Environmental Protection & Sustainability Specialist

Environmental Protection & Sustainability Specialist
“Bring your expertise and passion for sustainability to a team committed to protecting the environment and creating positive change. Apply now!”

Department: Environmental
Position Status: Regular Full-Time
Supervisor Role: No
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Join Our Mission:
The Poarch Creek Indians place a high value on individuals who share our commitment to community, tradition, and progress. As Alabama's only Federally Recognized Native American Tribe, we take pride in a history that spans generations and is deeply rooted in resilience and cultural heritage. Our mission is to uplift the lives of our Tribal Members, preserve our traditions, and drive innovation for a thriving future. If you are passionate about serving with purpose and authenticity while fostering trust, unity, and growth, we welcome you to join us on this meaningful journey.

About the Role:
The Environmental Protection & Sustainability Specialist supports the Environmental Department in protecting Tribal lands and natural resources while advancing sustainability initiatives. This role assists with environmental programs, recycling efforts, compliance with Tribal, federal, and state regulations, environmental monitoring, public education, data collection, and program planning to help achieve the Tribe's environmental goals. Additional duties may be assigned to support departmental and organizational objectives.

This position reflects PCI’s core values of Perseverance, Opportunity, Accountability, Respect, Culture, and Honesty.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with the development and implementation of environmental protection, environmental health, and sustainability programs.
• Support recycling, waste reduction, and solid waste management initiatives.
• Conduct environmental monitoring, inspections, data collection, and compliance activities.
• Prepare reports, maintain records, and assist with grant documentation and program tracking.
• Help manage daily recycling center operations, including inventory and equipment needs.
• Assist in developing technical documents, environmental plans, and standard operating procedures.
• Provide environmental education and sustainability training to Tribal staff and community members.
• Represent the department at meetings and community events.
• Identify opportunities to improve environmental programs and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with departmental leadership and other Tribal departments to achieve program goals.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Core Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, or Public Health with three (3) years of work experience in the science field is required, excluding internships.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific/environmental monitoring, including field sampling, data collection, or survey-based monitoring activities is required.
• Completion of the Basic Environmental Training Course (BETC) through the Alabama Department of Public Health is required within the first year of employment.
• Experience in recycling operations, sustainability programs, or solid waste management preferred.
• Familiarity with Lean principles, process improvement, and continuous improvement preferred.
• Experience working with or supporting grant-funded programs (e.g., data collection, reporting, compliance) preferred.
• Experience in water quality monitoring or related scientific program areas preferred.
• Ability to work odd and irregular hours, as needed.
• Must successfully pass the required criminal and character background check.
• Ability to travel and participate in required training, leadership development, and other events.
• Ability to perform all duties and responsibilities of this position adequately and successfully

Essential Competencies:

• Qualifications & Physical Requirements:
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical fieldwork, including walking on uneven terrain, bending, kneeling, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to swim.
• Demonstrated accountability, professionalism, and commitment to environmental stewardship.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and improve processes.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and serve as a positive representative of the Tribe.
• Ability to build trust, model integrity, and uphold the Tribe's values and cultural respect.

Total Rewards Package:
We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program including:

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance and voluntary benefits
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• 401(k) with employer match
• Performance bonuses and COLA increases

Preference will be given in accordance with Title 33 (Tribal Employment Rights) of the Tribal Code/DFWP.

INDIAN PREFERENCE, SPOUSAL PREFERENCE, OR FIRST GENERATION:

In the event more than one applicant meets the requirements, as stated in a job description, preference shall be given in the following order: (1) Tribal Member (2) First Generation Descendant of a Tribal Member (3) Spouse of Tribal Member (4) Indian (5) Non-Indian

In the event that a position of employment is funded in whole or in part my any federal grant and/or contract or other public funding, preference shall be given in the following order: (1) Indian (2) Non-Indian

In order to receive preference, the appropriate documentation must be submitted.