Natural Resources Technician

POSITION TITLE: Natural Resources Technician
DEPARTMENT: Natural Resources Department
REPORTS TO: Stewardship Program Manager
FLSA STATUS: Nonexempt, fulltime
WAGE RANGE: $24.00 - $27.60 per hour

Open until filled - first review May 13, 2025

Position Summary:

Assists in protecting the Cowlitz Indian Tribes natural resources by maintaining and improving the lands. Provides technical support to the Natural Resources programs for land management of tribal lands. Honors and represents the mission, vision, values of CIT and of the Natural Resources program.

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

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Performs tree hazard abatement, mowing and clearing lands of trees and brush; noxious weed and invasive species control according to established policies and procedures and safety protocols.
• Assists in habitat restoration projects; plants, prunes, and trims trees and shrubs to provide better habitat.
• Constructs, maintains and/or repairs building and other structures, roadways, pathways, and fences using a variety of power tools and light equipment.
• Operates, cleans, greases, oils, services, and makes minor repairs to tools and equipment; makes emergency adjustment.
• Picks up fish from hatcheries and delivers for processing.
• Distributes fresh fish to tribal members according to safe food handling practices.
• Receives shipments; cleans and packages vacuum sealed fish filets for shipment to tribal members.
• Ensures safe and sanitary conditions at all work sites; removes garbage and debris.
• Participates in the Eulachon Spawning Stock Biomass Study by collecting, monitoring and reporting samples and data; conducts annual evaluation of vegetation on tribal properties.
• Gathers or assists in gathering detailed resource inventory information on plant communities and marine resources.
• Maintains wildlife habitats through effective conservation practices.
• Assists in the coordination of community natural resources, education and cultural awareness projects and events.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing networks; participating in professional societies; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form 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 business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets and database software programs as well as GPS, Adobe and Google Earth.
• Skill in treating internal and external customers with tact, courtesy, and respect.
• Ability to operate and repair a variety of equipment including mowers, tractors, jet sled boat, trailers, string trimmers, pole saws, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, sod cutters, drill and impact drivers, skid sprayer, backpack sprayers, concrete mixer, brush hog, pressure washer, auger, backpack blower, and microscopes.
• Ability to identify a variety of fish and wildlife species,
• 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.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associates degree in biology, zoology, fisheries, wildlife, chemistry, natural sciences, or a closely related field
• Three years of related experience in natural resources or a related field of agriculture, range management, land management, animal husbandry, or wildlife management.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• Obtain and maintain a Pesticide User License.
• Obtain and maintain a Washington State Boater Education Card and Washington State Scientific Collection Permit.
• Valid drivers license is required.
• Fluency in the Cowlitz language preferred
• 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 CITs 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 including fingerprint verification

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; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed outdoors with frequent 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. Work is frequently performed near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery and the use protective clothing, equipment, devices, materials is necessary. Evening and/or weekend work is occasionally required.