Restoration Technician

Position Summary:

Assists the Habitat Restoration Department staff and supports the Restoration Ecologist during the development and implementation of restoration projects in southwest Washington rivers and streams. This entry-level position will continue the protection, conservation, restoration and promotion of culturally relevant species and landscapes of the Cowlitz Tribe. Honors and represents the mission, vision, values of CIT and of the Natural Resources programs.

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered for hiring, please note this on your cover letter and/or resume***

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assists the Restoration Ecologist with identification of potential habitat restoration project sites.
• Aids the Restoration Ecologist with solicitation of bids and proposals for projects.
• Provides construction oversight to ensure compliance with all bids, proposals, contracts, permits, codes, laws, and other regulations.
• Supports the Restoration Ecologist during collaboration with other CIT departments, local, state, and federal agencies
• Prepares daily field notes/journals during construction observation and reports on the status of restoration projects to the Restoration Ecologist.
• Helps the Restoration Ecologist in the coordination of community natural resources, education, and cultural awareness projects and events.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional forms of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Knowledge of current natural resource issues pertinent to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.
• Knowledge of a variety of federal and state environmental and natural resources programs and agencies.
• Knowledge of budget preparation.
• Knowledge of salmonid biology, ecology, and conservation principles and practices.
• Knowledge of field data collection methodologies and analyzing data.
• Knowledge of the region’s wildlife, fish species, their habitat needs, and limiting factors.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheet, and database software programs.
• Skill in treating internal and external customers with tact, courtesy, and respect.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’ degree in ecology, biology natural sciences, or a closely related field.
• Two years of related experience in fisheries, habitat restoration, forestry, and ecology.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education, and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 40 lbs and to regularly survey/hike on steep slopes and through streams and rivers with slippery/uneven substrates. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision over long distance.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in an office setting and regularly outdoors with occasional exposure to excessive noise. Exposure to natural weather conditions and dust, fumes, airborne particles, and/or allergens may occur while performing outdoor duties. Standing and walking may be on uneven surfaces or unstable ground (e.g., in or along streams and within riparian and forested areas). Work may be performed near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery and the use protective clothing, equipment, devices, materials is necessary. Evening, weekend work, and multi-day overnight travel is occasionally required, particularly during the construction season.

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered for hiring, please note this on your cover letter and/or resume***

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and a Drug & Alcohol-Free workplace.