Tribal Fish & Wildlife Capacity Building
Tribal Fish and Wildlife programs are diverse in their departments, number of staff, funding and natural resource priorities. Despite their diversity, Tribes share common barriers which includes limited funding and staff.
In 2025, NAFWS piloted the Tribal Certified Technician Program that focuses on continued education for the boots-on-the-ground Tribal technicians.
CERTIFIED TRIBAL TECHNICIAN PROGRAM
The Native American Fish and Wildlife Society’s Certified Tribal Technician Program (CTTP) was created to build Tribal capacity by providing professional certification training for Tribal staff in Fisheries and Invasive Species Management. Through hands-on learning, technical training, and professional development opportunities, the program helps strengthen Tribal fish, wildlife, and natural resource programs while expanding the skills, certifications, and career pathways of Tribal conservation professionals.
Objectives:
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Build and support a skilled, well-rounded Tribal workforce in fish, wildlife, natural resource, and environmental management while expanding professional certifications and career development opportunities.
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Establish and promote minimum training standards, practical skills, and technical competencies for Tribal field staff working in invasive species management and related conservation fields.
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Provide hands-on training in safe and effective invasive species management techniques, fisheries practices, leadership, communication, and conservation stewardship.
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Promote the use of best management practices in fisheries, invasive species management, and Tribal natural resource conservation efforts.
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Strengthen the recruitment and long-term retention of Tribal conservation professionals within Tribal natural resource programs.
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Technician Certifications are a NAFWS members-only program designed to assist Tribes in the building of tribal capacity in Natural Resources, Environmental, or Wildlife Programs. Individuals must maintain membership with NAFWS for certification to remain valid. Applicants must be currently employed with a federally recognized Tribe at the time of certification and must be supported by nomination or resolution from said Tribe. Completion of certification training standard requirement must be done within 18 months from application selection and must have the validation from the NAFWS Executive Director upon completion of the certification requirements.
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For Invasive Species Technician Curriculum:
Mitzi Reed, Invasive Species Coordinator, MReed@nafws.org
For Fisheries Technician Curriculum:
Sean Cross, Fish & Wildlife Biologist, Scross@nafws.org
