Govt. Environmental Scientist - Air Quality - Closes: 08-10-2026

Grant Funded: Grant End Date - March 31, 2028

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Environmental Scientist – Air Quality, under the direction of the Environmental Program Manager, is responsible for furthering the role of the Tribal Environmental Program in protecting and restoring the natural resources of the Tribe, through inspecting, planning, managing, monitoring, and reporting on ambient and indoor air quality affecting tribal members. The incumbent will be the lead person implementing Air Program Development grants for the Tribe.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Develops and maintains Sault Tribe policies and develops ordinances, regulations, and procedures related to ambient and indoor air quality.
• Reviews and comments on air quality permit processes, specifically related to industrial air emitters in the tribal seven-county service area.
• Operates and maintains the tribes National Atmospheric Deposition Program
• Maintains all data and databases associated with ambient and indoor air quality.
• Drafts proposals for future air quality work, radon, clean diesel work, woodstove changeout program, and other similar clean air projects.
• Develops and carries out an outreach program to educate the tribal community about air quality and health issues.
• Conducts indoor air quality assessments on tribal members homes and tribally owned facilities within the seven-county service area.
• Leads strenuous field activities under all weather conditions, promotes a safe working environment and maintains environmental equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Performs statistical analysis and summarizes findings into scientific reports to meet grant requirements and effectively manage Tribal resources.
• Utilizes GIS and other computer software applications to assist meeting program goals.
• Works with State, Federal, and other Tribal resources and environmental professionals to integrate environmental/land programs with tribal goals and cultural values.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Ensures tools and equipment are safely and correctly used, maintained, and stored.
• Participates in Environmental Program outreach activities regarding air quality.
• Attends meetings, training, and conferences as required to maintain professional skills.

CONTACTS:

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, customers, outside vendors/service providers, children and youth, tribal members, volunteers; Federal, State and County and Tribal agency representatives.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position light with lifting of 20 pounds and frequent lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds. Physical factors include frequent walking, sitting, use of hearing, smell, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception, color/field of vision, typing; occasional pushing/pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, reaching, driving, and bending. Working conditions include occasional exposure to weather, extreme cold, wet/humidity and air quality and driving within the Sault Tribe Service area. Potential hazards include frequent computer use and occasional exposure to chemicals, infectious exposure and needles/syringes.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Natural Sciences, Geography or Engineering or five years’ relevant coursework and related work experience may be considered in lieu of degree. Master’s Degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum of one year of experience working in a scientific or engineering field required. Experience working in Air Quality preferred.

Certification/License: Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver’s license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with the Sault Tribe’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy which may include random drug tests.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must have working knowledge and be able to use word processing and spreadsheet and database software. Must be able to work extended hours when needed in emergency to protect public health and safety. Interest and motivation to achieve Tribal environmental goals required. Must be able to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with supervisory personnel, coworkers and the general public. Must maintain confidentiality. Native American preferred.

This job description outlines the general scope and level of responsibilities associated with the position. It is not intended to be an employment contract, nor does it represent a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians reserves the right to modify, add, reassign, or combine job duties or positions, in whole or in part, at any time.