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Upcoming Job Openings with the USGS Climate Adaptation Science Centers

Explore our open and forthcoming opportunities below. 

Now Hiring

CASC National Tribal Coordinator

About

Climate change impacts are magnifying existing inequities that disproportionally affect Tribes and Tribal cultures. As a result, many Tribal Nations, communities, and organizations have begun both formal and informal climate change adaptation planning and are recognized as leaders in climate resilience. To leverage Tribal leadership and expertise in climate adaptation, the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) are seeking a National Tribal Coordinator to serve as a primary liaison and subject matter expert in Tribal partnerships, engagement, and Indigenous Knowledge. The Coordinator will also guide and support CASC approaches and considerations when working with Tribes and strengthen relationships between the CASCs and relevant Tribal agencies, programs, and initiatives.

Position Description

The National Tribal Coordinator will bring vision, knowledge, and expertise to: 1) Advise CASC leadership on issues related to developing reciprocal and ethical partnerships with Tribal governments, organizations, and communities; 2) Represent the CASC network on national issues and initiatives related to Tribal engagement and partnerships; 3) Strengthen relationships between the CASCs and other national programs and initiatives designed support Tribes (e.g., Bureau of Indian Affairs, USGS Office of Tribal Relations and equivalent at other Federal agencies, external Tribal and climate adaptation initiatives); 4) Serve as a resource for regional CASC staff working in partnership with Tribes and tribal communities and organizations; and 5) Provide subject matter expertise to discussions and initiatives on Tribal support and partnership building within USGS, the Department of Interior and other Federal agencies.

Through these efforts, the incumbent will shape the direction and contributions of a premier national climate adaptation science program, its workforce, and partnerships. The position will be supported by CASC Senior Staff. We are looking for the best possible candidate and have flexibility around duration and schedule (e.g., short-term, part time). Salary is based on a GS-14 pay scale. Location is negotiable.

Qualifications: Demonstrated expertise and recognized leadership in building and coordinating Tribal projects and programs, with a preferred focus on climate change adaptation. An advanced degree from an accredited institution in a discipline closely related to the major duties is desired.  

This position will be filled through an Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) agreement. Those who may qualify for an IPA agreement include but are not limited to members of state and local governments, Tribal governments, federally funded research and development centers, colleges and universities (including Tribal Colleges and Universities) and other eligible organizations. All IPA Assignment Agreements must be reviewed by the USGS Ethics Office prior to being finalized. Non-Federal employees on IPA assignments must comply with all Federal, DOI, and USGS ethics statutes, regulations, rules and policies.

How to Apply

Those interested in this position should respond with a statement of interest (paragraph) and your resume or CV to Isabella Caltabiano Ullerick (iullerick@usgs.gov). We will begin to review applications on August 1, 2024; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

 

The Department of the Interior (DOI) places a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspectives and encourages applications from all interested eligible candidates. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental principles that guide the Department and allow us to successfully achieve our mission. The USGS is an equal opportunity employer.  

About the Climate Adaptation Science Centers

Map showing the states and consortium members of the 9 regional CASCs

The CASCs were established by the Department of the Interior (DOI) in 2008 to provide objective scientific information and tools that managers of land, water, wildlife, and cultural resources in the United States can use to adapt to climate change. The DOI charged the National CASC to establish “the Department’s climate science centers which provide scientific information, tools, and techniques that land, water, wildlife, cultural resource managers, and other interested parties can apply to anticipate, monitor and adapt to climate and ecologically-driven responses at area-to-local-scales.” (120 DM 5).

Each of the nine regional CASCs is a federal-university partnership. whereby USGS awards and manages large cooperative agreements with universities to host the regional CASCs as well as conduct research. Each CASC works with Federal, Tribal, and State management agencies across the region to discern and ensure investments in science are sound and relevant to the needs of those agencies. 

Learn More about the CASCs