Environmental Protection Division Manager

Location: Pacoima

Position Summary

The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) Manager oversees the daily operations, strategic direction, and program development of the Environmental Protection Division within the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians (FTBMI). The position ensures alignment with the Tribe's values, Tribal Code, and priorities for protecting cultural plants, water, wildlife, natural landscapes, and climate resiliency.

This leadership role includes administrative, regulatory, field-based, and community-facing responsibilities and plays a critical role in safeguarding Tataviam land and cultural resources through environmental stewardship grounded in traditional ecological knowledge.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Oversight

• Manage daily operations of the Environmental Protection Division.
• Advise the THCP Director and Tribal Senate on environmental matters.
• Supervise division staff, contractors, and interns.
• Ensure division activities reflect and honor traditional ecological knowledge and Tribal cultural values.
• Write, manage, and oversee environmental grants and their associated budgets, including deliverables, timelines, and compliance.
• Manage division budgets, grants, reporting, and deliverables.

Environmental Policy & Planning

• Develop policies and procedures relating to Tribal natural resources, including cultural plants, water, wildlife, and restoration.
• Draft cooperative agreements with federal, state, local, and Tribal agencies.
• Prepare environmental impact reports and compliance documentation.
• Review proposed projects for adverse environmental impacts and provide formal determinations.

Environmental Monitoring & Data Management

• Investigate and document impacts to natural and cultural resources.
• Develop recovery plans for endangered or threatened Tribal resources.
• Maintain and update the Tribal environmental inventory and electronic mapping of ecological data.
• Ensure sensitive data is securely stored and accessed appropriately.

Community Engagement & Education

• Create training programs and outreach materials for Tribal Citizens and staff.
• Encourage community involvement in environmental and cultural resource protection.
• Represent FTBMI in interagency meetings, consultations, and partnerships.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong knowledge of environmental protection, natural resource management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated respect for and understanding of Indigenous environmental knowledge.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in environmental project management or program leadership.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in public outreach or community engagement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; willingness to learn GIS tools.
• Valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred

• Experience working with Tribal governments or Indigenous organizations.
• Familiarity with CEQA, NEPA, ESA, and other environmental regulations.
• Knowledge of FTBMI cultural practices and traditional ecological knowledge.
• Experience with environmental inventory systems and GIS mapping technologies.

Confidentiality

This position requires handling of sensitive Tribal environmental data and protected cultural knowledge. The EPD Manager must maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with FTBMI law and the Environmental Protection Division Code.