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