Physical Scientist II (Early Warning Systems Specialist).

Job Title: Physical Scientist II - Early Warning Systems Specialist

Job Summary

This individual will assist with technical program support for the Early Warning System team. Will assist with organizing, planning, coordinating, training, and implementing BIA’s nationwide early warning system research and implementation.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Technical and managerial program support for the Early Warning System (EWS) team.
• Project management within EWS Program or SOD Branch priorities; this will include determining requirements, coordinating resources, completing required reporting, managing timelines, reviewing invoices, and ensuring quality deliverables, among other project management activities.
• Provide technical support for contract task orders related to EWS services; this might include managing deliverables, reviewing invoices, and writing or editing contract documents.
• Create, update, and review the equations that trigger EWS alerts and the resulting automated text and email messages that go out to our community.
• Collaborate with the Emergency Management team to ensure that emergency measurement thresholds match the latest values in the EWS system.
• Organize and conduct training on EWS maintenance and website for new dam tenders and EWS staff across all regions, agencies, and tribes (maintenance guidelines, EWS website, awareness of on-demand and other training opportunities).
• Review risk analysis reports and recommend program priorities to reduce risk.
• Create training content and lead meetings for the EWS Working Group.
• Train and conduct onboarding procedures for new hires.
• Assist with the internship program and work with young professionals interested in dam safety or environmental monitoring.
• Use software such as Microsoft Excel or Python to filter reports and perform quality control checks on data.
• Assist with research, development, and integration of new monitoring and notification capabilities, such as seismic activity, visual monitoring, spillway erosion, and wildfires.
• Analyze historic data and make recommendations on future improvements in rules and data collection.
• Update and maintain EWS Contact List; create and update user accounts and contact information.
• Use MS Excel and website interfaces to enter data and perform content management.
• Update website and dashboards to improve user experience and accessibility of data (basic HTML and CSS knowledge, or a willingness to learn).
• Respond to EWS alerts (for example, reach out to local EWS staff to confirm water surface elevations or discuss troubleshooting or repair needs).
• Answer phone call and email questions from local staff and regional officers regarding EWS conditions and data analysis/understanding.
• Travel for training and fieldwork (3-4 times/year).
• Provide support during dam safety incidents.
• Other assignments as determined by program needs and workload.
  
  

Required Skills/Abilities

• Expert in Microsoft software (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, SharePoint, PowerPoint).
• Ability to take on a project and work through difficulties with minimal supervision.
• Ability to support other staff members with scheduling, project completion, and technical assistance.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Proven ability to solve problems creatively.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.
• Sensitivity and respect towards the individual nuances of multiple tribal cultures.
  
  

Education And Experience

• Bachelor of Science or Art degree in Physics, Hydrology, Geology, Geography,
  
  

Geospatial Information Systems, Geospatial Architecture, Geophysics, Computer Science,

Chemistry, Math, Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Engineering or other applicable technical field.

• At least 5 years of experience performing technical analyses related to the specific discipline. Demonstrated skill in conceiving, planning and problem solving in areas of considerable scope and complexity requiring unconventional or novel approaches and sophisticated techniques is required. Demonstrated skill in water resource or power generation or distribution systems, or experience with software or database development technologies or any other applicable skills related to the field.
  
  

Working Conditions

The physical and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk, use hands to finger, handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; bending or crouching; talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Some lifting of files, opening cabinets. (up to 40 lbs.)
• Bending or standing as necessary.
• Upon doing field work, must be able to be on your feet in an outdoor setting 8-10 hours a day in adverse weather conditions and uneven or difficult terrain in a remote environment.
• Must be able to operate in a sedentary office environment for 40 hours a week.
• Must be able to operate a variety of vehicles both rental and federal.
  
  

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will primarily be in an office setting but at times may be exposed to weather conditions and other elements prevalent at the time.

This description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. It is intended to accurately reflect the activities and requirements of the position, but duties may be added, deleted, or modified, as necessary. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Review the Benefits associated with this position: https://www.sealaska.com/benefits/

Who is Sealaska? Established in 1972, Sealaska is the Alaska Native regional corporation for Southeast Alaska. Our 23,000 shareholders are Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people with more than 10,000 years of ancestral ties to the oceans, forests and communities of Southeast Alaska. We serve the twin goals of economic prosperity and environmental protection. Managed Business Solutions is a subsidiary of Sealaska.

We are committed to providing the best possible climate for maximum development and goal achievement for all our employees. As a subsidiary of a Native-owned company, Managed Business Solutions, LLC is proud to promote an inclusive and diverse workplace, with respect for the cultural traditions in the communities where we operate.

Managed Business Solutions, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. However, preference may be extended to an enrolled member of a federally-recognized Indian Tribe.*

• “Indian Tribe” means an Indian Tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation as defined in or established pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 668; 43 U.S.C. 1601) which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.
  
  

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