Individual Placement - Tribal Land Steward

Position Summary

This Tribal Land Steward position will assist in identifying and facilitating cooperative and collaborative partnership opportunities between USFWS and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde (CTGR) for natural and cultural resources and co-stewardship on *Refuges in the Portland-Vancouver region. The member will be engaged in a variety of activities meant to strengthen the partnership between the refuge and the Tribe and to soundly manage and steward our natural resources.

• Main reporting location/office is Tualatin River NWR, Sherwood, OR. Time will also be spent at Wapato Lake NWR in Gaston, OR, and possibly in Grand Ronde, OR, at the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Reservation.

Location

Sherwood, OR

Main reporting location/office is Tualatin River NWR, Sherwood, OR. Time will also be spent at Wapato Lake NWR in Gaston, OR, and possibly in Grand Ronde, OR, at the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Reservation.

Schedule

September 22, 2025 - August 14, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the development of a Native Plant Garden, specifically for CTGR members at Wapato Lake NWR, that provides easy access to plant, tend, and gather on these ancestral lands.
• Develop a first foods mobile exhibit that could be installed at Tualatin River NWR and then be utilized by other venues identified by CTGR.
• Spend an average of one day a week assisting in various job tasks in the Native Plant Nursery at the CTGR Reservation.
• Review/Edit DRAFT Kalapuya Guidebook created by SCA intern in 2024 for accuracy, alignment, and appropriateness.
• Work with FWS Portland-Vancouver Urban Program (PVURP) to support access and engagement of students on refuges through Portland State University's Indigenous Nation Studies Program.
• Work with CTGR cultural resources staff and FWS CRT to develop or manage the development of a traditional use study and ethnohistory of Wapato Lake.
• Coordinate with CTGR cultural resources staff to identify use areas for gathering of plants for cultural uses, including basketry and first foods.

Marginal Duties

Other duties as assigned by Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde or Refuge Staff e.g. office support, attending events, attending required training.

Required Qualifications

• Age restrictions as needed for agency or DHA: Age under 30 y.o. as of ____ (up to 35 for veterans)
• US citizenship or permanent residency. Interns must undergo a government background check if selected.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Organizational skills
• Confidence initiating communication and taking leadership initiative to follow through on assignments
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of partners
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A passion for connecting people with nature
• Ability to creatively solve problems
• Possess a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lived experience as a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.
• Knowledge of PNW first foods and native plants
• Experience with gardening, growing food, plant tending or an interest in learning
• Previous community engagement or outreach experience (e.g., volunteering, canvassing, mutual aid, relationship-building, etc.)

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

On-site housing in refuge bunkhouse may be available

Compensation

• A weekly stipend of $775 on a full-time schedule over 47 weeks
• $500 Training/Work Travel reimbursable funding (Receipt required for reimbursement)
• Health Insurance Provided

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits

Defensive Drive Training

First Aid/CPR

Interpretive Skills

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.