Tribal Liaison
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN
Full-time
Advertising / Marketing / Public Relations
Posted on May 8, 2024
Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number
20121552Staff
Working Title
Tribal Liaison
Pay Rate
Salary is competitive and commensurate with education and experience.
Employment Category
Administrative/Professional
Regular/Temporary
Regular
If temporary, list duration
Type of Appointment
Fiscal
Contract Period
12 month
Position Summary Information
Position Summary
Grassland loss is the single greatest conservation issue currently facing eastern North American biodiversity. Our precious Southern grasslands are nearly extinct and the species that depend on them are fading fast. Many of our Southern grasslands that managed to persist through the past 200 years have disappeared in the past quarter-century. What will the next 25 years bring? As a conservation community, we are only now realizing how extensive our grasslands used to be. If we want to reverse the tide of grassland biodiversity loss, our response must be rapid as well as unparalleled in its magnitude. This is an immensely complex and ambitious challenge that will take some of the brightest and most creative minds in American conservation and philanthropy to solve. Are you ready to join the Southeastern Grasslands Institute's team?
Austin Peay State University's (APSU) Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) invites applications for a full-time Tribal Liaison position. The Tribal Liaison will be responsible for leading outreach efforts in connecting with tribes of the Southeast region, identifying tribal leaders and decision-makers, and beginning the process of inclusion of tribes and indigenous knowledge/priorities in SGI's and NRCS's conservation planning and projects. This position is expected to assist tribes with applying for Farm Bill Programs by offering technical and financial help when it is appropriate. The Tribal Liaison position will also oversee up to three tribal interns who will assist liaisons as needed and conduct restoration activities along with other SGI team members.
The ideal candidate should have relationships and experience working with or liaising with native tribes in the southeastern U.S. region. The candidate should also have experience and understanding of tribal decision-making and administration processes. A deep understanding and respect for the importance of indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) to the conservation and management of natural resources is essential. We are seeking candidates who can work remotely, with applicants willing to be based in Oklahoma (preferred) or other negotiated location. Frequent travel will be expected to visit project areas and conduct tribal visits. Expenses related to travel, such as transportation, lodging, and per diem will be covered through project funding.This position will report to SGI's Chief of Staff.
SGI is a dynamic organization where we celebrate, support, and strive to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion, and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Open Date
05/07/2024
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
An official transcript will be required of the selected candidate before the candidate will be offered a position. You will not be able to modify your application after it has been submitted.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Required Documents
Position Information
Posting Number
20121552Staff
Working Title
Tribal Liaison
Pay Rate
Salary is competitive and commensurate with education and experience.
Employment Category
Administrative/Professional
Regular/Temporary
Regular
If temporary, list duration
Type of Appointment
Fiscal
Contract Period
12 month
Position Summary Information
Position Summary
Grassland loss is the single greatest conservation issue currently facing eastern North American biodiversity. Our precious Southern grasslands are nearly extinct and the species that depend on them are fading fast. Many of our Southern grasslands that managed to persist through the past 200 years have disappeared in the past quarter-century. What will the next 25 years bring? As a conservation community, we are only now realizing how extensive our grasslands used to be. If we want to reverse the tide of grassland biodiversity loss, our response must be rapid as well as unparalleled in its magnitude. This is an immensely complex and ambitious challenge that will take some of the brightest and most creative minds in American conservation and philanthropy to solve. Are you ready to join the Southeastern Grasslands Institute's team?
Austin Peay State University's (APSU) Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) invites applications for a full-time Tribal Liaison position. The Tribal Liaison will be responsible for leading outreach efforts in connecting with tribes of the Southeast region, identifying tribal leaders and decision-makers, and beginning the process of inclusion of tribes and indigenous knowledge/priorities in SGI's and NRCS's conservation planning and projects. This position is expected to assist tribes with applying for Farm Bill Programs by offering technical and financial help when it is appropriate. The Tribal Liaison position will also oversee up to three tribal interns who will assist liaisons as needed and conduct restoration activities along with other SGI team members.
The ideal candidate should have relationships and experience working with or liaising with native tribes in the southeastern U.S. region. The candidate should also have experience and understanding of tribal decision-making and administration processes. A deep understanding and respect for the importance of indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) to the conservation and management of natural resources is essential. We are seeking candidates who can work remotely, with applicants willing to be based in Oklahoma (preferred) or other negotiated location. Frequent travel will be expected to visit project areas and conduct tribal visits. Expenses related to travel, such as transportation, lodging, and per diem will be covered through project funding.This position will report to SGI's Chief of Staff.
SGI is a dynamic organization where we celebrate, support, and strive to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion, and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Build and maintain relationships with Southeastern Native American tribes in order to garner input and support for grassland conservation efforts.
- Communicate project goals and objectives clearly with tribal stakeholders.
- Serve as an SGI representative to tribal meetings and processes, as appropriate.
- Serve as a liaison to provide understanding to SGI staff about tribal goals, knowledge, and recommendations for cultural and natural resources.
- Convey to tribes the partnership and conservation objectives of SGI's conservation projects and plans and USDA NRCS projects.
- Help to recruit tribal representatives to participate in key aspects of SGI's grassland conservation programs.
- Oversee and coordinate with other SGI team members to determine tribal intern activities.
- Help to organize small events such as training courses and workshops.
- Become familiar with relevant materials and protocols.
- Participate in team meetings and coordinating with the other SGI staff, and attending occasional SGI staff meetings.
- Knowledge of Southeastern Native American culture and history.
- Ability to communicate effectively–orally, in person, and in writing–with culturally diverse groups.
- Ability to learn quickly and adapt to challenges.
- Versed in and respectful of the importance of indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) to the conservation of natural resources.
- Ability to manage people is preferred.
- Excellent organizational and task-management skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Must be able to work as part of a dynamic team.
- Must be able to work in a variety of outdoor and indoor settings.
- Minimum of B.S. or B.A. degree in Ecology, Wildlife Management, Biology, Natural Resources Management, Native American Studies, Sociology, or similar fields.
- Experience working with or liaising with one or more Southeastern tribes.
- Experience in working with culturally diverse groups of people.
- Must be able to supervise multiple tribal interns, each of which may be remotely based.
- Experience maintaining accurate and detailed data records as well as reporting results of meetings.
- Prior experience with conservation in the southeastern U.S.
- Strong commitment to ensuring that diversity and inclusion are considered throughout all aspects of the program.
- Evidence of good character, mature attitude, and professional integrity.
- Possession of a valid driver's license is preferred.
Open Date
05/07/2024
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
An official transcript will be required of the selected candidate before the candidate will be offered a position. You will not be able to modify your application after it has been submitted.
Posting Specific Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Do you possess a minimum of B.S. or B.A. degree in Ecology, Wildlife Management, Biology, Natural Resources Management, Native American Studies, Sociology, or similar fields?
- yes
- no
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Unofficial Transcript
- Letter of Recommendation 1
- Letter of Recommendation 2
- Letter of Recommendation 3
