GAP Coordinator - MN Chippewa Tribe

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The GAP Coordinator will be responsible for managing the joint MCT/Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tribal Environmental Agreement (TEA) and managing the EPA GAP Grant for the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Administration Division. The GAP Coordinator will be responsible for accomplishing the deliverables of the GAP work plan outcomes and commitments. The GAP Coordinator will also be responsible for developing new GAP work plan commitments and modifying commitments if priorities are amended and meet the overall mission of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe’s environmental protection responsibilities. The General Assistance Program (GAP) Coordinator is responsible for managing and administering the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) General Assistance Program (GAP) grant, including development, implementation, and reporting of the GAP work plan on a biennial basis. The position ensures that GAP-funded activities align with the overall mission, priorities, and environmental protection responsibilities of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) and its six member reservations.

In addition to grant compliance, the GAP Coordinator serves as a central coordinator for environmental program development, capacity-building, funding strategy, and intergovernmental collaboration. The position works across the six member reservations to support, supplement, and coordinate environmental protection efforts, identify and pursue sensible funding opportunities, engage in Tribal and regional environmental alliances, and represent MCT interests in environmental policy and planning discussions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the development, implementation, and biennial renewal of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe’s EPA GAP work plan, including goals, objectives, milestones, deliverables, and performance measures that align with Tribal priorities and EPA requirements.
Monitor and manage implementation of the GAP work plan, modifying commitments, timelines, and activities as needed to reflect changing priorities or guidance while ensuring ongoing grant compliance.
Administer all GAP grant requirements, including maintaining documentation and activity logs; preparing and submitting quarterly, annual, and closeout reports; and coordinating with MCT finance and administration staff on budgeting, tracking, and compliance.
Serve as a central coordinator between the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe and reservation-based Environmental Staff across the six member reservations to support collaboration, supplement local capacity, and address gaps related to environmental programs and resources.
Facilitate communication and coordination among environmental staff from the member reservations to ensure alignment with MCT-wide goals, shared timelines, and work plan outcomes.
Regularly report to Tribal leadership on GAP work plan progress, milestones, outcomes, compliance status, and emerging environmental issues, and provide strategic advice on environmental program development.
Maintain ongoing awareness of sensible, mission-aligned funding opportunities related to Tribal environmental protection and capacity-building, including federal, state, regional, and intertribal sources.
Work collaboratively with member reservations to support grant planning and applications where the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe serves as the lead applicant or pass-through entity for one or more reservations.
Engage with intertribal environmental organizations, Tribal alliances, and federal, state, and regional agencies to support collaboration, information-sharing, and representation of MCT environmental interests and policy priorities.
Attend required meetings, trainings, and planning sessions; demonstrate cultural competency and understanding of Tribal governance; and perform other related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
Any duties required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Two (2) year or four (4) year degree in natural or environmental sciences preferred.
Possessing education and/or experience in the natural or environmental sciences will be considered.
Familiar with grant research, writing and submission of proposals, ability to manage post award grant requirements.
Knowledge in basic math applications, budget management and environmental protection activities.
Familiar with applicable local, Minnesota, federal and tribal laws and regulations as it relates to environmental protection.
Must have a high level of competence in use of computer, office management software, organization and attention to detail.
Must relate to all types of people, personalities and lifestyles in a friendly, positive, and professional manner.
Strong negotiating and listening skills in order to effectively communicate with Tribal Government leadership, local, state and federal agencies, staff, contractors, vendors, and other required professionals.
Must have a valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and the use of a privately owned vehicle for business purposes.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are made with all levels of professional and support staff within the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe and its six member reservations. Contact is also made with Tribal officials, Tribal Environmental staff(s) and representatives of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The responsibilities of this position are performed in an office setting at the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Office in Cass Lake, Minnesota.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work is primarily sedentary requiring dexterity for the keyboard, and good vision, hearing and speaking ability. The position also requires movement around the office.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS Travel is not required on a regular basis, but it may be needed to attend meetings and conferences or to coordinate environmental protection activities with staff on the member reservations.

Send resume, letter of interest and professional references to

Joel D. Smith, Director of Administration jsmith@mnchippewatribe.org

218-335-8581