Natural Resources Intern

The Tribal Natural Resource & Administrative Intern supports both the Natural Resource Department and Tribal Administration by assisting with field projects, environmental documentation, program development, and day-to-day administrative operations. This dual-role internship provides hands-on experience with tribal environmental stewardship, cultural protection, and governmental processes.

The intern will gain exposure to tribal governance, regulatory compliance, project planning, community engagement, and data management—building foundational skills for future careers in tribal environmental protection, public administration, and natural resource management.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in Natural Resource Department projects on Tribal Lands
• Assist in Tribal community outreach and education efforts
• Undertaking any other duties assigned or required for any other functions of the Natural Resources Department
• Coordinate communication between NRD and Administration to ensure project alignment, including scheduling, logistics, and document circulation.
• Assist with grant preparation by collecting field data, drafting administrative sections, and organizing attachments.
• Support cross-department projects such as emergency preparedness, wildfire mitigation, environmental compliance, and cultural resource protection.
• Help maintain shared digital systems (SharePoint, data repositories, project trackers).
• Develop easy-to-read summaries of technical reports for Tribal Council, staff, and community distribution.
• Participate in interdepartmental meetings and contribute notes, action items, and follow-up tasks.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with Tribal governments and Native communities
• Willingness and ability to perform field duties such as air quality monitoring, solid waste reduction, or hazardous waste reduction.
• Knowledge of EPA environmental programs
• Ability to operate standard computer software applications required of the position
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements
• Ability to work positively with the Tribal community and co-workers in a conscientious and professional manner
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Ability to work independently and effectively handle multiple assignments simultaneously
• Experience with GIS software, and GPS mapping, and database management a plus

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Current student or recent graduate in Environmental Science, Biology, Tribal Studies, Public Administration, Business, or a related field.
• High school diploma required; college-level coursework preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

The possession of a State of California Class “C” Valid Driver license is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position primarily requires working in an office environment and requires working in the field in an outdoor environment, subject to the elements. Sitting, standing, walking, bending, and lifting are all to be expected in the performance of this job. Travel will also be required for training, meetings, conferences, and tribal community events.

Tribal Member preference and/or Indian preference will apply in compliance with the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians Personnel Policy, and the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473). However, the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered in accordance with the provisions of Section 703 (1) of Title Vll of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, amended in 1991.