Indigenous Guardians

POSITION TITLE: Indigenous Guardians I/II

DEPARTMENT: Environmental 

WAGE: DOE

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

ESC CODE: 45-4011

FUNDING SOURCE: NFWF/ANA SEDS

Opened April 8, 2025 

Closing April 18, 2025

Position Summary:

The Indigenous Guardian supports all the Natural Resources programs including environmental, fisheries, food sovereignty and cultural heritage protection. Indigenous Guardians will also complete cross-training with Environmental staff to assist in collecting samples as needed to support the work of the entire department.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Maintain a presence throughout the territory on behalf of the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe

• Conduct monitoring patrols throughout territory (including occasional multi-day trips)
• Wear Indigenous Guardian uniforms in the course of duty
• Approach and engage with all visitors on the traditional territory, provide information about the Yakutat area, and help where necessary
• Interact with resource users, including sports fishers, and other commercial operators
• Respond to community emergencies such as oil spills and wildlife encounters that require immediate attention
  
  

1. Monitor and collect data

• Collect and record data daily, tools provided, related to the health of Yakutat ecological and cultural values and the impacts of resource use on these values including:
  • Monitor human use, tourism, and wildlife sightings throughout territory
  • Monitor and report resource violations/infractions of our indigenous laws as well as federal/provincial regulations
  • Monitor all fisheries, including food fishing, commercial fishery, sport fishers
  • Monitor and document bear hunting activities
• Work with Elders to document cultural sites and monitor impacts
• Ensure all data is entered on a daily/weekly basis into the database and data is kept secure
• Report on results of all monitoring efforts to Environmental Department in a timely manner
• Support land use plan initiatives and priorities (such as moose and bear)
• Provide field technician support to research projects as needed
  
  

1. Respond to Reports of Concern

• Respond professionally to violations in an appropriate manner by approaching resource users and documenting relevant information
• Respond to community reports regarding illegal or suspicious activities in the Yakutat area
  
  

1. Maintain relationships with state and federal enforcement agency staff

• Maintain productive relationships with federal and state agency staff
• Conduct joint patrols with relevant enforcement agencies where appropriate

1. Conduct community outreach and education

• Educate community members about Yakutat tribal issues and Indigenous Guardian activities
• Support YTT (Yakutat Tlingit Tribe) communications by participating in open houses, submitting articles for community newsletter, and contributing photos to social media platforms
• Work with school to raise awareness with the youth about the Indigenous Guardian program and activities. Serve as a role model for youth interns and summer students.

Qualifications:

Knowledge and Experience

• Strong knowledge of Yakutat traditional territory and values
• Demonstrated boating experience and familiarity with marine technology (i.e., GPS, marine radios, satellite phones, etc.)
• Mechanically inclined with in-board and out-board motor experience
• Knowledge of local marine, freshwater and terrestrial wildlife
• Familiarity with our indigenous laws as well as federal and state rules and regulations
• Proficient computer skills, including Word, Excel, email and using handheld devices

Personal Suitability

• Effective communication skills and be able to interact with visitors and resource users in a polite and positive manner
• Confident, comfortable, and assertive in addressing violation issues with community members and resource users
• Dependable, motivated and demonstrates a strong work ethic
• Shows initiative and is a team player
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to the Yaakwdáat Indigenous Guardian program vision
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting the health of Yakutat traditional territory and culture
• Ability to work irregular work hours, including some overtime and overnight trips

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

This field position requires working extensively under isolated conditions on the territory, including in the marine and lake environments. The working conditions are rugged terrain, boat work on rough waters, and under sometimes extreme weather conditions that can change rapidly. You must demonstrate that you are comfortable in the outdoors and have the necessary first aid and safety training to be safe on the job.

Physical Requirements:

The Indigenous Guardian position is physically demanding and will include travel in rough weather on a boat, hiking long distances on the territory, and moving and/or packing heavy field equipment to remote sites. Applicants must be in good physical health to carry out the job effectively without injury.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility:

This position has no supervisory responsibility or authority.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required. 
• Must be able to pass a National Criminal and State background check
• Valid Alaska Driver License

Certificate/Training Requirements (provided over the course of employment)

• OUPV Operator of an Uninspected Passenger Vessel (6-Pack)
• Swift Water Rescue
• Firearms Proficiency
• Bear Awareness
• Wilderness Safety and Survival First Aid
• Maritime Emergency Response Guide
• ARRL Level 2 – General Class License Radio Operator

Disclosures:

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

Preference will be given to qualified Yakutat Tlingit Tribal Member and/or Alaska Native candidates.

THE YAKUTAT TLINGIT TRIBE IS A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE. THIS POSITION MAY BE SUBJECT TO RANDOM DRUG TESTING AND CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK.  

NATIVE AMERICAN PREFERENCE WILL BE APPLIED TO HIRING OF THIS POSITION AS DEFINED IN TITLE 25, US CODE, CHAPTER 14, SUBCHAPTER V, SUBSECTION 273 AND 274.  WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER WITH PREFERENCE GIVEN TO QUALIFIED NATIVE AMERICAN/ALASKA NATIVE APPLICANTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW AND TRIBAL POLICY.