Environmental Director

Environmental Director

The Environmental Director oversees that programmatic guidelines and funding requirements are met in the Red Cliff Environmental Department. The Environmental Director oversees Red Cliff Code of Laws Chapter 12, Pollution and Environmental Protection (RCCL Ch. 12), ensures timely review of land use applications (RCCL Ch. 11), issues wood cutting and small harvest permits (RCCL Ch. 11). The department typically has 6 – 9 staff working collaboratively within the larger Treaty Natural Resources Division.

Planning, development, implementation and oversight of environmental programs for the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa are the central functions of this position. Also, key is the incumbent's ability to serve as a representative for the Red Cliff Band on a variety of environmental issues in an articulate and professional manner.

JOB DUTIES:

• Fulfill the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) workplan requirements for the General Assistance Program (GAP) and the tribal environmental program priorities in the EPA-Tribal Environmental Plan (ETEP).
• Provide supervisory oversight of environmental staff and programs within the Environmental Department. Current environmental programs include:
  Water (CWA 106 and 319), Wetlands, Indoor (CAA 103) & Ambient Air, Environmental Health, Environmental Justice, Brownfields, and environmental emergency response and preparedness and cleanups.
• Support Environmental Department staff in and conduct financial management of grant funding in the Environmental Department.
• Facilitate setting and tracking of environmental goals and objectives for the Department.
• Establish, review and revise environmental codes in the Red Cliff Code of Laws and environmental program management documents. Work with various Tribal departments for environmental code compliance.
• Participate in tribal, local, state, federal and international work groups and committees. Cultivate and maintain positive working relationships with agencies and community members.
• Carry out project reviews for on-reservation land use applications (PAC) and issue Environmental Change and Activity permits in accordance with RCCL Ch. 12.
• Provide environmental oversight and support for transfer station and associated events.
• Provide environmental oversight and assess non-compliance and determine remediation and/or corrective actions in relation to RCCL Ch. 12
• When applicable, implement and manage grant funded projects associated with cleaning up open dump sites.
• Evaluate and respond to environmental policy notifications, consultation requests, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and other state or federal permits, as appropriate, around Lake Superior and within the ceded territories.
• Assess tribal needs and achieve programmatic support in the development of new environmental initiatives and programs.
• Evaluate needs and staffing for EPA Treatment as a State (TAS) delegation for Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act programs. Develop and aid in efforts of other TAS applications for other environmental programs.
• Collaborate with other TNR Departments on shared projects and undertakings.
• Be considerate of tribal culture in programming and outreach efforts.
• The above duties and responsibilities are not an all-inclusive list but rather a general representation of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position. The duties and responsibilities will be subject to change based on organizational needs and/or as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: Environmental Specialist, Great Lakes Policy Specialist, Water Resources Program Manager, Environmental Technician, Environmental Health Specialist, and Wetland Specialist.

KNOWLEDGE: Applicants must have knowledge of a wide range of environmental issues, particularly those relevant to Ojibwe Tribes. Knowledge of and sensitivity for Ojibwe culture and traditions. Familiarity with or capacity to implement environmental assessments will be advantageous. Knowledge of EPA programming available to tribes will be extremely advantageous, as will an understanding and awareness of Ojibwe culture. Experience in grant management, budgets, and environmental oversight would be beneficial.

Ability to understand and interpret engineering or architectural plans would be beneficial.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering or related field is required.
• Completion of a Masters in the field or equivalent experience will increase an applicant's competitiveness in the selection process.
• Experience drafting or reviewing NEPA or similar environmental assessment documents is desired.
• Previous experience working for or with Tribes or intertribal agencies is strongly desired.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience, including 3 years of supervisory experience, is desired.
• Excellent oral and written communication…