Wetland Regulatory Specialist

Leech Lake Band Of Ojibwe; Cass Lake (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is seeking a Wetland Specialist to manage the LLBO Wetland Program plan, secure grants, conduct monitoring, and oversee wetland protection and restoration efforts. This role requires strong knowledge of wetland ecology and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities include leading program capacity, preparing grant proposals, reviewing permits, and coordinating with the 401 Team. Travel and community outreach are expected as part of program duties.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Biology, Natural Resource Science, Environmental Science or similar, or final semester in progress, or 3 years of relevant experience.
• Masters degree in Biology, Environmental studies or similar with wetland focus preferred.
• Experience writing and managing grants.
• Experience in wetland delineation knowledge or certification or plan to obtain within one year.
• Knowledge of wetland ecology, hydrology, vegetation, hydric soils, water quality, and environmental monitoring.
• Proficiency with Office 365, Teams, Excel; GIS and GPS usage.
• Familiarity with Minnesota WCA, CWA 401/404, and USACE permitting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and build capacity for LLBO’s Wetland Program.
• Lead and implement Wetland Monitoring Program and related field work.
• Prepare and submit grant proposals and manage grant budgets.
• Participate in, lead, and implement restoration projects.
• Review 401 certifications and other wetland projects/permits; coordinate with 401 Team.
• Collect data in wetlands using various methods and equipment, often remotely.
• Prepare and present technical reports on collected data.
• Work with Water Resource staff to accomplish program goals.
• Develop and enforce ordinances protecting Reservation wetlands and waters.
• Participate in committees and workgroups on wetlands issues.
• Travel in and out of state may be required; maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Skills

Wetland ecology

Hydrology

Vegetation

Grant writing

Data collection in wetlands

Report writing

Communication skills

Microsoft Office 365

Microsoft Teams

GPS software

GIS

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Natural Resource Science, Environmental Science or similar

Masters degree in Biology, Environmental studies or similar with a focus in wetland studies

Tools

GIS

GPS software

Microsoft Office 365

Microsoft Teams

Excel

Job description

Summary: The Wetland Specialist will be responsible for managing and implementing the LLBO Wetland Program plan, writing grants to build program capacity, conducting wetland monitoring, review wetland related permits and leading overall wetland protection and restoration efforts.

Minimum Education Requirements and Experience:

A minimum of a BS Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Natural Resource Science, Environmental Science or similar degree, or currently in final semester to obtain the aforementioned level of education required. Or, a
minimum 3 years’ professional relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

Masters degree in Biology, Environmental studies or similar degree with a focus in wetland related studies.

1-2 years working in wetland ecology, wetland delineation, or other wetland related work.

Experience writing and managing grants.

Experience and/or certification in wetland delineation using the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation manual (1987), or attain certification within one year.

Has a working knowledge of wetland ecology, hydrology, and vegetation.

Has working knowledge of hydric soils.

Has working knowledge of water quality sampling and environmental monitoring.

Experience with Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Teams, Excel, and other computer applications.

Experience using GIS and GPS software.

Knowledge of the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA).

Experience with rapid assesment methods of wetlands, including the MPCA Rapid Floristic Quality Assessment (FQA).

Knowledge of Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 and 404, US Army Corps dredge and fill permits, general permits, and individual permits.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Lead and build capacity for LLBO’s Wetland Program.

Lead and implement the LLBO Wetland Monitoring Program plan and other wetland related field work as necessary.

Prepare and submit grant proposals as well as manage the budgetary and administrative requirements of grants.

Participate in, lead and/or implement restoration projects.

Review and manage CWA Section 401 certification applications, as well as other wetland related projects and permits.

Coordinate with the 401 Team on 401 activities.

Collect data using various methods and equipment types in wetlands; often in remote areas.

Prepare and present technical reports on collected data.

Work with other Water Resource staff in accomplishing Program goals.

Develop and enforce ordinances that protect Reservation wetlands and waters.

Participate on various committees and workgroups in wetlands issues.

Participate in the preparation and presentation of reports on collected data.

Participate in local Technical Evaluation Panel’s (TEP) meetings.

Adhere to policies governing staff conduct.

Prepare and present as requested on wetland related projects to the community and professionally.

Provide educational outreach to the community.

Compile and input field data into databases following QAQC protocols.

Ability to operate a variety of motorboats, canoes, 4X4 trucks and ATV’s.

Able to trailer and operate a boat.

Good oral and written communication skills and customer service skills.

Pre-employment drug testing is mandatory for all Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe positions.

Attend and or conduct all mandatory meetings and trainings as required.

Maintain confidentiality and professional ethics at all times.

Travel in and out of the state on a possibly regular basis.

Understanding and sensitivity to Native American culture.

Physical Requirements:

Subject to both outside and office working conditions. Non-smoking environment.

Office work will include sedentary work with some standing, reaching, kneeling and bending.

Outside work will include:

Ability to drive for prolonged periods is required.

Ability to safely operate vehicles and watercraft in various weather conditions is required.

Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and carry up to 75 pounds utilizing proper lifting techniques.

Loading and unloading watercraft, often carrying equipment between sampling sites.

Walking long distances over rough terrain.

All Addresses

Cass Lake , Minnesota 56633 , United States

LLBO will not discriminate in the administration of its employment policies on the basis of race, national origin, religion, creed, color, gender, age, disability, political preference, sex, sexual preference, or marital status.