The Conservation Law Enforcement Officer helps develop and enforce tribal natural resource laws, regulations, and policies within the Samish Indian Nation’s jurisdiction. This role safeguards, conserves, and manages tribal lands, waters, and wildlife in a sustainable way.

Why work for Samish?

The Samish Indian Nation provides a very competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, optional supplemental coverage plans, a 401(k) Plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and approximately 16 paid holidays. Best of all, we offer a great environment with passionate and caring staff!

Benefits Summary

• Health insurance including medical, dental & vision
• Life, AD&D, STD and LTD insurance
• Annual & Sick Leave
• Paid holidays (up to 16+ days per year)
• Paid jury, bereavement & cultural leave
• Wellness & Employee Assistance Plan
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Evaluations with potential wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually

1. Assist the development and enforcement of Samish Indian Nation’s codes and policies regarding Natural Resources Management, development code, and when applicable, Samish Indian Nation’s ordinances.
2. Conduct regular patrols of tribal lands, waters, and natural resources to prevent illegal activities such as poaching, fishing violations, habitat destruction, and disturbance/removal of cultural resources.
3. Use surveillance techniques to monitor sensitive areas and enforce compliance.
4. Investigate incidents related to natural resource violations, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and documenting findings.
5. Issue citations, warnings, or other enforcement actions as necessary.
6. When appropriate and necessary, represent Samish Indian Nation at court proceedings and assist with any written responses
7. Collaborate and form/maintain relationships with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
8. Educate tribal citizens, visitors, and the public about conservation laws, regulations, and the importance of preserving natural resources.
9. Conduct workshops, presentations, and community outreach events.
10. Respond to emergencies related to natural disasters, wildlife incidents, or environmental hazards.
11. Maintain accurate records of patrols, investigations, and enforcement actions.
12. Prepare regular reports for tribal leadership and relevant agencies.
13. Coordinate with other Samish sectors, local, county, state and federal agencies around natural resources protection and enforcement.
14. Attend and participate in meetings and gatherings related to natural resource management or as assigned and to represent the Tribe’s interests.

 The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed in such a position.

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Must be a certified law enforcement officer or willing to complete required training.
3. Prior experience in law enforcement, wildlife management, or related field.
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Knowledge of tribal natural resource laws and regulations.
6. Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
7. Ability to constructively interact with Tribal departments, citizens, general public and agency partners
8. Physical fitness and ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
9. General computer skills common to an office environment.
10. Strong record keeping skills
11. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
12. Have high moral character, be honest and trustworthy, have integrity, sound judgement and temperate habits.
13. Maintain required certifications (CJTC Tribal Law Enforcement Officer Certification, First Aid, etc.).
14. Must have a valid driver's license and be able to meet the minimum insurance requirements regarding driving record in order to utilize GSA vehicles.
15. Must have a valid WA Boaters Certification U.S. Power Squadron training or equivalent within the 6-month trial employment period and complete the Samish Motorboat Operator Certification Course within one year of hire date.
16. Attend training to maintain proficiency and qualification in defensive tactics, defensive driving, firearms, officer survival, field training program, wildlife control, etc. as prescribed.

 Preferred Qualifications

1. Off Road vehicle experience
2. Boating certification (current) 

 **Obtaining full COVID-19 vaccination no later than 60 days from the hire date will be a condition of employment for all Samish employees**

Physical Demands: Frequent walking, hiking, standing (40% of time); frequent bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting, carrying, and pushing (30% of time); Regular periods of sitting, including driving (30% of time). Regularly lifts/carries up to 50 lbs. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to use office equipment and field equipment with frequent repetitive motion such as writing, typing, paperwork-handling, and phone use. Must be able to physically utilize vehicles and water vessels of various sizes including boats, kayaks, or zodiacs. Mental/Visual Demands: Frequent mental and/or visual attention to task is required. Occasionally work requires heavy concentration. Frequent interruptions. Tasks involve eye-hand coordination. Work Environment: Work environment is mainly outdoors with various elements and inclement weather including wind, rain, sleet, cold, and heat. Unavoidable hazards/risks: Work requires frequent vehicular travel and frequent field work including land and bodies of water. May handle chemicals, solutions, and samples on a regular basis. Protective equipment and clothing may be required (goggles, gloves, masks, boots, PFDs, etc.)

Samish Indian Nation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively encourages applications from all persons regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or ancestry.  Samish preference and Indian preference will be applied to the selection for this position as defined in Title 25, US Code Section 473.

CONFIDENTIALITY:  This position develops, maintains, and is responsible for safeguarding the computer/electronic and hardcopy file folders containing sensitive and proprietary information about the Tribe and its members.  The incumbent must maintain confidentiality of all work and files pertaining to enrollment, clients, survey results, and all other material that may identify individuals by name (either directly or by reference), as set forth by the Tribal Council in the Personnel Manual.  Any violation in this matter may result in immediate termination of employment.

Please state your eligibility for Indian preference in your cover letter.  Indian preference must be documented prior to interview or hiring.  BIA Form 4432 or tribal enrollment ID may be submitted with the application if claiming Indian Preference.

All persons who are offered employment with the Samish Indian Nation must give permission for a thorough background check of previous work performance, motor vehicle history, credit history and criminal history, as well as a pre-employment drug screen.

This position is a “covered position” under the Tribe’s Indian Child and Family Violence Act Policy and all applicants must undergo a fingerprint background investigation in order to be hired for this position.  The Tribe will not hire, permit anyone to work or volunteer in a covered position if the person has ever been found guilty or entered a plea of no contest or guilty to any offense under federal, state, or Tribal law which involves violence, threat of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, prostitution, crimes against persons, or offenses committed against children.