Job Summary:
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
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
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Compensation: Salary range is $72,000 – $101,000, commensurate with experience and educational qualifications
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Work Hours and Environmental:
- 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
