Employee Relations Specialist jobs in Helena, MT

CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES

OF THE FLATHEAD NATION

PO BOX 278

PABLO MT 59855

(406) 675-2700

PERSONNEL OFFICE FAX: (406) 226-2562

E-mail melanie.piedalue@cskt.org

WEBSITE ADDRESS: csktribes.org

****V A C A N C Y A N N O U N C E M E N T****

TITLE: Tribal Relations Specialist

LOCATION: Tribal Resource Management Office - Pablo

SALARY: $32.60 to $37.47 per hour, plus benefits

May be employed under contract

CLOSING DATE: Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. MST

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing

policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire

drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period.

This position is located on the CSKT Flathead Indian Reservation. The incumbent will serve as the

Tribal Relations Specialist and point of contact for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to

outside government agencies interested in government-to-government consultation and project

coordination. The incumbent serves as a member of the CSKT Tribal Resource management team.

The incumbent will provide leadership, coordination, program direction, consultation guidance,

advice, and procedural requirements to US Forest Service (USFS) in the interest of CSKT tribal

resource management programs. The incumbent will address challenges relating to implementation

of Forest Service programs and services, be responsible for the management of interdisciplinary

programs involving partnerships with USFS and identification of partnership opportunities.

MAJOR DUTIES

Position represents the CSKT Tribe in dealing with the USFS, ensuring that the rights of CSKT are

fully respected and carried out in a government-to-government relationship. Provides leadership to

ensure the rights of CSKT related to its aboriginal territories are fully respected.

Develops, manages and implements a comprehensive Tribal Relations Program for CSKT to ensure

CSKT’s intrests are recognized and fulfilled with decisions addressing current and future needs of

CSKT tribal members.

Facilitates communication between the CSKT Salsih Qlispe culture committee, Kootenai Culture

Committee, CSKT Forestry and Fire Department, CSKT Natural Resouces Department, CSKT

Preservation office, CSKT Tribal Lands Department, US Forest Supervisors, and inter-Tribal

organizations in matters of natural resource management, program delivery, trust responsibility,

employment opportunities, protection of sacred and cultural sites important to CSKT, access to

sacred sites and plant collection issues.

Coordinates the outreach of Forest Service (FS) programs and services to the CSKT Tribal

Resource Management Departments and programs, and provides guidance to the consultative

process associated with the government-to-government relationship between the tribe and federal

agency.

Serves as liaison and technical authority for developing interests, recommendations, action plans,

and establishing and/or interpreting policy in matters of CSKT interests. These areas include but

are not limited to Tribal Forest Protection Act (TFPA); American Indian Religious Freedom Act;

American Indian Self-determination and Educational Assistance Act; Cooperative Forestry Act;

current Farm Bill; Executive Orders on government-to-government relationships; and how these

affect NFS programs, cooperative efforts with State & Private Organizations and Forest Service

research efforts.

Advises the Forest Supervisor(s) and staffs of any procedural impediments that negatively impact

the ability of the agency and its employees to effectively work with CSKT tribal government.

Conducts projects and studies to evaluate and recommend ways to improve the effectiveness,

efficiency and meaningful relations between CSKT and USFS. Makes recommendations for new

initiatives and programs to specifically address the trust responsibility and/or governmental rights

of the tribes. Provides periodic reports concerning activities and progress in improving agency and

tribal relationships and activities.

Provides support in developing policies, procedures, and directives to strenthen relationships

between CSKT and federal agecies. Provides advice and guidance to other staff who deal directly

with CSKT, on appropriate interaction with Tribal Representatives, to ensure the government-to-

government relationship is respected. Provides group and one-on-one training on the Tribal

Relations Program.

As a primary point of contact and technical liaison, incumbent provides initiative, consultation,

problem-solving and program support in developing agency-appropriate local policies and

procedures to serve the unique needs of the Tribe and their treaty rights. Creates and/or implements

Supplemental Project Agreements (SPA) under the CSKT and USFS Region 1 Good Neighbor

Master agreements.

To perform the duties of this position, the incumbent must serve as an incidental motor vehicle

operator. This will require the operation of a motor vehicle on both public and private roads during

daylight, and occasionally after dark. A valid state driver’s license is required and must be

maintained.

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM RECRUITING QUALIFICATIONS AS REFLECTED ON TRIBAL

EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION:

• Preferred Bachelors’ degree in environmental science, historical preservation and

conservations, or related field with at least 5 years increasing experience in management or

administration, preferably within the CSKT organization.

• Or, equivalent education and experience in a related management field (land management,

culture preservation and conservation, natural resource management or other renewable

resource management) including management or administration preferably within the

CSKT system.

SUBMIT:

1. Completed Tribal employment application.

2. Copies of relevant degree/academic transcripts, training certificates.
3. Proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT.
4. If claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted.

FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN

IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS

SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE TO: Personnel Office, PO Box 278, Pablo MT 59855,

telephone (406) 675-2700 Ext. #1040 or personnel@cskt.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Tony Incashola at 406-675-2700 ext. 6044