related to natural resources and environmental programs.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements and reporting.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for Tribal leadership.
• Engage Tribal citizens and community members in resource planning