Water Quality Specialist – Makah Tribe

NWIFC; Washington; On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

NWIFC's Water Quality program is seeking a Water Quality Specialist to manage projects, coordinate data collection, and interpret results to support treaty and environmental goals on the Makah Reservation and surrounding treaty area.

The role involves leading water quality monitoring, QA/QC planning, reporting, grant support, and supervising staff, working closely with the Environmental Division Manager and land managers to address nonpoint source pollution and protect fisheries resources.

Responsibilities

• Lead the collection, processing and reporting of water quality data.
• Act as project lead on various water quality and water resource projects on and off the Makah Reservation.
• Implement a QA/QC plan for water quality monitoring.
• Participate in review and development of nonpoint water pollution control programs; prepare quarterly reports and assist with grant proposals.

Job description

SUMMARY: The Water Quality program requires effective project management and compiling of the data produced from the research and assessment of water quality on the Makah Reservation and within the treaty resource area. This position is funded through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to assist the Makah Fisheries Environmental Division in identifying and addressing nonpoint source pollution water quality problems affecting, or potentially affecting Tribal Treaty-protected fisheries and shellfish resources. Responsible for coordinating the collection of a variety of water quality information, and interpreting the results through comparison to existing standards and other studies. Responsible for collecting, processing and reporting on water quality data on the Makah Reservation. Emphasis will be placed on working closely with land managers and other agencies to cooperatively develop strategies and plans to address water quality problems on the Makah Reservation and throughout the Makah Treaty Resource Area. Works closely with the Environmental Division Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Because of the Tribe's commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.
• At the direction of the Environmental Division Manager, implement water quality standards for the Makah Reservation.
• Lead the collection, processing and reporting of water quality data. Act as project lead on various water quality and water resource projects both on and off the Makah Reservation. Participate in the Land use Alteration Process and Issue CWA §401 water quality certifications for projects on Reservation as needed.
• Implement a quality assurance/quality control plan for water quality monitoring.
• Participate in the review, development, and implementation of local, regional, and state nonpoint water pollution control programs. Attend nonpoint source control and monitoring training sessions. Create quarterly reports that address the accomplishments and status of each activity in the project work plan. Reports will include Object Class Categories for quarterly expenditures. Assist in the development of grant proposals to the EPA or other sources. Assist in the preparation and submittal of grant applications for water quality corrective measures.
• Conduct Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Monitoring and Shellfish Biotoxin sampling.
• Supervise environmental technical staff that may accommodate water quality and environmental objectives as described above. The Water Quality Specialist, as directed, will assist the Environmental Division Manager with environmental project objectives.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises the Technician III (Water Quality) and Environmental Technician in the program. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing and training employees, planning, assigning, addressing complaints, and resolving problems.