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POSITION DESCRIPTION and VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION TITLE:                                Soil Conservationist

SALARY:                                             Pay Range: 11 

                                                            DOE/DOQ                                                           

DEPARTMENT:                                   Department of Natural Resources

LOCATION:                                         Nixyaawii Governance Center, Mission, Oregon

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:                    Full Time with benefits package

                                                            Exempt

SUPERVISED BY:                                Range Agriculture & Forestry Program Manager

OPENING DATE:                                 November 1st, 2025

CLOSING DATE:                                  December 1st, 2025, screened monthly

CTUIR MISSION STATEMENT 

Exercise the Tribe’s sovereign authority to achieve the maximum protection of resources identified in the Treaty of 1855; to protect newly acquired lands wherein the Tribe has a vested interest, to protect the lands of all the citizens and residents of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. This position will protect human life, water, land, air, and wildlife by exercising professional skills and abilities in the protection of the resources of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. 

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Range, Agriculture & Forestry (RAF) program is responsible for the economic development, ecological enhancement and sustainability of agricultural resources of allotted, Tribal trust and Tribal fee patent lands for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The Soil Conservationist is responsible for implementing soil conservation measures through issuance of Soil Conservation/Crop Rotation and Pasture Management Plans as well as compliance reviews of lands leased through the CTUIR Realty Office. CTUIR employs the best available science to forward our mission through participation in policy, administrative processes, public outreach and education. The RAF staff are required to:

1) Integrate the protection, conservation, utilization, and enhancement of Tribal fee, trust and/or restricted Indian agricultural, range, and forestry lands with the desires of the beneficial owners.

2) Ensure that beneficial owners receive fair market value for agricultural production and the grazing of livestock; and

3) Accomplish 1 and 2 in conjunction with natural resource management objectives and cultural values of the Tribes.

DEPARTMENT AND PROGRAM BACKGROUND:

The CTUIR Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has adopted a mission statement based on protecting and enhancing culturally recognized foods (“First Foods”), including plant community components for which the Range and Agriculture Program is primarily responsible. The DNR Mission Statement is as follows:

To protect, restore, and enhance the First Foods - water, salmon, deer, cous, and huckleberry - for the perpetual cultural, economic, and sovereign benefit of the CTUIR.  We will accomplish this utilizing traditional ecological and cultural knowledge and science to inform: 1) population and habitat management goals and actions; and 2) natural resource policies and regulatory mechanisms.

In support of the DNR Mission, the RAF Program mission statement is as follows:

To protect, restore and enhance First Foods through stewardship of range, agricultural and forested lands to provide cultural, ecological, economic and social benefits for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. In accomplishing this mission, the Range, Agriculture and Forestry program encourages stakeholders to conserve, develop and use natural resources for long term sustainability.

Food plants of cultural importance to the CTUIR include below-ground bulb plants represented in the First Food order by cous and above-ground fruiting plants represented by huckleberry. Therefore, the management of uplands must take into account ecological processes that protect and enhance these foods.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Soil Conservation Program: Advises and coordinates with landowners and producers to develop soil and water conservation plans on approximately 100 new farm and pasture leases per year.  Develop conservation plans that include crop rotations, soil erosion control requirements, cultural or tillage practices, grazing practices, weed control and pesticide requirements. 

Inspecting farm and pasture tracts to determine conservation needs based on the resource inventories and soil health assessments. Utilize soil maps as well as inventory and monitoring information to identify existing uses, potential uses and areas needing land use adjustments.  Monitors and reports results upon completion of fieldwork. Proposes practical and suitable alternatives for resource concerns.

