Skip to main content
Skip to main menu Skip to spotlight region Skip to secondary region Skip to UGA region Skip to Tertiary region Skip to Quaternary region Skip to unit footer

Slideshow

Director, Institute for Environmental Sovereignty

Deadline:
Employer:
National Congress of American Indians

Job Field:
Fisheries
Forestry
Water and Soil Resources
Wildlife
Policy/Administrative
Job Type:
Full Time
Location:
Regional/Multiple
Location Detail:
Remote
Job Description:

The Environmental Analyst will conduct research and analysis on environmental and natural resource matters important to Indian Country for the NCAI Institute for Environmental Sovereignty. Applicants should have at least eight years of experience in the field of environmental science, biology, toxicology, and/or forestry, preferably including at a federal or state regulatory agency. Ideal candidates will be adept at preparing written materials and delivering presentations for both technical and nontechnical audiences, passionate about serving Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities, and have an understanding of and appreciation for Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge frameworks.

 

The Institute for Environmental Sovereignty's mission is to advance Tribal Nations' leadership in natural resource governance and environmental stewardship; the safeguarding of Indigenous peoples' cultural heritage linked to the landscape and natural environment; and innovative Indigenous-led approaches to environmental protection. The Institute carries out this mission through its core objectives: (1) tracking environmental matters of greatest concern to Indian Country; (2) carrying out in-depth research and analysis of environmental and natural resource policy, law, programs, and action, at all levels and types of government, which impact Indian Country, treaty resources, cultural heritage, and tribal communities' health and wellness; (3) advocating for greater tribal sovereignty over, and stewardship of critically important natural resources; and (4) convening Tribal Nation leaders, partners, and supporters around Indian Country's greatest environmental problems, solutions, and promising opportunities to create communities of practice.

 

Duties/Responsibilities:

 

Under the direction of NCAI's Director of the Institute for Environmental Sovereignty, the primary duties of the Environmental Analyst include but are not limited to:

 

Research scientific and technical topics

Analyze and present data on specific environmental and natural resource matters that are priority for Indian Country

Identify and communicate trends through tables, charts, and other visual media

Draft reports, white papers, issue briefs, journal manuscripts, and other public-facing documents

Analyze environmental protection and natural resource management policies and programs for innovative ways to improve positive outcomes for Indian Country, tribal citizens, and the environment as well as to promote tribal sovereignty and co-stewardship opportunities

Monitor developments in science and technology pertaining to environmental protection and natural resource management

Assist Institute staff and other NCAI teams with their policy-related data research and analysis questions, as well as in collaboratively reviewing proposed policies and developing new ones

Engage with internal and external partners and partner organizations, technical experts, and government agencies and officials

Deliver meetings and presentations, both virtual and in-person

Contribute to grant writing in support of the Institute, including letters of intent, concept notes, and proposals

Travel in order to staff NCAI's three major conferences that take place each calendar year, and occasional travel for site visits, meetings, and representing the Institute at conferences, including providing presentations on Institute projects when required

Qualifications:

Required Skills/Abilities:

 

Understanding of federal and/or state agency rulemaking and enforcement processes

Strong problem solving and data analysis skills

Highly organized and intellectually curious with a powerful work ethic and rigorous attention to detail

Ability to multi-task and produce high-quality work under time constraints

Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, analytical, and time-management skills

Ability to work both individually and collaboratively with a team, including training and supervising others (professional staff or graduate/undergraduate-level interns)

Demonstrable proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and/or Google Workspace

Preferred: Understanding of Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge frameworks

Preferred: Experience working for or in collaboration with Tribal Nations

Preferred: Experience overseeing, contributing to, or implementing key components of environmental protection or conservation programs in a tribal, state, or federal agency

Preferred: Geographic Information Systems certification

Preferred: Programming in statistical software packages

 

Education and Experience:

 

Bachelor's or master's degree in environmental science, biology, toxicology, forestry, or a closely related field. Master's or other advanced degree is preferred

Eight or more years of relevant experience

Experience developing clear and concise written and other materials for various audiences, including technical experts, policymakers, and the general public

Project management experience

Miscellaneous:

Physical Requirements:

 

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

 

Work Hours and Environment:

 

This is a Forty (40) hours per calendar week position, fifty-two (52) weeks per calendar year; provided, however, during the time periods leading up to, during, and immediately following NCAI conferences and similar events, involvement up to Sixty (60) hours per week may be required.

Remote Eligible

 

Salary:
$72,000 - $101,000, commensurate with experience and educational qualifications

Benefits:

Employee benefits include: Healthcare Insurance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, 401(k) Qualified Retirement Program, and an Employee Assistance Program.

Support Warnell

We appreciate your financial support. Your gift is important to us and helps support critical opportunities for students and faculty alike, including lectures, travel support, and any number of educational events that augment the classroom experience. Learn more about giving.