LEAD ENTITY COORDINATOR (SSRC)

VACANCY ANN#:   STOI-26-010

TITLE:                          LEAD ENTITY COORDINATOR (SSRC)

DEPARTMENT:         DNR - FISHERIES

SUPERVISOR:           FISHERIES DIRECTOR

LOCATION:                SPOKANE, WA

STATUS:                     REGULAR FULL-TIME

RATE OF PAY:           $28.88 - $35.00

OPENING DATE:      FEBRUARY 24, 2026

CLOSING DATE:      MARCH 17, 2026

INTRODUCTION:

The Salmon Lead Entity Coordinator serves as the primary coordinator for the Spokane Salmon Restoration Collaborative (SSRC) responsibilities under Washington State’s salmon recovery framework. This position plays a critical role in advancing tribal priorities for salmon reintroduction, habitat restoration, and ecosystem recovery within the Spokane River watershed and associated tributaries. 

The Coordinator facilitates a collaborative, science-based, and community-driven process that integrates cultural values,  traditional ecological knowledge, and state and regional salmon recovery efforts. The position supports project development, prioritization, funding coordination, and partnership building to advance salmon restoration goals for the SSRC and its partners.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead Entity & Collaborative Coordination 

Coordinate and administer the Spokane Salmon Restoration Collaborative (SSRC), including planning, scheduling, and facilitating meetings of the Technical Advisory Group, Citizens Committee, and other collaborative forums. 

Ensure Lead Entity activities align with long-term salmon reintroduction and recovery goals. 

Implement and maintain a transparent, inclusive, and science-based project prioritization process consistent with Washington State Lead Entity and Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) requirements. 

Project Development & Funding Support 

Continue the development of the SSRC 

Solicit, develop, and support salmon habitat restoration, protection, and reintroduction projects within the Spokane River watershed and associated areas. 

Assist project sponsors with project concept development, grant applications, budgets, timelines, and compliance requirements. 

Coordinate the annual submission of prioritized project lists and applications to the Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB)
and other federal, state, and regional funding programs. 

Track project status, funding, and outcomes using required state and regional databases (e.g., Salmon Recovery Portal, Habitat Work Schedule). 

Partnerships & Intergovernmental Coordination 

Serve as a primary liaison between the SSRC and its partners, local governments, state and federal agencies, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and landowners. 

Foster collaborative relationships that respect sovereignty and promote shared stewardship of salmon and aquatic ecosystems. 

Represent the SSRC at regional, state, and basin-wide meetings, workshops, and forums related to salmon recovery and habitat restoration. 

Cultural Integration & Community Engagement 

Integrate tribal values, cultural priorities, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into salmon recovery planning and project development where appropriate. 

Support outreach and education efforts that build community understanding of salmon restoration, ecological health, and the cultural importance of salmon to the region. 

Encourage participation from the public, local communities, and stakeholders in restoration and recovery efforts. 

Administration & Reporting 

Administer Lead Entity operational funding, including work plans, deliverables, invoicing, and reporting requirements. 

Prepare meeting materials, summaries, annual reports, and funding documentation for tribal leadership, partners, and funding agencies. 

Maintain accurate records, agreements, and documentation in compliance with tribal, state, and funding agency requirements. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS  AND ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR POSITION:

A valid Washington Driver’s License (or ability to attain one) and must be eligible for the Tribe’s vehicle insurance.  

Must have (or ability to attain) a Washington Boater Education Card. 

Knowledge and capacity to implement appropriate habitat monitoring techniques. Strong background in field survey and research methods, data analysis and statistics. 

Demonstrated ability to coordinate and collaborate effectively with diverse co-workers, project partners, and public outreach organizations.  

Demonstrated scientific writing and communication background (e.g. published scientific articles, communications, presentation abstracts, etc.).   

This position requires work to occasionally be performed outside general business hours, including early mornings and evenings. 

Good employment history with references. 

Capable of performing and coordinating fieldwork with internal and external partners. 

Follow established protocols and adhere to programmatic standards. Knowledge and capacity to implement appropriate habitat monitoring methodologies.

Operate vessels, motorized and human powered. 

Comfortable wading in rivers and performing work in variable weather conditions. 

Ability to work independently with limited to no supervision, at times. 

Ability to use ArcGIS or other geospatial software. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Ecology, Fisheries, Planning, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Familiarity with Washington State’s Lead Entity Program, SRFB funding, or other salmon recovery grant programs. 

Experience coordinating complex projects or collaborative processes involving multiple partners and stakeholders. 

Knowledge of salmon ecology, watershed processes, habitat restoration principles, and salmon recovery planning. 

Strong facilitation, communication, and organizational skills. 

Ability to work effectively with tribal, state, and federal governments, agencies, and diverse community partners. 

Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within the region. 

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support meetings or outreach activities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience working for or with Tribal governments, particularly in natural resource or fisheries programs. 

Understanding of the Spokane River watershed, upper Columbia Basin, or salmon reintroduction efforts above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee Dams. 

Experience with grant writing, grant management, and project tracking databases. 

Knowledge of or experience incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) into natural resource planning. 

*Indian Preference Applies – Indian Preference grants preference to any enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe.

*Safety Sensitive Background – Requires a higher standard of performance and behavior.

Confirmation receipt of on-line application submission and interview status will be sent to all applicants e-mail address used when applying. Applicants are responsible to regularly monitor their e-mail for interview notifications.

Contact: Empero Corral or Kammi Rosenbaum

(509) 458-6527

 E-mail:   [email protected]

Applications Must Be Received In The Human Resources Department No

 Later Than 4:30 p.m. on the Closing Date

The Spokane Tribe Reserves The Right To Hire According To Its Indian Preference Policy

Applicants May be Subject To A Pre-Employment Drug Test Positions

All Positions With The Spokane Tribe Are Subject To A-90 Day Orientation