Peatland Technical Specialist

License/Certification Requirements:  Valid MN Driver’s License, current insurance or be insurable.

Summary:  Support and perform field work, data management, and office tasks related to peatland and forested wetland restorations and monitoring projects as well as assisting with Tribal restoration training events. Primary duties to install, monitor, and maintain water table monitoring wells and GHG monitoring sites within various peatlands across the Leech Lake Reservation and assist others externally as needed.

 Education Requirements and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Science, Hydrology, Forestry, Silviculture, Biology, or similar degree. An Associate’s Degree in Natural Resources Technology with relevant experience can substitute for Bachelor’s degree.

Working knowledge of wetland ecology, hydrology, soils, wildlife, and vegetation specifically related to forested wetlands and peatlands

Working knowledge of wetland water table monitoring, GHG monitoring, soil coring, water quality sampling, environmental monitoring, wetland and aquatic plant identification, invasive species mitigation, and field safety protocols

Well-developed skills with computer applications including MS Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe Pro, and ArcGIS Pro and the willingness to learn new programs as needed

Good oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills

Experience using maps, field survey equipment, and GPS devices

Ability to travel in and out of the state and internationally for several days at a time throughout the year

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Understanding and sensitivity to Native American culture and ways of knowing, along with the willingness to learn and incorporate Tribal knowledge and values in their work

Advanced degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Science, Hydrology, Forestry, Silviculture, Biology, or similar degree with a focus in wetland-related studies

Knowledge of Carbon Markets and Wetland Bank regulations as relevant to Tribal forested wetlands and peatlands

Knowledge of forested wetland and peatland restoration and preservation techniques and related regulations

Familiarity with wetland delineation concepts and wetland forest cover types

Practical knowledge of methods used in analyzing field data

Knowledge of legal land descriptions, map reading, compassing, pacing and accurate chaining needed for locating survey corners and establishing boundary lines

Ability to express ideas in public and to training others in field sampling methods

Wilderness Safety and First Aid training/certification

Supervisory Duties:

 The peatland technical specialist may help the forested wetland manager supervise, train, and provide general guidance to other DRM specialists, technicians, and seasonal interns who might assist in forested wetland and peatlands work. The peatland technical specialist must be capable of independently leading a small group into the field and enforcing field safety protocols.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Punctuality and reliability are a must for this position as much of the work is time-sensitive and involves multiple stakeholders.

Attending and/or conducting all mandatory meetings and trainings as assigned

Maintain confidentiality and respectful professional ethics at all times

Adhere to policies governing staff conduct

All other related duties as assigned

Physical Requirements:

 Ability to lift and carry 50lbs on a regular basis as needed for field work including lifting overhead

Must be able to canoe and kayak without assistance

Must be able to traverse uneven ground in all climate conditions

Able to tolerate seasonally sedentary work

Subject to internal working conditions.