Climate Adaptation Support Specialist

Association of Village Council Presidents • Bethel, AK

2d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Climate Adaptation and Emergency Management (CAEM) Program Manager, the Climate Adaptation Support Specialist provides administrative and program support to the Climate Adaptation & Emergency Management program. The program supports Tribes and communities in preparing for and adapting to climate-related risks, including emergency response planning. It is initially supported through a subaward from the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), under its award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Resilience Regional Challenge (CRRC). The role contributes to regional climate and disaster resilience initiatives, with a focus on community-driven training and planning.

The specialist supports emergency planning, community outreach, training and exercises, program documentation, purchasing, travel, project coordination, grant reporting, and budget tracking. The position may also be called upon during an emergency.

Requirements

• Willingness to assist in developing 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 explain complex concepts accessibly.
• Knowledge of Tribal governance structures and culturally appropriate engagement practices.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least one year of clerical experience or similar administrative duties, such as operating a printer, scanner, faxing, and mailing.
• Familiarity with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and basic computer applications.
• Ability to travel frequently throughout the region, including by small aircraft, boat, ATV, snowmachine, or ice road.
• Willingness to work in a team-based environment.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of education or experience in land management, climate adaptation, program coordination, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with Tribal governments, Indigenous communities, or Tribal organizations is highly desirable.
• Experience in, or willingness to support, emergency preparedness or disaster coordination efforts is preferred.
• Familiarity with Yup’ik culture, language, and lifestyle is preferred.
• Knowledge of the Yukon-Kuskokwim region and familiarity with AVCP programs are preferred.
• Yup’ik speaker strongly preferred.

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 climate-related efforts.
• Become familiar with the Incident Command System (ICS) and complete FEMA Independent Study courses within the 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, track, and close out program purchase orders and orders for outside program activities and expenses, including plan meetings, office supplies, travel, invoices, and other program expenses.
• 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 or participants in AVCP’s travel management software.
• Support project management by creating timelines, tracking milestones, and ensuring deliverables are met.
• Participate in logistical planning meetings and take internal and external program notes.
• Assist with grant reporting, compliance requirements, and budget tracking in coordination with relevant departments.
• Participate in relevant local, regional, and statewide emergency management and climate adaptation meetings, trainings, and conferences.
• Maintain the Climate Adaptation & Emergency Management Program calendar.
• Perform other duties as assigned; may be called upon during an emergency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED