Natural Resources

Position Summary

The Natural Resources Position is responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and implementation of the Tribe's natural resource priorities, with a primary focus on water rights utilization, planning, and protection. This position serves as the central liaison between Tribal Council, the Tribal Administrator, legal counsel, engineers, consultants, and external agencies to ensure the Tribe's water resources are preserved, utilized, and leveraged in alignment with Tribal sovereignty, long-term sustainability, and economic development goals.

The Natural Resources Director ensures that the Tribe not only complies with deadlines and legal requirements related to water usage, but also proactively develops' actionable projects and long-range plans to protect Tribal water rights and natural resources for future generations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Water Resources Planning & Management

• Lead the development, coordination, and execution of short-term and long-term plans for the use, storage, conservation, and development of Tribal water resources.
• Ensure the Tribe meets all applicable timelines, including developing contingency plans when full utilization is not immediately feasible.
• Coordinate feasibility studies, infrastructure planning, and project development related to water usage (e.g., agricultural, industrial, municipal, environmental, or economic development uses).
• Track water allocations, usage metrics, deadlines, and compliance reporting.

Project Management

• Serve as the contact for water-related initiatives, from concept through implementation.
• Coordinate with engineers, planners, consultants, and contractors to advance water projects.
• Develop project timelines, scopes of work, and progress reports for Tribal Council
• Identify funding opportunities, grants, and partnerships related to water and natural resource projects.

Policy, Strategy & Reporting

• Monitor regional and national water policy developments impacting Indian
• Prepare briefings, reports, and presentations for Tribal Council and the Tribal
• Assist in developing Tribal policies, resolutions, and strategic frameworks related to natural resources.
• Support sovereignty-based decision-making by ensuring leadership has timely  accurate responses.

Natural Resources Oversight

• Oversee or coordinate efforts related to other natural resources as assigned (e.g., land use, environmental protection, conservation initiatives).
• Ensure natural resource activities align with Tribal values, cultural preservation, and environmental preservation goals.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May supervise staff, consultants, or project teams 
• Provides leadership and coordination across departments and external partnerships

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Public Administration, Engineering, Law, Planning, or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in natural resources, water management, project management, tribal governance, or public sector
• Demonstrated experience working with Tribal governments, water rights, or complex regulatory structure
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Experience working directly with water rights attorneys, engineers, or regulatory officials
• Familiarity with water law, Indian water rights settlements, and intergovernmental relationships
• Knowledge of funding mechanisms, grants, and infrastructure framework
• Experience presenting to governing bodies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of Tribal sovereignty and governance
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to translate legal and technical concepts into clear understandable terms
• High level of professionalism and discretion
• Strategic thinker