Environmental Program Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Environmental Programs Specialist

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Department of Natural Resources

SUPERVISOR: Environmental Division Manager

GRADE: E2

Position Summary:

Assists with activities and actions related to the promotion of sustainability practices on the Pueblo. Researches grant opportunities, assists with developing proposals, and communicates with granting agencies to obtain funding. Ensures compliance with all tribal, federal, state, county, or other regulatory agency laws, ordinances, codes, and regulations designed to protect the natural resources of the Pueblo of Santa Ana. Assists with other Environmental Division initiatives. Reports to Environmental Division Manager.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assists in developing goals, objectives, and projects for the sustainability program and help oversee their implementation.
• May assist with collecting data on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission sources on the Pueblo of Santa Ana
• May assist DNR staff with completing a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) specific to the Pueblo of Santa Ana.
• Works with DNR to assist in implementation of suitable climate actions including renewable energy.
• Coordinates between entities internal and external of the Pueblo.
• Works to build capacity to implement sustainable practices within the Pueblo.
• Researches grant opportunities, assists in developing proposals, tracks and manages budgets, and prepares reports.
• Assists with Transfer Station operations.
• Provides technical assistance to other environmental staff, departments, committees, groups, and community members on programs and projects related to environmental protection and sustainability.
• Works with tribal leaders, community members, and DNR staff to identify sustainable management and environmental protection issues and develops and implements appropriate management strategies as approved by Tribal Council.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by conducting research; attending seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences; reviews professional publications; establishes networks; participates in professional societies; confers with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements pertaining to environmental protection.
• Knowledge of department organization, functions, objectives, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of principles of environmental science and chemistry.
• Knowledge of budget preparation and grant/proposal writing.
• Knowledge of data quality objectives, Quality Assurance Program Plans (QAPPs)
• Skill in problem solving, human relations, and time management.
• Ability to exercise good independent judgment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of sensitivity to community issues and concerns.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainable Planning, Engineering, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a related field and 3 years of experience working in an environmental field and/or a combination of education and experience. Preferred experience working on implementing sustainable practices, including renewable energy projects. Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation including a motor vehicle check. Must possess a valid New Mexico driver’s license and be insurable through the Pueblo’s insurance. A willingness to learn new environmental technology and some travel is required.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level. Infrequent work in the field is required where exposure to natural weather conditions and various dusts may occur while performing outdoor duties. Standing and walking may be on uneven surfaces or unstable ground. Situations where safety-toe shoes, safety goggles, gloves, or protective face shields are needed may occur.