Tribal Engagement Specialist

Tribal Engagement Specialist

At WestLand Engineering and Environmental Services, a Trinity Consultants team, we are driven by purpose, innovation, and a shared commitment to the work that we do. As part of Trinity Consultants' Water and Ecology division, we tackle complex environmental challenges, blending expertise in environmental consulting, wetlands, cultural resources, GIS, landscape architecture, and engineering.

WestLand empowers our teams to develop their unique skills while fostering career growth within a company that is large enough to offer diverse opportunities yet agile enough to value individual contributions. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do-our professionals work together on meaningful and impactful projects, delivering solutions that help clients navigate regulatory complexities and see positive project outcomes. Make a difference with us at WestLand!

WestLand is seeking a part-time Tribal Engagement Specialist to support our projects in the western United States. This position has the potential to be full-time, depending on the successful candidate's background and expertise. The Tribal Engagement Specialist serves as a primary liaison between project teams and Tribal governments, supporting consultation, communication, and collaboration on projects throughout the western United States. This position works closely with clients, Tribal partners, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to integrate Tribal perspectives into project planning and execution. The role requires a strong understanding of Tribal sovereignty, consultation protocols, and culturally appropriate engagement practices, as well as the ability to build and maintain respectful, long-term relationships with Tribal communities. The successful candidate would ideally be based out of either our Reno, Nevada or Salt Lake City, Utah offices.

What will I be doing?

• Serve as a liaison with Tribal governments, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs), and Tribal representatives.
• Build and maintain respectful, professional relationships with Tribal communities.
• Support and track Tribal consultation processes in compliance with regulatory frameworks such as NHPA, NEPA, and related requirements.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and culturally appropriate communication with Tribal stakeholders.
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings, site visits, and field participation, including Tribal monitor involvement and associated logistics.
• Collaborate with project teams to incorporate Tribal input into project planning, impact avoidance, and mitigation strategies.
• Advise internal teams on Tribal cultural values, sensitivities, and engagement protocols to promote cultural competency.
• Maintain organized and accurate records of Tribal communications, consultation activities, agreements, and meetings.
• Contribute to technical reports, documentation, and project deliverables.
• Support resolution of issues between Tribes, agencies, and project proponents.
• Represent the company at Tribal meetings, community events, and conferences.
• Support Tribal capacity-building efforts, including training and participation opportunities, when appropriate.

What qualifications are required for this role?

• Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, Native American/Indigenous studies, environmental planning, or a related field required; comparable experience may substitute for a degree.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with Tribal governments, THPOs, or Native/Indigenous communities.
• Strong understanding of Tribal sovereignty, consultation practices, and culturally appropriate engagement methods and ability to build and maintain effective, respectful relationships with Tribal representatives and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of federal and state cultural resource and environmental regulations (e.g., NHPA Section 106, NEPA, NAGPRA).
• Experience in environmental consulting, cultural resources, or related field preferred.
• Experience working in the Great Basin region is preferred.
• Field experience supporting cultural or environmental resource projects preferred.

The salary range for this position is $31.00 - $40.00 /hour.

What does WestLand offer you?

• Comprehensive benefits package: 9 paid holidays, healthcare benefits, PTO, and 401k matching for full-time employees. Flexible work schedules and remote/hybrid possibilities for most roles.
• Multidisciplinary environment: Unique, creative, and challenging projects where you can develop your vision of clientele and work with industry leaders daily.
• Success-oriented environment: Two-way mentorship, financial incentives to publish work, tuition reimbursement, and a career path structure to help you reach the next steps in your career.
• Collaborative work environment: Clear and frequent communication, shared information and ideas across teams, and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

WestLand is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment background checks.