CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES
OF THE FLATHEAD NATION
PO BOX 278
PABLO MT 59855
(406) 675-2700
PERSONNEL OFFICE FAX: (406) 226-2562
E-mail melanie.piedalue@cskt.org
WEBSITE ADDRESS: csktribes.org
****V A C A N C Y A N N O U N C E M E N T****
TITLE: Tribal Relations Specialist
LOCATION: Tribal Resource Management Office - Pablo
SALARY: $32.60 to $37.47 per hour, plus benefits
May be employed under contract
CLOSING DATE: Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. MST
SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing
policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire
drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period.
This position is located on the CSKT Flathead Indian Reservation. The incumbent will serve as the
Tribal Relations Specialist and point of contact for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to
outside government agencies interested in government-to-government consultation and project
coordination. The incumbent serves as a member of the CSKT Tribal Resource management team.
The incumbent will provide leadership, coordination, program direction, consultation guidance,
advice, and procedural requirements to US Forest Service (USFS) in the interest of CSKT tribal
resource management programs. The incumbent will address challenges relating to implementation
of Forest Service programs and services, be responsible for the management of interdisciplinary
programs involving partnerships with USFS and identification of partnership opportunities.
MAJOR DUTIES
Position represents the CSKT Tribe in dealing with the USFS, ensuring that the rights of CSKT are
fully respected and carried out in a government-to-government relationship. Provides leadership to
ensure the rights of CSKT related to its aboriginal territories are fully respected.
Develops, manages and implements a comprehensive Tribal Relations Program for CSKT to ensure
CSKT’s intrests are recognized and fulfilled with decisions addressing current and future needs of
CSKT tribal members.
Facilitates communication between the CSKT Salsih Qlispe culture committee, Kootenai Culture
Committee, CSKT Forestry and Fire Department, CSKT Natural Resouces Department, CSKT
Preservation office, CSKT Tribal Lands Department, US Forest Supervisors, and inter-Tribal
organizations in matters of natural resource management, program delivery, trust responsibility,
employment opportunities, protection of sacred and cultural sites important to CSKT, access to
sacred sites and plant collection issues.
Coordinates the outreach of Forest Service (FS) programs and services to the CSKT Tribal
Resource Management Departments and programs, and provides guidance to the consultative
process associated with the government-to-government relationship between the tribe and federal
agency.
Serves as liaison and technical authority for developing interests, recommendations, action plans,
and establishing and/or interpreting policy in matters of CSKT interests. These areas include but
are not limited to Tribal Forest Protection Act (TFPA); American Indian Religious Freedom Act;
American Indian Self-determination and Educational Assistance Act; Cooperative Forestry Act;
current Farm Bill; Executive Orders on government-to-government relationships; and how these
affect NFS programs, cooperative efforts with State & Private Organizations and Forest Service
research efforts.
Advises the Forest Supervisor(s) and staffs of any procedural impediments that negatively impact
the ability of the agency and its employees to effectively work with CSKT tribal government.
Conducts projects and studies to evaluate and recommend ways to improve the effectiveness,
efficiency and meaningful relations between CSKT and USFS. Makes recommendations for new
initiatives and programs to specifically address the trust responsibility and/or governmental rights
of the tribes. Provides periodic reports concerning activities and progress in improving agency and
tribal relationships and activities.
Provides support in developing policies, procedures, and directives to strenthen relationships
between CSKT and federal agecies. Provides advice and guidance to other staff who deal directly
with CSKT, on appropriate interaction with Tribal Representatives, to ensure the government-to-
government relationship is respected. Provides group and one-on-one training on the Tribal
Relations Program.
As a primary point of contact and technical liaison, incumbent provides initiative, consultation,
problem-solving and program support in developing agency-appropriate local policies and
procedures to serve the unique needs of the Tribe and their treaty rights. Creates and/or implements
Supplemental Project Agreements (SPA) under the CSKT and USFS Region 1 Good Neighbor
Master agreements.
To perform the duties of this position, the incumbent must serve as an incidental motor vehicle
operator. This will require the operation of a motor vehicle on both public and private roads during
daylight, and occasionally after dark. A valid state driver’s license is required and must be
maintained.
Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM RECRUITING QUALIFICATIONS AS REFLECTED ON TRIBAL
EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION:
conservations, or related field with at least 5 years increasing experience in management or
administration, preferably within the CSKT organization.
culture preservation and conservation, natural resource management or other renewable
resource management) including management or administration preferably within the
CSKT system.
SUBMIT:
1. Completed Tribal employment application.
2. Copies of relevant degree/academic transcripts, training certificates.
3. Proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT.
4. If claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted.
FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN
IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS
SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE TO: Personnel Office, PO Box 278, Pablo MT 59855,
telephone (406) 675-2700 Ext. #1040 or personnel@cskt.org
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Tony Incashola at 406-675-2700 ext. 6044