Environmental Protection Policy Analyst

Position: Environmental Protection Policy Analyst

Salary: $80,000 – $115,000 DOQ

Location: Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission Olympia, WA

Closing Date: March 7, 2025

Position Overview:

The Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NWIFC) seeks a strategic and knowledgeable Environmental Protection Policy Analyst to provide policy analysis, support and coordination on emerging environmental protection / habitat issues for Commission and member tribes to advance habitat protection and restoration objectives necessary to the protection of tribal treaty rights and resources.

NOTE: Please do not apply through LinkedIn. To apply, please fill out an application at nwifc.org/environmental-protection-policy-analyst.

Key Responsibilities:

• Track and provide policy analysis on emerging environmental protection and management issues as they relate to tribal treaty resources and interests, i.e. the Shoreline Management Act, Clean Water Act, Growth Management Act, floodplain management, water resources and land use.
• Analyze, advise and support development of habitat protection strategies important to protection of tribal rights and resources.
• Assist in the implementation and advancement of the tribal habitat strategy designed to address tribal issues and priorities related to habitat protection, restoration, and management.
• Evaluate and provide written analysis and comment on issues, processes and rulemaking as requested.
• Coordinate and support tribal input, analysis and response to critical environmental issues, processes, regulatory activities, and response.
• Organize and facilitate tribal topical meetings and support the Coordinated Tribal Water Quality Program (CTWQP) as necessary to enhance and maintain inter-tribal communication, strategy discussions, processes; technical meetings; policy development and response as necessary.

Qualifications:

• 5 years of pertinent work experience, at least one of which must be doing policy analyst work.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental science, public administration, legal or related field.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local environmental protection statutes and authorities.
• Experience in tribal government relations.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills.
• A legal background in natural resources and treaty rights is strongly desired
• An understanding of anadromous fish biology, and habitat needs is desired.

Why NWIFC?

Joining NWIFC means being part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to serving the treaty tribes of western Washington. Our work is guided by the member tribes’ commitment to protect natural resources for the next seven generations.

The organization has a 50-year history of providing direct support to the treaty tribes. Many staff choose to stay with NWIFC for decades because of the rewarding outcomes that lift up the tribes’ work as natural resource managers.

This role offers the chance to contribute to impactful work in a collaborative environment that values innovation, cultural sensitivity, and professional growth. NWIFC shares the values of the tribal communities it serves, including prioritizing family and preserving traditions.

The NWIFC offers a competitive benefits package, including multiple options for employer-paid health insurance through the Federal Employee Benefits Program, as well as employer-paid vision, dental, life, and disability insurance, and an employer contribution to a 401(k) with no match required.

Application Process: To apply, please fill out an application at nwifc.org/environmental-protection-policy-analyst.

The Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission operates under a PL 93-638 contract and applies an Indian Preference policy in employment pursuant to the ISDEAA. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S., as we cannot sponsor work visas. NWIFC is committed to building an inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve, and we strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.