Govt. Environmental Scientist - Brownfields - Closes: 07-02-2026

Grant Funded: Grant End Date - September 30, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Environmental Scientist is responsible for environmental assessment, planning, regulation, and reporting activities necessary for the proper management of tribal lands and related ecosystems in the 1836 Treaty Ceded Territory.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Develops and maintains Sault Tribe policies, ordinances, regulations, and procedures related to brownfields and related pollution and environmental response projects.
• Plans and leads the collection, management, and reporting of contamination and environmental response-related data, including a formal inventory of potentially contaminated tribal lands.
• Performs technical analysis and environmental assessments of current and potential future landholdings to address historical, current, and future land use and sources of contamination.
• Develops technical and administrative reports and presentations to advise Tribal decision-makers on brownfield management and related actions.
• Prepares and submits regulatory documents, such as work plans, remedial action plans, and permit applications, to obtain necessary approvals for remediation activities.
• Reviews other agencies' policy and regulatory actions and prepares formal responses with appropriate analyses and recommendations, including CERCLA, RCRA, and state cleanup standards.
• Represents Sault Tribe interests on inter-governmental technical committees.
• Pursues funding for assessments, management, remediation, and redevelopment, with budgeting, workplan management, and reporting.                      

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Develops and implements a Tribal Environmental Response Plan.
• Operates program vehicles, sampling gear, and related equipment.
• Conducts outreach regarding brownfields and land management.
• Works with Tribal, Federal, State, and local professionals to promote Tribal goals and cultural values in brownfields and emergency response-related activities.
• Attends meetings, training, and conferences as required to hone professional skills and expertise.

CONTACTS:           

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, executives, Sault Tribe Board of Directors, tribal members, conservation law enforcement, outside vendor/service providers, Tribal, Federal, State, and local Natural Resource Management Agencies and academic partners.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position requires team or dual lifting up to 100 pounds, with lifting/carrying of up to 25 pounds. Physical factors include standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, driving and bending; reaching, manual handling, use of hearing, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception, field of vision and occasional sitting, crawling, use of smell, color vision and typing. Working conditions include occasional exposure to weather, extreme heat/cold and wet/humidity and occasional exposure to noise, vibration and air quality in indoor and outdoor settings. Potential hazards include frequent computer use and occasional exposure to chemicals, insecticides/pesticides, infectious exposure to mold and needles/syringes from open dump sites and equipment. Required protective gear includes steel-toed boots, hard hat, tear away safety vest, hi-visibility clothing, and other PPE needed to perform functions of position. Role demands flexibility with extended days and weekends during field seasons and occasional overnight travel.

REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Geology, or related field or five years demonstrated ability in relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of education required.  

Experience: Minimum of one year’s experience conducting fieldwork and interpreting environmental data in addition to above stated education requirement required.

Certification/License: Ability to obtain a 40-hour HAZWOPER certification within one year of hire. Relevant professional certifications (e.g., Professional Geologist, Certified Environmental Professional) preferred. Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with the Sault Tribe’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy which may include random drug tests.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of field data collection methods required.  Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, database, and statistical analysis software. Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems required. Must have organizational skills and be able to plan, prioritize and manage workload to meet goals in a timely manner. Must strive for accuracy and precision in data collection, with accurate and timely data entry into electronic formats including, but not limited to, Excel and Access. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills and be able to effectively communicate technical findings and recommendations to policymakers, leadership, membership, and the general public. Must be able to prepare clear, concise, thorough, meaningful, and grammatically correct written reports, letters, memoranda, policy and procedural drafts, and other written documents. Must be able to identify management needs and develop data collection, analysis, and management plans. Must be able to establish and maintain effective communication with co-workers, supervisors, tribal members, and the general public. Must be able to work with minimal to no supervision. Must, at times, work outdoors in inclement weather. Must ensure proper handling and maintenance of equipment and sampling gear. Must be able to maintain confidentiality. Must demonstrate a readiness to support Sault Tribe culture and engage Anishinaabe knowledges and ways in Program activities. Native American preferred.

This job description outlines the general scope and level of responsibilities associated with the position. It is not intended to be an employment contract, nor does it represent a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians reserves the right to modify, add, reassign, or combine job duties or positions, in whole or in part, at any time.

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