Summary Job Goal: The Legal & Natural Resources Policy Specialist will collaborate with and directly support AVCP’s Natural Resources Program from within the Legal Department. The position will collaborate closely with the General Counsel, CEO, and AVCP’s Advocacy Team to advance salmon resilience initiatives and address regulatory and policy challenges impacting the AVCP region. This position will play a critical role in advancing sustainable fisheries management and rural subsistence protections. This position is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to reduce salmon bycatch in commercial fishing operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and promoting best practices that support ecosystem health in collaboration with AVCP’s AYK Salmon Attorney. The role involves close collaboration with industry stakeholders, scientific advisors, and regulatory agencies to design innovative solutions that minimize bycatch while maintaining operational efficiency.

Performance Responsibilities: Include the following –

Policy Development & Advocacy

• Lead efforts to incorporate salmon resilience into organizational policy frameworks, ensuring alignment with federal, state, and Tribal priorities.
• Draft and advocate for legislation and regulatory changes that reduce salmon bycatch and protect critical habitats.
• Represent the organization in policy forums, including the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, Alaska Board of Fisheries, and Tribal Advisory Councils.

Strategic Engagement

• Build and support coalitions with Tribal governments, NGOs, and industry stakeholders to advance salmon conservation and bycatch reduction strategies. Be the primary Legal POC for AVCP support of the AYKTC and the NBSCRSA TAC.
• Coordinate testimony and position papers for congressional hearings and agency consultations on salmon resilience and food security.

Monitoring & Research Integration

• Oversee monitoring programs to track salmon populations, bycatch rates, and ecosystem health in collaboration with and support of AVCP’s Natural Resources Program.
• Promote integration of Traditional Knowledge with scientific research in policy recommendations.

Education & Outreach

• Develop communication campaigns to raise awareness of salmon resilience issues among policymakers, industry, and the public in collaboration with AVCP’s communications department.
• Provide training and resources for community advocates to engage effectively in fisheries management processes.

Crisis Response & Resilience Planning

• Lead emergency advocacy initiatives during periods of salmon population collapse or regulatory changes.
• Design resilience strategies addressing food security, cultural continuity, and economic impacts in affected communities.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure organizational compliance with all relevant fisheries regulations and conservation mandates.
• Prepare detailed reports on advocacy outcomes, policy changes, and measurable impacts on salmon resilience.

Other Duties as Assigned

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS:

• Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or master’s degree in public policy, Political Science, Environmental Studies, Fisheries Management, or a related field.

• (Equivalent experience may be considered instead of formal education.) Strong knowledge of the legal or cultural issues impacting the AYK salmon crisis and Alaska Native subsistence rights.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with or on behalf of tribal governments, Alaska Native Corporations, or Indigenous communities. At least 5 years of experience working in or with Tribal governments or Tribal management with a general understanding of Alaska Native Tribal advocacy efforts, including engagement in fisheries, conservation, or cultural resource protection.
• OR Minimum of 5 years of experience in policy development, advocacy, or strategic planning.
• Excellent writing, communication, and research skills.
• Commitment to environmental justice and Indigenous sovereignty.

WORKING CONSIDERATIONS

• May involve travel to rural communities, tribal hearings, field investigations, and stakeholder meetings.
• Hybrid remote work with in-person periods in Bethel may be available depending on candidate qualifications and organizational needs. In-person work preferred.