Tribal Cultural Monitoring Intern

• Position Title: Tribal Cultural Monitoring Intern
• Salary: Based on Experience
• Department: Natural Resources Department
• Supervisor: Chief Operations Officer/THPO
• Location: Sacramento, CA and Buena Vista, CA
• Employment Type: Seasonal

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Tribal Cultural Monitoring Intern assists the Tribe’s Natural Resources Department and/or Tribal Historic Preservation Office with the protection, preservation, and monitoring of cultural resources, sacred sites, traditional cultural properties, and tribal lands during ground-disturbing activities, environmental projects, and field operations. The internship provides hands-on experience in Tribal cultural resource management, environmental stewardship, traditional ecological knowledge, and field documentation practices.

The intern will work closely with Tribal staff, cultural monitors, elders, environmental professionals, archaeologists, and project partners to ensure Tribal cultural resources are respected and protected throughout project implementation. This position is intended to support workforce development, cultural education, and professional growth for Tribal youth and emerging professionals interested in natural resources, cultural preservation, archaeology, environmental science, or Tribal governance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with cultural monitoring during construction, fuel reduction, restoration, utility, infrastructure, and environmental projects occurring on or near Tribal lands.
• Observe and document ground-disturbing activities to help identify potential impacts to cultural resources or culturally sensitive materials.
• Support Tribal staff with field inspections, monitoring logs, photographs, GPS data collection, and daily activity documentation.
• Assist in identifying and protecting culturally sensitive areas, traditional use areas, and Tribal resources.
• Participate in environmental and cultural resource fieldwork, including habitat restoration, native plant projects, water quality activities, and land stewardship efforts.
• Help maintain organized records, maps, monitoring forms, and digital project files using systems such as SharePoint, GIS platforms, or other Tribal databases.
• Attend trainings related to cultural resource protection, environmental compliance, safety procedures, Tribal sovereignty, and field monitoring practices.
• Communicate professionally with contractors, agency representatives, consultants, and Tribal staff while maintaining confidentiality of sensitive Tribal information.
• Support community outreach events, cultural education activities, and youth engagement opportunities when assigned.
• Follow all Tribal policies, cultural protocols, and safety procedures while in the field and office.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma, GED, or currently enrolled in high school, college, or vocational program.
• Interest in Tribal cultural preservation, natural resources, environmental science, archaeology, anthropology, or related fields.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding culturally sensitive information and Tribal resources.
• Strong communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to follow directions and work respectfully with Tribal staff, elders, and community members.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position includes both office and fieldwork environments. Field assignments may involve construction zones, restoration sites, remote cultural areas, or environmentally sensitive locations. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required depending on project activities.

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.