Environmental Director

The Chugach Regional Resource Commission is seeking an Environmental Director to lead its Environmental Department in Anchorage or Seward, AK. The role involves overseeing conservation programs, developing sustainability strategies, and integrating Tribal knowledge. Key responsibilities include assessing environmental programs, coordinating with member Tribes, managing staff, conducting research, and securing funding. A Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or a related field is required, with a Master's preferred.
Location: Anchorage or Seward Reports To: Executive Director Supervises: IGAP Environmental Coordinator, Environmental Research Scientist, Climate Change Coordinator Status: Exempt The Organization This position will ideally be located at the Chugach Regional Resources Commission’s (CRRC) Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute (APMI) in Seward, AK. However, Anchorage may be considered. 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 Director leads CRRC’s Environmental Department, which includes programs in conservation, climate change, food security, and the Chugach Region Tribal Conservation District (CRTCD). This position provides overall leadership and supervision, develops and implements sustainability strategies, and advances Tribal-led conservation and food system priorities across the Chugach region. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Assess and analyze CRRC’s environmental programs to identify areas for improvement in sustainability and natural resource management. Propose and implement strategies to address environmental concerns such as energy use, conservation, pollution reduction, waste management, recycling, and food security. Coordinate with CRRC member Tribes to ensure Tribal input and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) are integrated into all Environmental Department programs. Lead collaborative planning processes to set objectives, identify and prioritize projects, and develop multi-year implementation plans for programs under the Environmental Department. Provide oversight and direction for the Environmental Department, including supervision of staff and consultants across environmental, conservation, and healthy food systems programs. Conduct research and analysis to identify emerging environmental issues, conservation opportunities, and funding sources relevant to the Chugach region. Prepare technical reports, proposals, and presentations for the Executive Director, CRRC Board of Directors, partner Tribes, and external agencies. Represent CRRC in meetings, conferences, and collaborations with federal, state, and local agencies, regulatory officials, and conservation organizations. Develop and manage budgets, financial documentation, and records for all programs under the Environmental Department. Manage and oversee grant applications, reporting, and compliance requirements; assist in securing new funding to support Environmental Department initiatives. Supervise and support Environmental Department staff, ensuring strong coordination and alignment with CRRC’s mission and objectives. Maintain current knowledge of emerging issues in environmental policy, conservation, sustainability, and Indigenous food systems. Perform other related duties as assigned. Educational & Experience Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or related field (Master’s preferred). At least 3–5 years of leadership or program management experience in environmental, conservation, or food systems work. Skills and Abilities Required Knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, sustainability practices, and conservation strategies. Demonstrated experience working with Tribal governments or Indigenous communities. Excellent organizational, managerial, and interpersonal skills, with strong written and verbal communication abilities. Thorough understanding of Environmental Health and Safety standards. Thorough understanding of OSHA regulations and requirements. Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents. Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. Monitoring/Assessing the performance of yourself, other individuals, and the organization to make improvements or take corrective action. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. Ability to analyze and understand research and to identify relevant and valuable information. Ability to travel regularly to remote communities by boat or airplane. Preferred Knowledge of Alaska Native cultures, particularly Alutiiq/Sugpiaq communities. Experience in food security, agriculture, or healthy food systems development. Background in climate adaptation, habitat restoration, or mariculture. Grant development and reporting experience. Strong facilitation skills and ability to work across diverse stakeholder groups. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Salary: USD 72000 - 108000 per year

Experience: 5 years required