Environmental Water Quality Technician

POSITION TITLE: Environmental Water Quality Technician

DEPARTMENT: Environmental, Natural Resources

PAY: $27.00 per hour

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt

ESC CODE:

FUNDING SOURCE: Grant funded 300-327-5100/ 300-329-5100

OPENING: February 26, 2025

CLOSING: April 7, 2025

Position Summary:

The Yakutat Tlingit Tribe is in the process of collecting data from 40 high-quality sampling events on each of 12 culturally important rivers in the Yakutat Forelands to demonstrate a baseline of water quality. Our goal is to see these 12 rivers are offered the highest degree of protection from any and all future pollutants and contaminants.

The Water Quality Environmental Technician will primarily assist the Water Quality Program Lead in all activities and duties related to the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe’s Baseline Water Quality Program. They will train in YTT’s Baseline WQ sampling procedure and will learn to adhere to high-quality sampling methods. Ultimately, they will be expected to direct sampling events and other WQ activities independently (with one field partner).

Beyond WQ duties, they will have the opportunity to assist with other Environmental Department projects as opportunity arises. Projects may fall in the fields of Fisheries, Saltwater/Shellfish, or the Compost Program. Other projects may be assigned by the Environmental Director depending on skills, interests, and availability.

Safety training courses may include CPR/First Aid Certification opportunities, Bear Safety and Awareness, Boat and Shore Safety, Small Aircraft and Helicopter Safety (when relevant), Hearing and Eye protection, other training courses as identified.

Essential Functions:

Water Quality Technician will receive training to take on:

• Development of a WQ field work schedule and the logistics behind planning both local and remote sampling events.


• Equipment calibration and maintenance, including shipping out equipment annually for professional maintenance.


• Preparing all supplies and equipment for sampling events.


• Conducting high-quality WQ sampling events per YTT Environmental Department’s Standard Operating Procedures, including collecting samples and taking stream discharge measurements at multiple sites in a day.


• Recording accurate data and entering said data into YTT’s online database.


• Communication with the water quality laboratory for receipt and shipment of all samples.


• Coordinating the sampling date and shipment with local mail service providers to ensure samples are shipped to the laboratory for analysis within the required hold times for samples.


• WQ grant management, including understanding the basics of how grant-funded projects work, reading and spending from a grant budget, putting together and submitting reports, and ensuring that grant objectives are met on time.

Water Quality Technician responsibilities and duties may also include:

• Attending relevant training courses, conferences, meetings, and webinars.


• Independent multi-day travel across Southeast Alaska or down to the lower 48 may occasionally be required.


• Putting together slide-shows and presenting various projects to a large audience.


• Other duties as assigned, which may include but are not limited to: Assisting with Saltwater/Shellfish, Fisheries, and Compost Program needs; assisting with or taking on departmental administrative tasks; and performing other tasks associated with miscellaneous existing department projects or new projects.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

·         Knowledge of living and/or working outdoors in Southeast Alaska.

·         Knowledge of or be willing to learn bear awareness and all field safety techniques.

·         Skill in writing and editing and should have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office products and basic computer skills.

·         Skill and experience with safe ATV, jetboat and skiff operational use.

·         Skill and experience walking around in and working in moving water.

·         Ability to exhibit timeliness; must be able and willing to show up on time at an agreed-upon location.

·         Ability and experience working outdoors in inclement weather.

·         Ability to carry at least 25lbs for extended periods of time over rugged terrain.

·         Ability to work as part of a group or team; able to take directions from others and communicate clearly with co-workers and contractors.

·         Ability to coordinate professionally with local Federal and State environmental agencies to conduct partnership projects and maintain positive relationships.

·         Ability to work the flexible hours required of a field work schedule which is weather and tidal dependent. This may include working earlier or later than typical office hours and may (very rarely) include weekends.

·         Ability to work in an office setting for extended periods of time in addition to working in the field.

·         Ability to conduct themselves professionally in the workspace, have good organizational skills, good record-keeping skills.

·         Ability to trouble-shoot and have good common-sense, be self-driven, and can work independently without supervision, if needed.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

Field work occurs outdoors, year-round, in potentially very cold and/or wet weather. May be required to travel to site by small aircraft or helicopter, jet boat or skiff, and ATV. Should be able to carry a pack weighing up to 50lbs over rugged terrain. Training will be provided for working within heavy bear and moose country. 

The work may require specific, but common, physical characteristics and abilities, such as above average agility and dexterity. The employee must be able to read, write, speak and hear.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility:

This position has no supervisory responsibility or authority in the training period.   

Minimum Qualifications:

·         High school diploma or GED required. 

·         Must be 18 years of age or older.

·         Candidate will reside or have the ability to procure housing in Yakutat, AK; this is not a remote position.

·         Working towards or have achieved an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in environmental studies/science or similar field of study OR minimum 1 years’ experience in relevant field work strongly preferred.

·         Must be able to pass a National Criminal and State background check.

·         Valid Alaska Driver’s License. 

·         Must complete comprehensive online training within the first 90 days of employment. 

Disclosures:

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

THE YAKUTAT TLINGIT TRIBE IS A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE. THIS POSITION MAY BE SUBJECT TO RANDOM DRUG TESTING AND CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK.  

Preference will be given to qualified Yakutat Tlingit Tribal Member and/or Alaska Native candidates.

NATIVE AMERICAN PREFERENCE WILL BE APPLIED TO HIRING OF THIS POSITION AS DEFINED IN TITLE 25, US CODE, CHAPTER 14, SUBCHAPTER V, SUBSECTION 273 AND 274.  WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER WITH PREFERENCE GIVEN TO QUALIFIED NATIVE AMERICAN/ALASKA NATIVE APPLICANTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW AND TRIBAL POLICY.