Job Title: Seasonal Water Quality Technician
Department: Natural Resources Department
Reports to: Environmental Manager
Salary Range: $17.00 - $23.98/Hr
Level: G1
Terms: Exact start/end date somewhat flexible. Up to 1040 hours between April and November, 2026.
Status: Non-Exempt
Opens: March 06, 2026
Closes: March 20, 2026
SUMMARY: The Seasonal Water Quality Technician (SWQT) will perform tasks and duties assigned by the Environmental Manager, Water Quality Biologist, or Water Quality Specialist to assist in the implementation of any or all components of the Water Quality Protection component of the Environmental Services Program (ESP). SWQT will also assist with additional activities within the Environmental Services Program.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assist in the collection of biological, chemical, and physical data in the field.
- Maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot and properly use all water quality equipment.
- Wetland monitoring including plant surveys, wetland delineations, and invasive species surveys.
- Assist in wild rice research and monitoring.
- Sorting and identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates.
- Assist with road-stream crossing inventories.
- Assist with sampling fish populations and processing fish for contaminant analysis.
- Assist with implementation of on the ground restoration projects.
- Assist in data entry and analysis, writing reports, and educational/outreach activities.
- Attending meetings and trainings to update or acquire new skills.
- Seasonal Technician may occasionally be utilized by other NRD programs including the Youth Conservation Corps
- Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Must possess 60 credits towards a degree in limnology, environmental sciences, conservation biology, biology, botany, fisheries, or related science field.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
To perform this job successfully, individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
- Knowledge required in the following Microsoft programs: Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint and Word.
- Must be detail oriented and able to work in an outdoor setting, lab, and office environment.
- Must be familiar with boats/canoes, able to swim, hike/walk through rough terrain in all weather and elements, including how to dress appropriately for the activity/weather.
- Coursework in GIS, invertebrates, and botany is preferred.
- Trailering and boat operation experience preferred.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Must possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving record, reliable transportation, and be insurable for duration of employment. Will need a LTBB scientific collector’s permit, which will be provided upon hire.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to type, write, feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to sit and talk and hear. The employee is required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl over uneven terrain. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (data collection equipment on land and off a boat or canoe). Specific vision abilities required by this job included close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions for long periods of time during all four seasons. Will work frequently on a boat, canoe, or kayak. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
COMMENTS: Indian preference will apply (Preference will be given to qualified Native American applicants in accordance with the LTBB Indian Preference Statute). Individuals must pass a thorough background investigation.
ABOUT US: On Sept. 21, 1994, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB) was federally reaffirmed with the signing of Public Law 103-324. The Tribe is governed by a nine-member Tribal Council. The LTBB Government presently employs over 200 Native and Non-Native employees across more than 20 departments, ranging from Healthcare to Natural Resources.
