Natural Resources Director

Position Summary

The Natural Resources Director is responsible for the strategic planning, coordination, and implementation of the Tribe's natural resource priorities, with a primary focus on water rights utilization, planning, and protection. This position serves as the central liaison between Tribal Council, the Tribal Administrator, legal counsel, engineers, consultants, and external agencies to ensure the Tribe's water resources are preserved, utilized, and leveraged in alignment with Tribal sovereignty, long-term sustainability, and economic development goals.

The Natural Resources Director ensures that the Tribe not only complies with deadlines and legal requirements related to water usage, but also proactively develops' actionable projects and long-range plans to protect Tribal water rights and natural resources for future generations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Water Resources Planning & Management

Lead the development, coordination, and execution of short-term and long-term plans for the use, storage, conservation, and development of Tribal water resources.

Ensure the Tribe meets all applicable timelines, including developing contingency plans when full utilization is not immediately feasible.

Coordinate feasibility studies, infrastructure planning, and project development related to water usage (e.g., agricultural, industrial, municipal, environmental, or economic development uses).

Track water allocations, usage metrics, deadlines, and compliance

Project Management

Serve as the project manager for water-related initiatives, from concept through implementation.

Coordinate with engineers, planners, consultants, and contractors to advance water projects.

Develop project timelines, scopes of work, and progress reports for Tribal

Identify funding opportunities, grants, and partnerships related to water and natural resource projects.

Policy,
Strategy
& Reporting

Monitor regional and national water policy developments impacting Indian

Prepare briefings, reports, and presentations for Tribal Council and the Tribal

Assist in developing Tribal policies, resolutions, and strategic frameworks related to natural

Support sovereignty-based decision-making by ensuring leadership has timely, accurate

Natural
Resources
Oversight

Oversee or coordinate efforts related to other natural resources as assigned (e.g., land use, environmental protection, conservation initiatives).

Ensure natural resource activities align with Tribal values, cultural preservation, and environmental

Supervisory
Responsibilities

May supervise staff, consultants, or project teams as

Provides leadership and coordination across departments and external

Minimum
Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Public Administration, Engineering, Law, Planning, or a related

Minimum of 2 years of experience in natural resources, water management, project management, tribal governance, or public sector

Demonstrated experience working with Tribal governments, water rights, or complex regulatory

Strong project management, organizational, and communication

Preferred
Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related

Experience working directly with water rights attorneys, engineers, or regulatory

Familiarity with water law, Indian water rights settlements, and intergovernmental

Knowledge of funding mechanisms, grants, and infrastructure

Experience presenting to governing bodies or

Knowledge,
Skills,
and
Abilities

Strong understanding of Tribal sovereignty and governance

Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

Excellent written and verbal communication

Ability to translate legal and technical concepts into clear

High level of professionalism, discretion, and

Strategic thinker with a long-term, generational