Tribal Engagement Specialist

Westland Resources; Reno (NV); Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 55,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

PTO and holidays

401k matching

Flexible work schedules and remote/hyb

Job summary

Trinity Consultants, based in the western United States, seeks a part-time Tribal Engagement Specialist to coordinate with Tribal governments, THPOs, and communities across the region, with potential for full-time based on background and expertise.

The role emphasizes cultural competency, regulatory knowledge (NHPA/NEPA), and building long-term relationships with Tribal partners while supporting project planning and compliance across western states including Reno or Salt Lake City areas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; comparable experience may substitute for a degree.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with Tribal governments, THPOs, or Native/Indigenous communities.
• Strong understanding of Tribal sovereignty, consultation practices, and culturally appropriate engagement methods.
• Knowledge of NHPA Section 106, NEPA, NAGPRA and related regulations.
• Experience in environmental consulting or cultural resources preferred.
• Great Basin region experience is preferred.
• Field experience supporting cultural or environmental resource projects preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison with Tribal governments, THPOs, and Tribal representatives.
• Build and maintain respectful relationships with Tribal communities.
• Support and track Tribal consultation processes in compliance with NHPA, NEPA, and related requirements.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and culturally appropriate communication with Tribal stakeholders.
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings, site visits, and field participation, including Tribal monitor involvement and logistics.
• Collaborate with project teams to incorporate Tribal input into planning and mitigation.
• Advise internal teams on Tribal cultural values and engagement protocols.
• Maintain organized records of Tribal communications, consultations, agreements, and meetings.
• Contribute to technical reports, documentation, and deliverables.
• Support resolution of issues between Tribes, agencies, and project proponents.
• Represent the company at Tribal meetings, community events, and conferences.
• Support Tribal capacity-building efforts, including training and participation opportunities.

Skills

Tribal engagement

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, Native American/Indigenous studies, environmental planning, or a related field

Job description

Founded in Dallas in 1974, Trinity Consultants has grown from a small air quality firm into a global environmental consulting leader with 2,800+ experts worldwide. We deliver holistic expertise across natural environmental, people, and building technology environments - blending deep scientific knowledge with a culture that genuinely supports the people who do the work. Built on a foundation of transparency, empowerment, and professional growth, our team embodies integrity in every engagement. We reward creative problem-solving, entrepreneurial spirit, and mastery of technical skills which creates an environment where talent thrives and clients succeed. Whether serving clients across environmental consulting, water & ecology, built environment, or life sciences, we unify rigorous science with conscious innovation. It's a culture that nurtures collaboration, values inclusion, and drives meaningful results.

Trinity is seeking a part-time Tribal Engagement Specialist to support our projects in the western United States. This position has the potential to be full-time, depending on the successful candidate's background and expertise. The Tribal Engagement Specialist serves as a primary liaison between project teams and Tribal governments, supporting consultation, communication, and collaboration on projects throughout the western United States. This position works closely with clients, Tribal partners, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to integrate Tribal perspectives into project planning and execution. The role requires a strong understanding of Tribal sovereignty, consultation protocols, and culturally appropriate engagement practices, as well as the ability to build and maintain respectful, long-term relationships with Tribal communities. The successful candidate would ideally be based out of either our Reno, Nevada or Salt Lake City, Utah offices.

What will I be doing?

• Serve as a liaison with Tribal governments, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs), and Tribal representatives.
• Build and maintain respectful, professional relationships with Tribal communities.
• Support and track Tribal consultation processes in compliance with regulatory frameworks such as NHPA, NEPA, and related requirements.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and culturally appropriate communication with Tribal stakeholders.
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings, site visits, and field participation, including Tribal monitor involvement and associated logistics.
• Collaborate with project teams to incorporate Tribal input into project planning, impact avoidance, and mitigation strategies.
• Advise internal teams on Tribal cultural values, sensitivities, and engagement protocols to promote cultural competency.
• Maintain organized and accurate records of Tribal communications, consultation activities, agreements, and meetings.
• Contribute to technical reports, documentation, and project deliverables.
• Support resolution of issues between Tribes, agencies, and project proponents.
• Represent the company at Tribal meetings, community events, and conferences.
• Support Tribal capacity-building efforts, including training and participation opportunities, when appropriate.

What qualifications are required for this role?

• Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, Native American/Indigenous studies, environmental planning, or a related field required; comparable experience may substitute for a degree.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with Tribal governments, THPOs, or Native/Indigenous communities.
• Strong understanding of Tribal sovereignty, consultation practices, and culturally appropriate engagement methods and ability to build and maintain effective, respectful relationships with Tribal representatives and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of federal and state cultural resource and environmental regulations (e.g., NHPA Section 106, NEPA, NAGPRA).
• Experience in environmental consulting, cultural resources, or related field preferred.
• Experience working in the Great Basin region is preferred.
• Field experience supporting cultural or environmental resource projects preferred.

The salary range for this position is $31.00 - $40.00 /hour.

What does Trinity offer you?

• Comprehensive benefits package: 9 paid holidays, healthcare benefits, PTO, and 401k matching for full-time employees. Flexible work schedules and remote/hybrid possibilities for most roles.
• Multidisciplinary environment: Unique, creative, and challenging projects where you can develop your vision of clientele and work with industry leaders daily.
• Success-oriented environment: Two-way mentorship, financial incentives to publish work, tuition reimbursement, and a career-path structure to help you reach the next steps in your career.
• Collaborative work environment: Clear and frequent communication, shared information and ideas across teams, and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

Trinity is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment background checks.