BIA Announces the 2001 Water Resources
Technician Training Program
American Indians and Alaskan Natives are facing complex issues concerning the protection of their natural resources. the increase in population, land development and industrial growth in urban areas have increased the demand for quality water, a scarce natural resource. This has become a major concern to federal, state, local and tribal officials.
Tribal officials are challenged to preserve and best manage the limited water resources and to promote maximum economic and cultural growth, as well as Tribal self-sufficiency.
The Water Resources Technician Training Program will introduce talented American Indians and Alaskan Natives to the professional field of water resources. This program covers the diverse aspects of water resources, including groundwater, surface water, water and waste water treatment, water law and regulations.
"All Expenses Paid to Qualified American Indians and Alaskan Natives": Students who successfully complete the training course will receive a voucher through their tribal government. The voucher is good for one year full-time temporary employment with their tribal government as an entry level water resources technician. (Note: current Govt. employees, federal, state or tribal, are not eligible and will not recieve a voucher for future employment from the BIA. and will have to provide their own transportation to and from the training center location).
ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for the training program:
1. Endorsement from a federally recognized tribal government (preferably the chair, governor, president or head of governing body);
2. High School Diploma or GED;
3. Plans to pursue education or career development;
4. A brief, one-page statement describing reasons for wanting to attend the program;
5. Standard Form 171, or use any other application that provides similar information (forms available at most Federal Agency personnel offices, or BIA's Branch of Water Resources). This application is to provide general information only; and is NOT an offer, intent or consideration for federal employment.
6. A copy of certification of membership in a federally recognized tribe.
7. A signed pledge stating that the participant will remain alcohol and drug free during the program. A VIOLATION OF THE PLEDGE WILL RESULT IN IMMDIATE DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM.
Please submit your completed application for the training program ON OR BEFORE APRIL 6, 2001 deadline.
Students are expected to complete all classroom and homework assignments in a timely and professional manner. Daily attendance and active class participation are required to graduate. Students are required to treat their fellow students and instructors with respect. BIA will provide transportation, room & board, tuition, textbooks, etc.
TENTATIVE TRAINING LOCATIONS:
New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Washington State (site TBD)
Eielson Air Force Base, AK
HIGHLIGHTS: This comprehensive and very applied course will be taught in an audience-appropriate manner by highly qualified technical experts with many years of experience in teaching and consulting with American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and individuals.
Many federal and local agencies and tribal governments participate in this program by providing technical expertise in various fields of water resources by teaching students hands-on experience. Some participating agencies include:
US Army Corps of Engineers
US Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
US Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Bureau of Reclamation (BOR)
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
US Geological Survey (USGS)
- US Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
- US Office of Surface Mining (OSM)
- Elephant Butte Irrigation District (EBID)
- Chehalis Tribe
- Yakama Indian Nation
PERSONS TO CONTACT/APPLICATION INFORMATION:
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Branch of Water Resources
Mail Stop 4513, 1849 C St., NW
Washington DC 20240
- Mo Baloch, PE
Program Administrator
phone: (202) 208-6042
email: MohammadBaloch@bia.gov
- Toni VillageCenter
phone: (202) 208-3956
New Mexico State University
Civil, Agricultural & Geological Engineering, MSC CE
Box 3001
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001
- Dr. James P. King, PE
phone: (505) 646-5377
email: jpking@nmsu.edu
- Dr. Salim Bawazir
phone: (505) 646-6044
email: abawazir@nmsu.edu
Visit the website for information and information about past year's: http://www.doi.gov/bureau-indian-affairs.html