Natural Resources Manager

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

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
No