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Position:Â | Water Quality Coordinator |
Division: | Tribal Affairs |
Department: | Environmental |
Reports To: | Environmental Manager |
Location:Â | Niobrara or Norfolk |
Exempt/Non-Exempt: | Non-Exempt |
Pay Grade: | Grade 6 ($15.65 - $24.94) |
Classification: | Full-Time (Grant Funded) |
Summary:
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is a federally recognized Tribe with its ancestral homeland located in Niobrara, NE. The Tribe does not have a reservation in the classic definition; rather, the Ponca Restoration Act defined its jurisdiction as a ‘Service Delivery Area’ comprised of 15 counties throughout parts of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. Within its Service Delivery Area, the Tribe offers a broad range of health, social, educational, and cultural services.Â
The Water Quality Coordinator works closely with the Environmental Manager on all matters of water quality when pertaining to surface waters, groundwater, and wetlands.
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Essential Responsibilities and Duties:
- Develop budget summaries, work plans, and complete assigned tasks outlined in the final grant agreement for the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska and/or associated projects as assigned by the Environmental Manager.
- Research, develop and write monitoring strategies, sampling and analysis plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, Standard Operating Procedures, and progress reports relating to water quality monitoring.
- Conduct surface water sampling at determined sampling locations while maintaining various field and lab water quality equipment, all-terrain vehicles and/or four-wheel drive trucks.
- Assist with the development and implementation of a Tribal Wetland Program as outlined in the Wetland Program Development Grant project workplan.Â
- Uses computers to develop excel spreadsheets, enter, manage, and store lab and field data, which will be entered into EPA’s National Water Quality Exchange (WQX) Portal.
- Apply mapping (GPS/GIS program) software techniques to project work.
- Apply knowledge of environmental laws and regulations as it relates to implementation of the Clean Water Act (CWA) 106 and wetland programs.
- Research funding sources to be used for water quality, wetland, and habitat management projects.
- Prepare all reports (monthly, quarter, semi-annual performance/Final project) for the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska CWA 106 Program.
- Provide technical guidance and support to the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Tribal Council, the Environmental Manager, Emergency Manager, and other Tribal programs. Communicate scientific and technical information through oral briefings, written documents, workshops, conferences, and public hearings.
- Â Assist in the development and implementation of projects and programs that promote the productive and sustainable use of tribal lands, including fieldwork, surveying, habitat management, and other related activities.
- Other duties as assigned.
Relationships and Authority:
This position has no supervisory responsibilities. This position will work in conjunction with all Ponca Tribe of Nebraska staff and outside entities.
Working Environment and Physical Demands:
Physical requirements include carrying/lifting up to 10 pounds, frequently; up to 25 pounds, regularly; and up to 50 pounds, occasionally. Visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to drive an automobile and operate computer keyboard and basic office equipment; subject to carrying, lifting, twisting and reaching to perform essential job functions. Working conditions are primarily in an office environment with regular field work, and travel to other locations. Travel to training and workshops may be required outside of the service delivery areas.
Qualifications:
Minimum:
- Associates of Science in environmental science or a science-related field in biology or physical science.
- Computer proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe programs.
- Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Valid driver’s license and be insurable.
- Successfully pass drug and alcohol testing, motor vehicle, education, character, and criminal background checks in compliance with Public Law 101-630: Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act.
- Able and willing to travel.
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, hydrology, ecology or related field.
- Proficiency in ArcGIS and GPS equipment.
- One year of experience working in an environmental department.
- One year of experience working with Native Americans or Native American organizations.
- Knowledge of EPA regulatory policies and programs including CWA106, CWA319 (Non-Point Source), and other regulatory programs related to water quality and quantity.Â
- Knowledge and understanding of Public Law 93-638: Indian Self-Determination Act, Tribal organizations and funding opportunities.
Preference will be given to Ponca Tribe of Nebraska members or members of a federally recognized tribe. However, all qualified individuals are eligible.
The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is an at-will employer.
Tribal Council Approval: 08/03/2026
Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site
