- Agency
- Southeastern Grasslands Institute
- Location
- Southeastern United States
- Job Category
- Part Time Vacancies
- Salary
- 26.44/hr for 20 hours per week
- Start Date
- 07/01/2023
- Last Date to Apply
- 06/09/2023
- Website
- https://apsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/15494
- Description
- Austin Peay State University’s (APSU) Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) invites applications for a Tribal Liaison position. SGI received National Fish & Wildlife Foundation funding to develop a science-based Status Assessment and Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the Grasslands, Savannas, and Other Open Ecosystems of the 14-million-acre Cumberland Plateau of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia working collaboratively with stakeholders and using existing habitat and species data as much as possible. This will result in a set of prioritized representation targets and a final recommended reserve network design for Cumberland Plateau open ecosystems, which—along with open-access GIS-based data layers underpinning the plan—will provide a comprehensive conservation vision for Plateau and help to target ongoing restoration and protection work. The Tribal Liaison position will lead outreach efforts in connecting with tribes of the Southeast region, identify tribal leaders and decision makers, and begin the process of inclusion of tribes and indigenous knowledge/priorities in SGI’s conservation planning and projects. The ideal candidate should have relationships to tribes in the Cumberland Plateau region including the Alabama Coushatta, the Eastern and United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee, the Muscogee Nation, the Chickasaw Nation, the Euchee Tribe, the Shawnee Tribe, and the Choctaw Nation. The candidate should also have experience working with or liaising with one or more of these tribes, as well as an understanding of tribal decision-making and administration processes. A deep understanding and respect for the importance of indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) to conservation and management of natural resources is essential. Some traveling will be expected to visit the project area and conduct tribal visits with possible overnight stays. Expenses related to traveling, such as transportation, lodging and per diem will be covered through project funding. This is a part-time position paying $26.44/hour and averaging 20 hours/week for 18 months. This position has the potential to become full-time in the future. The Tribal Liaison may work remotely within the Southeastern portion of the United States. This position will report to SGI’s Director of Finance & Operations. SGI is a young and 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 The Tribal Liaison will build relationships with Southeastern Native American tribes in order to garner input and support for SGI’s conservation planning efforts by: - Communicating project goals and objectives clearly with tribal stakeholders - Serving as an SGI representative to tribal meetings and processes, as appropriate - Serving as a liaison to provide understanding to SGI staff about tribal goals, knowledge, and recommendations for cultural and natural resources while also conveying to tribes the partnership and conservation objectives of the Cumberland Conservation Plan project - Helping to recruit tribal representatives to participate in key aspects of Cumberland - Conservation planning - Helping to organize small events such as training courses and workshops - Becoming familiar with relevant materials and protocols - Participating in team meetings and coordinating with the Cumberland Plateau team, and attending occasional SGI staff meetings Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - Knowledge of Southeastern Native American culture and history - Communicate effectively–orally, in person, and/or in writing–with culturally diverse groups. - Able to learn quickly and adapt to challenges - Experience working with or liaising with one or more Southeastern tribes - Versed in and respectful of the importance of indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) to the conservation of natural resources
- Qualifications
- Required Minimum Qualifications - Minimum of B.S. or B.A. degree - Experience in working with culturally diverse groups of people - Excellent organizational and task-management skills - Excellent oral and written communication skills - Experience maintaining accurate and detailed data records as well as reporting results of meetings - Must be able to work as part of a dynamic team - 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 preferred
- Contact Person
- APSU Human Resources
- Contact Phone
- 931.221.7177
