Cultural Lands Specialist

Under the direction of the Manager of Cultural Lands and Ethnobotany within the Cultural Resources Management (CRM) Department, and as guided by the San Manuel Tribal Leadership, the Cultural Lands Specialist assists with the Department’s overall efforts to execute the Tribe’s heritage stewardship program via the culturally appropriate management of Serrano cultural resources and landscapes. The candidate selected for this role will support the Department’s Cultural Lands Management program in a way that applies the best scientific and technical processes while giving preeminence to the Tribe’s vision, mission, values, and cultural protocols. The incumbent will work collaboratively with CRM Department staff and stakeholders to facilitate field-based management efforts. These efforts include the planning and implementation of procedures related to the stewardship of on and off-Reservation culturally significant landscapes and specific properties that are owned and stewarded by the Tribe, as well as the facilitation of cooperative land management strategies with external entities across the territory.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Implements the Site Stewardship Program for the management of Tribal-owned cultural properties. This includes but is not limited to, the management and preservation of cultural landscapes, cultural resources (i.e., archaeological, ethnobotanical, faunal, water, etc.) and inadvertently discovered and/or reburied ancestors. Implements legally compliant and culturally appropriate protocols as they relate to cultural lands management.  2.    Develops and reviews professionally researched and written materials including presentations reports, project planning documents, and management plans.  3.    Develops and executes educational material in support of Cultural Lands Management programming as it relates to internal and external outreach initiatives. Such initiatives include regular presentation of associated information via in-person/virtual training, organization-driven events, and/or field-based access to culturally/historically important places.4.    Reviews prospective properties for Tribal leadership’s consideration and provides cultural land management-based assessments and recommendations. Reviews include both in-field and desktop assessments. Contributes to the CRM Department’s efforts to identify, manage, and preserve cultural resources across Serrano Ancestral Territory, including on fee and trust lands. Engages with external partners to establish agreements connected to Tribal Citizen access and use of culturally important plants and sacred sites.  5.    Provides timely responses to notices from external organizations when said requests are related to the management/preservation of cultural landscapes and/or Tribal cultural resources.6.    Completes and keeps current on all required and necessary training and safety courses and advocates for additional workplace safety precautions for review and implementation by CRM management.7.    Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.

 EDUCATIONAL, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s degree in related field, preferably in a natural sciences discipline including but not limited to Environmental Science, Land/Resource Management, Rangeland Management, Earth Sciences, or Biology required. 

• Minimum three (3) years of experience working in land management operations associated with a Federal, State, Tribal, or non-profit entity is required.

• Related, relevant, and/or direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements indicated above.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

• Familiarity with the various species of flora and fauna within Southern California. 

• Demonstrated experience working in field operations, enduring variable and harsh weather conditions. 

• Experience communicating with the general public while also safeguarding confidential information. 

• Ability to safely and professionally operate a 4x4 vehicle, hand tools, and other related supplies. 

• Proficiency in computer programs including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Familiarity with software programs such as ArcGIS and OnBase preferred.  

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS

• At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you may be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license.

• Select One of the Following:

  • ☒ Authorized Driver: Role requires operation or driving of Tribe-owned vehicles or driving patron vehicles. A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record as determined by the insurance carrier is required.

  • ☐ Driving Responsibilities: Role requires regular commuting between locations. A valid driver's license and vehicle insurance with minimum liability limits is required. Role will not operate or drive Tribe-owned vehicles or patron vehicles.

  • ☐ No Driving Responsibilities: Role does not require a driver’s license or insurance.

San Manuel will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with applicable law.

As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees. Join our team today!