The Senior Tribal Climate Resilience Liaison (Sr. TCRL) for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center (AK CASC) serves as the lead on Alaska tribal climate adaptation science needs under the guidance and direction of the Executive Director (ED) of the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society (NAFWS). The successful candidate will be responsible for providing technical assistance and working with tribal communities across Alaska to improve their capacity to prepare for and respond to climate-related environmental impacts. This is a supervisory position. The Sr. TCRL will frequently be involved in situations that are very complex and highly sensitive, and is expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, and to seek guidance and direction on issues from the NAFWS Executive Director and AK CASC leadership.

Primary duties include:

  • Develop and conduct outreach and extension programming on tribal climate-impact related issues, concerns, and adaptation strategies across Alaska;
  • Lead collaborative efforts to synthesize and facilitate the transfer of science-based information on climate change to Alaska Native tribes;
  • Assist communities to identify and prioritize resilience and adaptation projects;
  • Develop and maintain working relationships with relevant local, tribal, state, and federal personnel and non-governmental organizations;
  • Identify tribal climate science needs via literature reviews (workshop reports and needs assessments), discussions with researchers, and dialog with tribal community members;
  • Network with other tribal science liaisons in the U.S. to identify climate adaptation research, policy, funding, or other needs for federal partners to advance climate adaptation for tribes or non-tribal professionals facing similar climate adaptation challenges;
  • Support the development of grant proposals to secure funding for related project implementation, research, and extension projects led by NAFWS, AK CASC, and partners;
  • Conduct day-to-day operations in consultation with AK CASC staff, and provide both weekly updates to the Executive Director of the NAFWS and quarterly updates to the NAFWS Board of Directors;
  • Develop partnerships with Tribes, Federal, State, nongovernmental organizations regarding climate change and Tribal consultation;
  • Assist with NAFWS’ Education program, including supervision of the Alaska TCRL Intern;
  • Assist with the NAFWS National and Regional Conferences as requested and directed by the Executive Director (i.e., assist with Climate Adaptability workshops); and
  • Other duties as assigned.

Ten or more instances of work travel are required for this position annually.

Position requirements include a PhD or Master’s degree in one or more of the following: physical sciences, biological/ecological sciences, natural resources, or relevant social sciences from an accredited university, AND at least three years of experience supporting tribal needs related to climate adaptation and other environmental challenges in Alaska.

To apply, submit a resume, cover letter, three professional references, BIA Form 4432 (if claiming Indian Preference), and official transcripts to: Julie Thorstenson at JThor@nafws.org or mail to: Executive Director, NAFWS, 10465 Melody Dr., Ste 307, Northglenn, CO 80234.

Application deadline: 23 November 2021

For more information, go to:
Position Description