Hybrid Work Eligible 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Research Ecologist II is responsible for developing and implementing ecological research, statistical analyses, and decision-support tools to enhance the management of natural resources. This position will contribute to ecosystem assessments, sampling design, and applied research that informs conservation planning and land management decisions, particularly within the 1836 Treaty Ceded Territory.

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

           Design and implement ecological research and monitoring projects, ensuring scientifically valid methodologies. Develop and apply statistical models and data analysis techniques to support ecological assessments and management decisions. Utilize GIS and remote sensing tools to analyze landscape-scale ecological patterns. Design and evaluate sampling protocols for wildlife, fisheries, and vegetation monitoring. Develop decision-support tools that integrate ecological and socio-cultural factors to guide management decisions. Facilitate workshops and collaborative discussions with Tribal, Federal, and State agencies to enhance co-management strategies. Prepare technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications based on research findings. Review and provide scientific input on policies, management plans, and environmental assessments. Pursue funding opportunities through grant writing and project proposals. Represent the Tribe in interagency technical workgroups, fostering collaboration in ecological research and management.

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

Provide statistical and ecological consulting support for Tribal natural resource programs. Participate in and coordinate outreach activities to communicate ecological research and decision-support tools to Tribal leadership and communities. Maintain research databases, ensuring data quality and accessibility. Operate field equipment, including GPS units, environmental sensors, and sampling gear. Attend conferences, workshops, and professional training to enhance skills and expertise.\ All other job-related duties as assigned.

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, Federal, Tribal, State, and local Natural Resource Management Agencies and academic partners.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position requires team or dual lifting up to 100 pounds and frequent lifting/carrying of more than 50 pounds. Physical factors include constant standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, driving and bending; frequent carrying/lifting of 50 pounds, reaching, manual handling, use of hearing, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception, field of vision and occasional sitting, pushing/pulling 100 pounds, crawling, use of smell, color vision and typing. Working conditions include constant exposure to weather, frequent exposure to extreme heat/cold and wet/humidity and occasional exposure to noise, vibration and air quality in settings that may include indoor, outdoor, and aboard vessels in exposed areas. Potential hazards include frequent interactions with moving mechanical parts and a variety of equipment such as trucks, trailers, boats, and hand and power tools, plus occasional high places, electric shock, chemicals, and infectious materials like needles and syringes. Required protective gear includes sanitary gloves, safety glasses, cold weather outerwear, rain suits/boots, and other PPE needed to perform functions of position. Role demands flexibility with frequent extended days and weekends during field seasons and occasional overnight travel.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Master’s Degree in Ecology, Fish and/or Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field required.

Experience: Three years of experience in ecological research, statistical analysis, and natural resource assessment and decision analysis required.

Certification/License: Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver’s license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Will be required to complete and pass pre-employment drug testing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong understanding of Lake States ecological communities and their management required. Knowledge of ecological data collection techniques, population dynamics, statistical analysis and modeling required. Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, database, population modeling, and statistical analysis software. Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems required. Supervisory skills and experience required. Financial administration and management skills required. Advanced leadership and team-building skills required. Grant development and management skills required. Organizational, strategic planning, project management, and governmental administration skills required. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills and be able to effectively communicate technical findings and recommendations to policy-makers, 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, at times, work extended hours outdoors in inclement weather, operate and work on a boat, and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle in the backcountry. Must be able to handle pressure in meetings with public and other management agencies. Must have dispute-resolution skills and ability to maintain self-discipline and objectivity. Must be able to maintain tact and diplomacy under duress. Must be able to handle, resolve and direct multiple Program issues and projects with composure. Must be willing to and able to work in a changing dynamic environment. 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.