Assistant Director (Environment)

Job Code: 11-1021

Salary: $43,992.00 – $107,161.60

Status: Exempt, Full-time

Department: Environment Division

Location:  Teionkwarihwaienawa:kon / Community Services Building     

Reports To:  Director

Fleet Vehicle:  No

Telework: Limited

Background: PL 101-630

Mandated Reporter: No        

SUMMARY:  The Assistant Director of the Environment Division provides senior-level leadership to support the protection, management, and restoration of tribal natural resources. The position assists the Director in planning, coordinating and administering programs to ensure quality of work, safety, operational efficiency and compliance with applicable tribal policies and laws. 

The Assistant Director plays a leadership role in guiding the programs with public engagement strategies, adapting operations to manage developing risks, and evaluation of performance. The Assistant Director is a liaison with community members, internal departments, and partner agencies. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: 

Assist the Director in the administration of tribal programs, while assuming responsibility for outcomes, performance of programs and special projects.

Strategic Program Leadership and Administration

• Assist the Director in the overall management and administration of the Environment Division
• Align Environment Division programs under the Tribe’s strategic plan
• Guide the development of time-based goals, specific and clear objectives, and evaluation of performance
• Administration of tribal policies, procedures, and regulations
• Assist the Director in evaluating overall Environment Division and program operations
• Ensure proper training procedures are in place for safety of staff and the public
• Incorporation of traditional knowledge, Kanien’keha and tribal lifeways into management systems, to support sustainability and strengthen Mohawk cultural identity
• Contribute to the professional development of Environment Division staff
• Provide responsible and professional leadership to Environment Division staff at all times
• Promote a positive image of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. Exhibit courteous demeanor with colleagues and members of the public at all times

Regulatory and Compliance Expertise 

• Periodic review of tribal environmental codes, in accordance with administrative procedures
• Ensure compliance with established administrative procedures
• Assess performance gaps, characterize shortfalls and manage risk 

Government, Inter-agency and Tribal Relations

• Government-to-government consultation, conflict resolution and negotiation
• Nurture partnerships with Tribal Nations, State and Federal agencies to support Environment Division strategic priorities
• Share information to assist Tribal Nations to improve environmental outcomes

Finance and Grant Management 

• Strategic grant acquisition and proposal development
• Ensure timely completions of projects and deliverables in accordance with approved work plans     
• Manage assigned budgets, revenues and expenditures 

Science, Technology and Data Management 

• Support data management systems, data quality procedures, and storage
• Adopt new technology, science to improve outcomes, including AI and machine learning
• Improve access to environmental data and permits 

Communication and Public Engagement 

• Guide the development of public engagement strategies, utilize technical assistance and communication tools
• Communication of complex science and engineering topics to diverse audiences including tribal members, partner agencies and the media
• Crisis communication during emergencies, media interviews
• Present project results at professional gatherings and public forums

Other duties and special projects as assigned by the Division Director 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Administrative oversight of assigned programs and subordinates.  This position requires experience with investigating and resolving disputes. Ensure effective staff evaluations occur in a timely manner; and guides supervisors in the development and refinement of Key Performance Indicators. 

Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; timely evaluation of performance; Provides coaching to improve staff performance while reinforcing accountability to tribal policies. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor's degree (B. A. or B.S. ) from four-year College or University in Environmental Studies, natural sciences or related field of study, 

AND

• Five (5) years related work experience in natural resource management, research, environmental programming, or conservation;
• Experience: Two years in a supervisory position preferred but not required.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES: 

Strong technical writing required, reading comprehension and interpretation are required for this position. Strong organizational and project management skills; Ability to assess and manage operational risks; Strong leadership and coaching skills; Ability to manage complex programs, budgets, and multiple priorities. Create and implement work plans; Satisfactory completion of grant funding requirements. Creating and adapting strategic plans including short- and long-term goal setting. Demonstrable experience with structure change management. 

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to make executive decisions, gather facts and improve accountability. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

A valid New York State Driver License is NOT required.