KAWERAK POSITION DESCRIPTION
Location: Nome, AK
Recruitment Length: Closes Thursday 3/19/26
DIVISION: Natural Resources
JOB TITLE: Marine Debris Cleanup Coordinator
POSITION STATUS: Regular, Full Time
EXEMPT STATUS: Non-Exempt
PAY RANGE: 12-13-14 ($31.16 – $51.09)
REPORTS TO: Environmental Program Director
Kawerak, Inc. is a non-profit organization that relies on federal agency and grant funding primarily to fund positions. This position is funded by agency or grant funding. This means that this position, as with all positions at Kawerak, is subject to availability of funding each year to continue to fund the position.
The Marine Debris Cleanup Coordinator (Coordinator) will facilitate and supervise marine debris cleanups in and around the Bering Strait region, conduct planning and logistics for all cleanup and training events, and work with communities to hire local workers. Coordinator will work with a planning and training team and directly supervise part-time workers at events. The Coordinator reports to the Environmental Program Director and will work with the larger Environmental Program team.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Assist the Program Director with program planning and development and ensure implementation of project goals and objectives. This includes developing program and grant progress reports, assisting with grant applications, and working with state and federal agencies.
2. Work with regional entities, community members, key stakeholders, and local village leadership to ensure the success of grant expectations and outcome measures.
3. Present information about the Kawerak Marine Debris Program to communities within the Bering Strait Region to educate residents about what the program offers. Guide and assist communities in assessing marine debris contamination in their area, providing a plan for cleanup, facilitating proper disposal of material, and giving regular project updates to leadership.
4. Be willing and able to travel to communities and lead marine debris cleanup events for the full duration of the event.
5. Utilize a variety of methods to educate the public about the program including social media, website updates, and presentations. Presentations will be given once a year to a statewide audience.
6. Assist communities with marine debris location documentation by using GPS, drone, photos, or other means.
7. Plan for and procure supplies and equipment for various marine debris cleanups around the region, many of which may take approximately 5-7 days per cleanup. A variety of methods will need to be used to accommodate the unique nature of each place.
8. Travel to and attend various meetings or trainings for the program, including out of region and in-region travel.
9. Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Bachelor’s degree plus two (2) years of work experience in the environmental field. Work experience in related fields may be substituted for the degree requirement on a year for year basis.
2. Supervisory experience preferred.
3. Wilderness 1st Aid certification preferred with a willingness to obtain certifications once hired.
4. FAA Part 107 drone certification preferred with a willingness to obtain certification once hired.
5. Must have strong written and oral communication, organization, and Microsoft Excel and Word experience.
6. Must be willing and able to travel inside and outside the region
7. Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record are preferred.
8. Experience in cross-cultural and rural settings preferred.
9. Must be willing to attend evening and weekend functions as required.
10. Must be dependable, self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
Native Preference per P.L. 93-638 Approved (2-12-2026)
SLOTTING:
12: BA +2 years work experience or 4 years work experience
13: BA +4 years work experience or 6 years work experience
14: BA +6 years work experience or 8 years work experience