Climate and Health Community of Practice Fellow

This position is part of the NOAA Coastal Resilience Fellowship Program, supporting the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge (CRRC) projects. The fellow will support the project: Stronger, Together: Expanding Climate Adaptation Technical Assistance for Frontline Alaska Native Communities.

Host Organization: Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium’s Center for Climate and Health
Location of Position: Anchorage, Alaska 
Duration of Position: Two years (June 2025 to June 2027)
Annual Salary: $56,133 
Benefits: Medical insurance, 11 paid federal holidays per year, 15 paid personal days per year, professional development training, travel funding, relocation allowance

Work Environment:

The fellow will be expected to work in the office on a hybrid schedule, with a mix of remote and ideally at least two days in the office each week. A laptop will be provided for remote access. Should the fellow be unable to work remotely, they will have the option to work in the office full time.  

 Fellowship Position Description:

As part of this overall grant, the Center for Climate and Health (CCH) will help identify adaptive strategies that support health and wellness for rural communities. The center will provide technical assistance for health-related adaptation strategies and will develop culturally-relevant recommendations that promote mental health and wellbeing in climate adaptation work at the regional and community levels. To support this work, the fellow will help develop and lead the Climate and Health Community of Practice, which will be a network that 1) helps identify and connect communities with other entities who have experience with adaptation implementation and can provide advice, 2) facilitates conversations with other climate and health researchers who can share knowledge of evidence-based adaptations and their success in Alaska, and 3) maintains a ‘resource library’ where items such as guidance documents and example implementation plans can be accessed by all participants. 

The fellow will be responsible for sustaining the community of practice for the duration of the fellowship and will have developed a robust resource library by the completion of the fellowship. The fellow will lead the development of associated outreach materials and will share community of practice  success stories in various outlets, such as newsletters. The fellow will have the opportunity to prepare a journal publication about the community of practice near the completion of the fellowship. 

The fellow will also have the opportunity to support the Center for Climate and Health in providing technical assistance to regional and community organizations working to prioritize health-related adaptation recommendations and developing action plans for implementation. Technical assistance may include identifying and developing monitoring programs that can help a community or region have increased situational awareness of potential concerns programs (e.g., harmful algal bloom surveillance) and greater ability to respond in a timely manner. The fellow will have the opportunity to participate in monitoring or observing networks that align with their interest and the needs of the center. For example, the fellow may choose to become involved with the Local Environmental Observer (LEO) network as a consultant on a particular climate and health issue. 

Anticipated Travel:

The fellow will be expected to attend NOAA’s peer-to-peer sharing event in 2027. The fellow will also have the opportunity to travel to rural and urban communities across Alaska. From 2025 to 2027, the Center for Climate and Health intends to travel to approximately 12 rural communities each year to provide in-person technical assistance for implementing health-specific adaptations. The fellow will have the opportunity to join Center staff on several of these trips to support adaptation activities and gain experience traveling to and working in remote Alaska communities. Additionally, there are several conferences in Alaska that the fellow may choose to attend and present on fellowship activities, such as the One Health conference at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Travel outside of Alaska for a climate and health conference will be considered given adequate remaining travel funds.

Desired Qualifications:

We are seeking a fellow with an interest in coastal resilience issues, experience working on climate and health in the Arctic, and knowledge of Alaska Native cultures and the Alaska Tribal Health System. Experience working in remote Alaska communities, with specific knowledge of climate and health issues in these areas is a plus. The fellow should be a self-starter who is skilled in building and sustaining partnerships, working independently, and communicating effectively with different audiences. At least two years of work experience in climate and health, One Health, or environmental health is preferred. A master’s degree in a related field is also preferred. Those who have experience working on climate and health issues in Alaska and have a nontraditional educational background are also encouraged to apply.

Fellow Mentoring:

Sarah Yoder will serve as the primary mentor, though the fellow will also have the opportunity to interact with other Climate Initiatives Program staff. Ms. Yoder manages the Center for Climate and Health, which is part of the Climate Initiatives Program at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. She will be leading the climate and health–related activities within the overall grant project. Ms. Yoder will provide professional development advice and support, ensure the fellow is integrated into the project team and office, and will look for opportunities for the fellow to gain skills and experience, in addition to supervising their project work. She has significant experience mentoring fellows from a variety of work and educational backgrounds.

To apply, please upload the following materials in one PDF file:

• Resume (two-page limit)
• Statement of interest, where the candidate describes what they hope to gain from the fellowship experience and what they can contribute. Candidates should also highlight any connections to or special interests in the region, including Indigenous or local knowledge and relevant life experiences (500-word limit)
• Unofficial academic transcripts to show coursework (or joint services transcript for veterans)
• Two professional or academic references (names and contact information)