Climate Adaptation Support Specialist

Association of Village Council Presidents; Bethel (AK); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) Climate Adaptation Specialist: Support Coordinator works under the CAEM Program to help Tribes and communities prepare for climate-related risks and emergencies in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region. You will assist with planning, training, and documentation, and support cross-community coordination and travel logistics.

Required are strong communication, organizational abilities, and a readiness to engage with Indigenous communities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience coordinating projects across multiple communities and partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including public speaking and facilitation.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to translate complex concepts into accessible information for diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with Tribal governance and culturally appropriate engagement practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing, updating, and implementing emergency plans (SCERPs, HMPs, EOPs).
• Conduct outreach with AVCP communities to assess needs and provide updates on climate-based efforts.
• Become familiar with ICS and FEMA IS courses within first year.
• Organize and deliver emergency management trainings, workshops, and exercises for Tribes and AVCP staff.
• Maintain program documentation and outreach materials.
• Create and track purchase orders for the program and related activities.
• Assist with preparing technical reports, maps, and data summaries.
• Coordinate travel for staff and participants in AVCP travel management system.
• Support project management with timelines and milestone tracking.
• Attend regional emergency management and climate adaptation meetings and events.
• Maintain program calendar and assist with grant reporting and budget tracking.
• Other duties as assigned, including during emergencies.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Project coordination

Public speaking

Documentation

Tribal governance knowledge

IT basics

Education

High school diploma or GED

1 year education/experience in land management or climate adaptation

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Description

Under the direction of the Climate Adaptation and Emergency Management (CAEM) Program Manager, all Climate Adaptation Specialists support Tribes and communities prepare for and adapt to climate-related risks including emergency response planning. This program is initially supported through a subaward from the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), as part of their award under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Resilience Regional Challenge (CRRC). This role will contribute to broader regional climate and disaster resilience initiatives, with a focus on community-driven training and planning. The Climate Adaptation Specialist: Support Coordinator will provide administrative and program support services for the Climate Adaptation & Emergency Management program to help meet the purpose of the subaward.

SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in developing, updating, and implementing emergency plans, including Small Community Emergency Response Plans (SCERPs), Hazard Mitigation Plans (HMPs), and Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs).
• Conduct outreach and maintain regular communication with AVCP communities to assess needs and provide updates on their climate-based efforts.
• Become familiar with the Incident Command System (ICS) and complete FEMA Independent Study courses within first year.
• Assist in organizing and delivering emergency management trainings, workshops, and exercises for Tribes, AVCP staff, and community members.
• Maintain accurate program documentation, including records, databases, planning documents, and outreach materials.
• Create, keep track of, and close out purchase orders for the program and outside program activities, including but not limited to supporting Small Community Emergency Response Plan meetings, Office Supplies, Travel related expenses, Invoices, and other program expenses as needed.
• Assist with preparing technical reports, maps, and data summaries for internal and external use.
• Arrange, process, and help manage travel requests for program staff and program activities/participants in AVCP’s travel management software.
• Support project management efforts, including creating timelines, tracking milestones, and ensuring deliverables are met.
• Participate in logistical planning meetings by taking notes internally and externally for program.
• Assist with grant reporting, compliance requirements, and budget tracking in coordination with relevant departments.
• Participate in local, regional, and statewide emergency management and climate adaptation meetings, training, and conferences as relevant.
• Maintain Climate Adaptation & Emergency Management Program calendar.
• Other duties as assigned – may be called upon during an emergency.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Willing to assist in the development of emergency planning documents such as SCERPs, HMPs, and EOPs.
• Ability to coordinate complex projects across multiple communities and partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and facilitation.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to provide technical assistance and translate complex concepts into accessible information.
• Knowledge of Tribal governance structures and culturally appropriate engagement practices.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school graduate or GED is required.
• At least one (1) year of education or experience in land management, climate adaptation, program coordination, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• At least one (1) year of clerical experience or similar administrative duties, like operating a printer, scanner, faxing, and mailing.
• Experience working with Tribal governments, Indigenous communities, or Tribal organizations is highly desirable.
• Experience in (or willing to support) emergency preparedness or disaster coordination efforts is preferred.
• Familiarity with excel, word, power point, and basic functions of computer applications.
• Familiarity with the Yup’ik culture, language, and lifestyle is preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Strong knowledge of the Yukon-Kuskokwim region and familiarity with AVCP programs preferred.
• Ability to travel frequently throughout the region, including travel by small aircraft, boat, ATV, snowmachine, or ice road.
• Must be willing to work in a Team-based environment.
• Yup’ik speaker strongly preferred.