Water Resource Manager / Water Engineer-The Brave Heart Society

Job Title: Water Resource Manager / Water Engineer

Location: Lake Andes, SD, Ihanktonwan (Yankton) Reservation

Work schedule: A hybrid remote schedule is available for the right candidate.

Organization: Brave Heart Society (BHS)

Salary: $95,000

Job Summary:

As a Water Resource Manager / Water Engineer at Brave Heart Society, you will be

instrumental in assessing, managing, and conserving water resources in the Missouri

River Cultural Bioregion (MRCB). Your primary focus will be on evaluating

hydrogeologic conditions, identifying threats to water supply, and developing

comprehensive strategies for water resource management.

About Brave Heart Society:

The Brave Heart Society is a traditional cultural society and grassroots organization dedicated to environmental restoration and preservation. We focus on the inherent Indigenous rights to be

caretakers of the land and water in the MRCB. Our work is deeply rooted in the visions

of Ihanktonwan elders, emphasizing co-management and sustainable practices.

Key Responsibilities:

Map Making:

Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to develop maps for resource analysis

and environmental assessment.

Tribal Sovereignty Maps: Produce maps that support tribal sovereignty, emphasizing

land rights and natural resource distribution in the Ihanktonwan region.

Hydrogeological Assessment:

Conduct a detailed hydrogeological inventory of resources within a 150-mile stretch of

the Missouri River and surrounding areas.

Compile and analyze data on streamflow, geology, climate, aquifers, and current

infrastructure.

Create and manage a comprehensive geodatabase and provide visualizations of

findings.

Water Risk Assessments:

Conduct comprehensive assessments of hydrological risks, including flood

susceptibility, streamflow variability, and environmental impacts on water resources.

Develop and recommend strategies to mitigate identified water risks, ensuring

sustainable water management and preservation.

Water Security:

Regularly evaluate the security of water supplies, focusing on potential anthropogenic

and natural threats to water availability and quality.

Formulate policies and plans to enhance water security, addressing the community’s

and the environment’s needs.

Aquifer Vulnerability:

Investigate the vulnerability of local aquifers to contamination, overuse, and climate

change impacts.

Propose measures for the protection and sustainable management of aquifers, vital for

maintaining regional water security.

Vulnerability assessment:

Assess the vulnerability of the study area based on current and historical conditions.

Develop parameter ratings and weighted rasters for analysis.

Document and present findings to stakeholders

Water Quality Assessment:

Compile and analyze current water quality data.

Identify and test vulnerable locations for water quality.

Develop recommendations based on findings.

Flood Risk Management:

Conduct flood assessments, including regression analysis and predictive modeling.

Develop and present flood management recommendations.

Indigenous Water Rights Analysis:

Research the historical and legal basis for Indigenous claims to Missouri River water.

Analyze current water rights and usage.

Environmental Data Collection:

Lead a citizen science project for local community engagement and data collection.

Manage environmental data and integrate it into the geodatabase.

Access federal, state, and NGO databases

Co-Stewardship Plan Development:

Contribute to the development of a co-stewardship management plan.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Hydrology, Environmental Engineering, Water Resource Management, or a related field, work experience can be a substitute for

education.

Experience in hydrological and environmental data analysis.

Proficiency in GIS and database management.

Strong understanding of water quality testing and flood risk management.

Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, including Indigenous communities.

Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in climate change modeling.

Knowledge of Indigenous water rights and environmental policies.

Experience in grant writing and project management.

Contact and/or Send Resume:

Iktomi Wašte Wiŋyaŋ Favel

iktomifavel@gmail.com

(801) 231-6171