  1. Lease Compliance: Annually, inspects and evaluates compliance with lease/permit stipulations for approximately 300 agriculture and pasture leases.  Responds to and conducts investigations concerning issues of non-compliance as outlined in farm and pasture leases. Consults with Realty Specialists, landowners and producers when compliance issues arise. Recommends adjustments or changes in soil and moisture conservation and pasture management plans needed to protect and enhance natural resources and/or improve production.
  2. Pasture Management Program:   Lead staff member for the pasture leasing program. Responsible for planning and document preparation for negotiated and advertised pasture leases as outlined in 25 CFR §162. Develops pasture management plans that promote resource sustainability and achieves fair market value rentals for Trust beneficiaries. Responsible for achieving and maintaining certification for use of the Trust Asset Accounting Management System (TAAMS) that creates and maintains the system of record for all trust assets and income.
  3. Digital Data Systems: Employs Geographic Information System (GIS) through data entry of point and line coordinates, data manipulation of predetermined thematic maps; and production of appropriate tables, statistics and verified surface cover maps. Assists with maintaining database systems or other relevant record systems for sorting, tabulating, and summarizing information specific to soil conservation and pasture management. Works with OIT to design and maintain databases for collection of leasing data and long-term research data, as well as design of reports for data utilization. Stores and reports field data in the Centralized Database Management System (CDMS) for long-term retention. Ensures CDMS data is accurate and available to resource managers and policy makers. 
  4. USDA Coordination:   Collaborates with United States Department of Agriculture Agencies to ensure Tribal eligibility and participation in various conservation programs relevant to conserving and enhancing Trust assets and “First Foods”. Initiates and directs the implementation of conservation plans for specific soil and moisture conservation practices in cooperation with the Natural Resource Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency and the Soil and Water Conservation District.
  5. Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans: Participates in comprehensive, systematic and analytical interdisciplinary efforts to develop and implement integrated natural resource management plans relevant to agricultural land use. Assists with implementation of approved management plans.
  6. Public Relations and Training Program: Provides educational and technical information to various committees/commissions or other relevant groups that promotes sympathetic interests in cultivating natural resource values. Participates in professional and inter-professional groups to keep abreast of advances in natural resource knowledge. Participate in training programs that promote knowledge and skills pertinent to exercising Treaty reserved rights and enhancing natural resources of the CTUIR.
  7. Environmental Compliance:  Coordinates compliance on most compacted Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) leases and permits requiring National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act and National Historic Preservation Act considerations prior to approval by BIA. Participates or leads interdisciplinary teams in coordinating development of environmental compliance documents for effective National Environmental Policy Act compliance. Provides lease and permit documentation to the Tribal Historic Preservation Office that ensures timely compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act. Coordinates with CTUIR Biologists in terms of endangered species effects and when required may coordinate with external Federal agencies during formal and informal consultation concerning BIA leases and permit provisions. Works to conduct studies or monitoring efforts associated with consultation and reporting requirements for lease and permit administration.
  8. Collateral Duty:  Provides support to staff of other CTUIR programs as time and funding allow.
  9. Fire Suppression Program: Participation in the Bureau of Indian Affairs Fire Program is extended to each Range, Agriculture and Forestry Program member. Employees working in forested and range environments are strongly encouraged to participate in fire suppression and prescribed fire.

Service Objective 

Responsibilities to Tribal Community

  1. Responsive to community goals and Tribal treaty rights for natural resource protection and restoration for the purpose of maintaining an active Tribal culture.
  2. Performs job in a professional and ethical manner.
  3. Courteous and respectful to community members.

Supportive Work Environment

  1. Support a positive work environment.
  2. Communications.
    1. Keep others informed of work issues and programs by maintaining quality communications.
    2. Work at the most direct and immediate level to resolve issues of conflicting personalities and needs.
  3. Develop and maintain proactive working relationships with funding agency contract officer technical representatives.

Organization Improvement

  1. Commitment to a philosophy of quality.
  2. Display proactive view initiative and creativity to resolve problems, capitalize on opportunities in the job and assist co-workers when possible.
  3. Cost-effective use of CTUIR’s resources.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

May serve as supervisor for 1-to-4-person seasonal crews.

SIGNATORY AUTHORITY:

Responsible for approval of Conservation and Crop Rotation and Pasture Management Plans.

ACCESS TO SENSITIVE AREAS:

Sensitive areas of the department and program containing documentation and materials related to operation of trust programs of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Must successfully pass Department of Interior background check to access Department of Interior computer and file systems. 

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate in writing he/she does meet the following minimum qualifications.)

 

  1. Bachelor of Science degree in Crop Soil Science or other closely related natural resource field such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, range, or agricultural engineering; the study must have included 30 semester equivalent hours in a natural resource or agricultural field, including at least 12 semester equivalent hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science; of the 12 equivalent semester hours, a minimum of 3 semester equivalent hours must have been in soils and 3 semester equivalent hours in crops or plant science. A minimum of one and a half years of professional level experience in natural or agricultural resource management.
  2. Familiarity with diverse crop systems sufficient to create and implement soil management techniques, including nutrient management, buffers, erosion control, and filter strips. Basic understanding of conservation programs that achieve economic and natural resource sustainability on site specific and landscape levels.
  3. Familiarity with numerous environmental and cultural resource laws, regulations and policy in relation to trust responsibilities (i.e. National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Pacific Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Archeological Resources Protection Act).
  4. Basic knowledge of the coordination and review procedures required of federal agencies by various federal laws including the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act and OMB Circular A-95.
  5. Willingness to gain knowledge of Native American retained rights or resources as provided by treaty or recognized law particularly water and fishing rights.
  6. Knowledge of GIS technologies and methods and their utility for the purpose of natural resources development and land use planning.
  7. Basic comprehension of relational databases and functionality with a GIS sufficient to request, analyze, and identify conclusions from digital data sources and maintain data standards including key fields and data documentation.
  8. Ability to effectively and constructively communicate with other natural resource management disciplines both orally and in writing.
  9. Must have a valid driver's license and must be insurable. Individuals will be required to drive a Tribal GSA vehicle to perform job duties.
  10. Must be able to pass Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs background certification for access to DOI network and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Trust Asset Accounting Management System (TAAMS).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  1. Ability to use standard Desktop and Laptop computers.
  2. Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
  3. Ability to sit in automobiles and or airplanes for travel to conferences, seminars, and training.
  4. Ability to work outdoors over rough terrain, and in inclement weather.
  5. Ability to lift 50 pounds.
  6. Ability to work extended hours above the normal business day.

