Job Description:
SUMMARY
The Department of Natural Resources and Culture’s (DNRC) mission is
to research, monitor, assess, manage, conserve, protect, enhance,
utilize, and restore the cultural and natural resources within the
Tribes’ area of interest. Natural resources are cultural resources,
and many of the Tribe’s values, meanings, and identities are closely
linked with features and ecological components of this landscape. The
environmental programs within the DNRC’s work supports a robust
monitoring program for the health and protection of these resources
and the landscape. DNRC staff implement various plans for monitoring
baseline environmental trends, investigate pollution due to spills,
disturbance, emission-causing climate change, ocean acidification,
etc., undertake damage assessments, and implement restoration and
effectiveness monitoring where possible. Staff work collaboratively to
merge the best available science with Indigenous Knowledge through
various programs for the benefit of Tribal membership and future generations.
The Environmental Testing Laboratory houses a multitude of analytical
capabilities that support environmental monitoring for public health,
as well as cultural resource protection. The laboratory program
supports government functions, including wastewater treatment,
forensic testing, museum collections evaluation, cultural resource
evaluation, brownfields evaluation, and more. The laboratory is also
working towards ISO 17025.
The Laboratory Technician I. will be responsible for the chemistry
and analysis of CTCLUSI’s biology and microbiology applications under
the direct supervision of the Laboratory Manager. This position will
be responsible for testing activities in zooplankton and phytoplankton
identification (including algae), environmental DNA/RNA, proteins,
amino acids, bacteria, etc. The position will be responsible for using
and maintaining associated instrumentation, including microscopes,
FlowCam Cyano, bacteria incubators, spectrophotometer, and the
qualitative polymerase chain reactor (qPCR).This position will be
responsible for ensuring successful execution of testing activities
associated with these instruments, including biological isolation
processes from various sample types and matrices, including for method
research and development, as well as care of sample processing
equipment, and possibly field collection of samples. The position will
also contribute towards grant applications and reporting, customer
satisfaction, education and outreach, and working towards ISO accreditation.
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work as part of a team to implement the Tribe’s Environmental Program.
- Collaboratively coordinate with other staff for field collection
of environmental samples in various terrain, often rough and in
commiserate conditions. Environmental sampling often performed on a
water body from the operation of a small water craft/vessel.
- Implement testing activities for environmental matrices and
cultural materials for human health protection, as associated with
the CTCLUSI Tribal Spill Response Plan, Land Quality Assurance
Project Plan, Surface Water and Fixed Station Quality Assurance
Project Plan, the Air Quality Assurance Project Plan, the Wastewater
Treatment Monitoring Plan, the Integrated Solid Waste Management
Plan, the Non-point Source Pollution Management Plan, the Integrated
Water Quality Monitoring Strategy, the Water Quality Standards, and
possibly others as the program expands.
- Lead biological and microbiological applications and analysis of
environmental and forensic samples using CTCLUSI’s microscopes,
FlowCam Cyano, bacteria incubators, spectrophotometer, and the
qualitative polymerase chain reactor (qPCR).
- Independently and collaboratively operate, maintain, and
troubleshoot listed equipment.
- Perform biological isolations and chemical extractions of all
sample types (tissue, water, sediment, vegetation, unknown
substances) and analyze them appropriately following standard methods.
- Undertake method research and development as needed.
- Support the policies of the Laboratory Management Plan. Support
the Laboratory’s Quality Management System.
- Assist in implementation and compliance for health and safety as
it pertains to chemical, pollutant, and other hazards within
relevant facilities for all relevant staff accessing the facilities
or handling materials.
- Ensure efficient communication with management and partners on
deliverables progress for timely completion of deadlines.
- Assist in grant applications, preparing budgets, grant reporting,
contract development, and grant and contract implementation.
- Undertake trainings to expand expertise and maintain credentials.
Ensure staff training and resources to maintain and further expertise.
- Assist program education and outreach activities as requested.
- Provide input for Environmental Site Assessments and/or NEPA
EA/EIS review as needed and directed.
- If needed, assist in implementing, modifying, or creating Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs) for applicable laboratory activities.
SOPs should reflect standardized methods in each field, especially
in compliance with EPA methods and regulations covering such areas
as testing procedures; sample intake and inventory; equipment;
supplies procurement and chemicals management.
- Assist in continued development of the Quality Management System
that assures data product quality for public or agency
dissemination. Assist the Quality Assurance Officer in bringing
laboratory into ISO 17025 accreditation.
- Ability to perform repeated, redundant steps.
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Demonstrate positive attitude and strong initiative.
- Work various special projects as assigned by the Director,
Assistant Director, or the Chief Executive Officer.
LEVEL OF AUTHORITY & RESTRICTIONS
PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS
- Requires the ability to manage moderate levels of stress arising
from schedules, workload, diverse or adversarial stakeholders, etc.
- Must be able to walk, talk, hear, use hands to handle, feel or
operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
- Vision abilities required by this job include close vision,
distant vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Must be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 30 pounds.
WORKING CONDITIONS & ENVIRONMENT
- Must be able to work in a biology and chemistry laboratory
environment with moderate levels of noise and active team environment.
- Work effectively in a team environment with a diverse variety of
technical, professional, and administrative staff.
- Work effectively in a negotiating environment where others may
have diverse and competing interests and may be uncooperative or adversarial.
- May require the ability to walk, hike, swim, drive, and boat in
varied conditions at various hours and days of the week.
- Requires occasionally irregular working schedules around tides,
other cycles or events, evening and weekend meetings, out-of-area
travel for meetings, conferences, workshops, trainings, etc.
JOB LOCATION
Tribal Administrative Office
1245 Fulton Avenue
Coos Bay,
Oregon 97420
Apply online @
www.ctclusi.org
Open until Filled
