Environmental Scientist

Chugach Regional Resource Commission; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Chugach Regional Resources Commission is seeking an Environmental Research and Climate Program Manager in Anchorage, AK. The role develops environmental planning, climate resilience, and natural resource initiatives for seven member Tribes.

You will collaborate with tribal governments, agencies, and partners to translate science into practical strategies. The position emphasizes research, program management, training, and budget oversight to advance tribal priorities and community resilience in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or related field required; master’s preferred.
• 3–5 years experience in environmental planning, climate adaptation, or related work.
• Experience managing grants, projects, budgets, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement environmental planning and climate resilience initiatives.
• Conduct environmental research, data collection, and analysis for decision making.
• Prepare technical reports and outreach materials for diverse audiences.
• Manage grants, budgets, reporting, and coordination with partners.

Skills

Environmental planning

Climate resilience

Grant administration

Data analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor's in Environmental Science

Master’s preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Anchorage, Alaska; Seward, Alaska; or remote within one of Chugach Regional Resources Commission's seven member Tribes: Tatitlek Village IRA Council, Native Village of Eyak (Cordova), Port Graham Village Council, Nanwalek IRA Council, Chenega IRA Council, Qutekcak Native Tribe (Seward), or Valdez Native Tribe.

Reports To: Environmental Director

The Organization: CRRC is a nonprofit intertribal fish and wildlife commission established to address environmental and natural resources issues of concern to its seven member Tribes, located in the Chugach Region of southcentral Alaska. These include Tatitlek Village IRA Council, Native Village of Eyak (Cordova), Port Graham Village Council, Nanwalek IRA Council, Chenega IRA Council, Qutekcak Native Tribe (Seward), and Valdez Native Tribe.

Position Description

The Environmental Research and Climate Program Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting environmental planning, climate resilience, and natural resource management initiatives that advance the capacity of Chugach Region Tribes. Working collaboratively with Tribal governments, community members, regulatory agencies, and funding partners, this position conducts research, analyzes environmental and climate-related issues, develops educational and outreach programs, manages grant-funded projects, and provides technical assistance to support environmental stewardship and climate adaptation efforts throughout the region. This position serves as a key resource in translating scientific information into practical strategies that support Tribal priorities and community resilience.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and implement environmental planning, management, and climate resilience initiatives that support the priorities of CRRC and its member Tribes.
• Conduct environmental and climate-related research, data collection, analysis, and evaluation to support planning and decision-making.
• Review and interpret environmental legislation, regulations, policies, scientific studies, and climate projections to assess potential impacts on Tribal communities and natural resources.
• Provide technical assistance and ongoing support to Tribal environmental staff and leadership.
• Develop and facilitate environmental and climate-related training, educational programs, workshops, and community outreach activities.
• Collaborate with Tribal, federal, state, private, academic, and nonprofit partners on environmental and climate initiatives.
• Manage assigned projects and ensure timely, on-budget completion of objectives, reporting requirements, and grant deliverables.
• Assist with the preparation of grant applications, work plans, annual planning documents, funding proposals, and budget priorities.
• Monitor grant performance and prepare reports required by funding agencies, CRRC leadership, and the Board of Directors.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, educational materials, academic papers, and other written communications for diverse audiences.
• Assist with departmental budget development, monitoring, and reporting.
• Maintain awareness of emerging environmental issues, climate science, funding opportunities, and regulatory developments affecting the region.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Educational & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Climate Science, Environmental Planning, or a related field required; master's degree preferred.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in environmental planning, natural resource management, climate adaptation, research, project management, or related work.
• Experience managing grants, projects, budgets, and reporting requirements preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of environmental science, climate change, natural resource management, and environmental planning principles.
• Understanding of environmental regulatory and legislative processes.
• Strong analytical, research, data interpretation, mathematics, and deductive reasoning skills.
• Experience designing and delivering technical training, educational materials, outreach programs, and presentations.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, oral, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate technical information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to identify complex problems, evaluate options, and implement practical solutions using logic and sound reasoning.
• Strong project management, organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Grant administration, compliance reporting, and budget management skills.
• Ability to establish collaborative working relationships with Tribal governments, communities, resource agencies, and partner organizations.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision, including in rural settings when required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related data management and reporting tools.
• Experience working with Alaska Native Tribes, Tribal organizations, or Indigenous communities preferred, with a demonstrated commitment to culturally responsive engagement and capacity-building.

Employee is expected to embrace, support, and promote the core values of respect, integrity, trust, compassion, and quality which align with CRRC’s Mission and Vision through their actions and interactions with all staff and partners.

THE CHUGACH REGIONAL RESOURCES COMMISSION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. PREFERENCE IS EXTENDED TO QUALIFIED AMERICAN INDIAN INDIVIDUALS FOR APPOINTMENTS TO ALL POSITIONS ON THE STAFF OF THE CHUGACH REGIONAL RESOURCES COMMISSION (Public Law 93-638 Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, Indian Preference Act, and the Indian Civil Rights Act, 1968 apply). Preference will be given to a Native from the Chugach Region or person who is knowledgeable of the region’s language, culture, and language.