Pursuant to Tribal Worker’s Benefit Code, Section 4.02.A.  “All workers shall disclose any pre-existing physical or mental disorder and/or disability that could potentially affect or impair the worker’s ability to perform in a reasonable and safe manner the activities involved in the position in which they work. Disclosure shall be made in the employment application or interview before commencing employment or before commencing new job duties after job reclassification, reassignment, promotion, demotion, or other change in job duties. The content of such disclosure shall be made promptly by the covered worker after submitting a claim for benefits under this Code.”

SELECTION PROCESS:

Tribal Personnel Policies Manual, Section 3.01: Employment Preferences 

The Tribe's employment preferences shall be as follows: 

 

1.  Indian Preference. It shall be the policy of the Tribe to provide preference in hiring opportunities within the Tribal government to CTUIR members and to other Indians enrolled in federally recognized tribes. This CTUIR member and Indian preference shall be applicable in all employee hiring, promotion, and transfer decisions. 

2. Veteran’s Preference. It shall be the policy of the Tribe to provide preference in hiring opportunities to veterans honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces. 

3. The employment preferences set forth in this section shall apply to all Tribal programs regardless of the program's funding source and shall apply to all classes of positions referenced in §3.05. 

4. Except for the employment preferences authorized under this section, it shall be the policy of the Tribe that no employee or job applicant shall be discriminated against in pursuit of employment or career growth due to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or national origin. 

All CTUIR Tribal positions are competitive.  All employment applications and supportive employment material will be evaluated based on the relevance of the applicant’s qualifications and experience as it applies to this position.  Applicants who demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications and experience most relevant to this position will be considered qualified to compete for this position and be eligible for an interview. 

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE:

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation has a “Drug Free Workplace Policy” and will conduct Pre-Employment Drug Testing.  A pre-employment drug test is required before any employment offer is to be made.  All tribal employees classified as safety sensitive are subject to random Alcohol and Drug testing pursuant to the Tribal Personnel Policies Manual.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 

Complete Tribal employment applications will be accepted until 4:00 P.M., on the posted closing date as found on Page 1 of this announcement or postmarked by that date.  ONLY THOSE TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION PACKETS WHICH ARE COMPLETE, WITH ALL ADDITIONAL REQUIRED INFORMATION, AS FOUND IN THE “REQUIRED EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION PACKET MATERIAL” BELOW WILL BE CONSIDERED.  Employment application packets received after the application deadline will not be considered. 

It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient evidence to show they fully meet the qualification requirements.

REQUIRED EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION PACKET MATERIAL:

  1. Completed Tribal Employment application.
  2. Cover letter explaining your qualifications and experience relevant to the functions of this position.
  3. Personal resume identifying your qualifications and experiences relevant to the functions of this position.
  4. Completed CTUIR’s Supplemental Application Form if applicable.
  5. High School Diploma/GED or copy of official college transcripts (if applicable). 
  6. Tribal and Indian preference:   Must provide copy of Tribal Enrollment Card, Certificate of Indian Blood or such with Federally Recognized Tribe.
  7. Veteran’s preference: Must provide proof of honorable service and discharge or completed Form DD214.
  8. Technical writing samples (5-20 pg. minimum) must be included with application materials.

APPLICANT RESPONSIBILITY

It is the absolute responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient evidence to show they fully meet the minimum qualification requirements.  Applicants failing to meet the minimum qualifications are not granted interviews. If it is questionable as to whether an applicant meets the minimum qualifications, an interview may be granted solely to make that determination.

OBTAIN AND SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:

            Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

            Office of Human Resources

Staffing and Recruiting

46411 Timíne Way

            Pendleton, OR. 97801

            Phone: (541)429-7180

            Email: HumanResources@ctuir.org