Policy Analyst

Position Summary:

The Policy Analyst is responsible for reviewing, assessing, and recommending policy positions and strategies for natural resources matters. The position works independently as well as part of internal and external teams. The incumbent should have a strong working knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and policies. The incumbent should be able to utilize their knowledge to advance the Tribe's natural resource objectives.

Primary responsibilities

Working for the Natural Resources Director, conduct research in multiple natural resources areas to inform Tribal positions. The incumbent should have a basic understanding of the science underlying watersheds, air and water quality, forestry, botany, and pacific northwest ecosystems. The incumbent should also have moderate to high understanding of local, state, and federal policies applying to natural resource management. This position will utilize this knowledge to assist in the development of Tribal strategies and recommended courses of action to support and advocate for the benefit of Tribal resources. The position may utilize their knowledge to apply for grants to further program objectives. The position may also assist in updating tribal laws associated with natural resource matters.

Other Skills/Responsibilities include:

Actively engage with Tribal leadership and Natural Resources staff to insure consistency with Tribal resource protection policies.
Assist Natural Resources Director in developing and implementing Natural Resource protection strategies and policies
Develop and implement climate change strategies.
Oversee watershed level permit reviews and recommendations regarding resource protection concerns.
Review industrial project permits and develop mitigation strategies to insure protection of resources.
Act as policy point of contact on all instream flow protection matters.
Work with legal department on legal strategies over Tribal natural resources matters.
Draft and implement water and air quality plans for reservation and tribal lands.
Draft and submit grants to local, state, and federal sources consistent with the program objectives.
Review Federal, State and local legislative proposals to evaluate impacts to Tribal resources.
Work collaboratively with other Governmental entities in the protection of Tribal resources.

Education, Experience and Training for position:

Advanced degree or certification in environmental policy, environmental law or a related field; or
Bachelor's degree in a Natural Resources science and/or policy and 6 years working experience on Natural Resource policy matters; or
A combination of experience equivalent to the education and experiential requirements listed above.
Experience working in forest/forestry policy and/or Columbia River policy.
Experience working with or for Tribal Governments.

Specific Skills/Knowledge/Abilities required for position:

Familiarity with Federal and State Natural Resource regulations including the Clean Water Act, NEPA and the Endangered Species Act.
Knowledge about key species habitat types and needs and challenges associated with their sustained growth and protection.
Able to advocate in sometimes challenging social environments.
Ability to communicate clearly on complicated issues.
Ability to work independently, consistent with the Tribe's expressed policy directives.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements: Must submit to and pass a criminal background check and drug screen.

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

Except as provided by Title 25 CFR, Section 472 which allows for Indian preference in hiring, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, physical handicap, marital status, politics, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization.

Please mail or email resume and cover letter to:
Human Resource Department

Cowlitz Indian Tribe

P.O. Box 2547

Longview, WA 98632

csexton@cowlitz.org

dmathers@cowlitz.org