Responsible for assisting in the planning, implementation and monitoring of riparian, wetland and upland habitat restoration and vegetation management activities conducted by the Yakama Nation Wildlife Resource Management Program. A core duty will be developing and enacting habitat restoration plans for the YN wildlife areas. The development and implementation of monitoring plans for these activities will also be an important component of the position. Vegetation management duties will consist of developing and implementing noxious weed and invasive plant species control plans for the agricultural, range and forested areas of the Yakama Reservation. In addition, the incumbent will perform habitat assessments and surveys required to direct habitat restoration work. The position will serve as resident botanist for the Wildlife Program, and provide plant ecology and botanical expertise as requested. This position will coordinate with and interact closely with other YN Wildlife Program biologists and staff to plan and implement habitat restoration and vegetation management activities.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

• Plan and implement riparian and wetland habitat restoration projects on irrigated and non-irrigated lands; upland habitat restoration projects on irrigated and on-irrigated lands; and invasive control throughout the Yakama Reservation.
• Develop and implement monitoring plans for restoration activities; produce monitoring reports documenting monitoring activities.
• Assist in the management of the YN Wetlands and Riparian Restoration Project.
• Coordinate activities with wildlife, cultural resources and other YN and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) staff.
• Develop cooperative habitat improvement projects with conservation organizations and other governmental agencies.
• Develop grant proposals for the funding of restoration vegetation management activities.
• Interact with landowners, land lessees and the BIA to protect and restore wildlife habitats.
• Prepare monthly activity reports, quarterly progress reports and annual reports.
• Assist in the development of management plans for restoration properties and Yakama Reservation habitats as necessary.
• Develop and maintain databases as required to track and document restoration and vegetation management activities.
• Direct field technicians in implementing habitat enhancement projects and surveys.
• Assist in hiring and supervising staff; managing budgets.
• Train staff and volunteers in habitat restoration, botanical taxonomic identification, vegetation sampling methods and vegetation management techniques.
• Develop and implement habitat survey and assessment protocols to collect data required to adequately plan habitat management and restoration work.
• Collect and manage weed distribution data (GIS and Access).
• Map habitat assemblages and manage GIS data.
• Create and manage GIS maps of field survey and assessment work completed.
• Conduct field work necessary to complete monitoring, surveys and assessments related to habitat management and botany projects.
• Facilitate and participate in inter-agency groups as required.
• Develop and present project and program information at professional conferences and workshops and internal YN meetings.
• Other necessary duties as assigned.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Knowledge and experience working with taxonomic plant identification to species using standard taxonomic keys, including identification of unknown native plants and non-native weed species.
• Knowledge of principles and methods of native habitat restoration ecology and management (including knowledge of plants, plant communities and soils).
• Knowledge and experience in principles and methods of invasive plant species management.
• Knowledge in the management and restoration of grasslands, shrub-steppe, riparian and wetland habitats.
• Ability to demonstrate experience using scientific research methodology including research design, monitoring protocols, statistical analysis and technical writing.
• Ability to gain knowledge about traditional uses of significant Yakama foods and medicines.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally, in writing and in presentations to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to obtain a Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License.
• Ability to write successful grant proposals and concise, technical reports for a wide variety of audiences.
• Ability to coordinate large, complex projects.
• Ability to develop and monitor financial aspects of project budgets.
• Knowledge of crop farming and ranching practices.
• Ability to facilitate and participate in meetings that include a wide variety of interests.
• Ability to demonstrate proficient use of computers including word processing, spreadsheets, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, and web-based applications; knowledge of database software preferred.
• Ability to work within the YN tribal government.
• Ability to understand, work with, and protect unique YN resource values.
• Ability to work with a variety of people.

GENERAL RECRUITING INDICATORS: 

Minimum of a Master’s of Science degree in ecology, biology, botany, restoration ecology, or related field with at least three years’ experience at a staff biologist level.

 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
• Must be able to obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s license and Yakama Nation Driver’s Permit.
• Must be able to work outdoors in a variety of difficult climatic conditions.
• Must be able to operate four-wheel drive vehicles.