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Climate Adaptation Specialist information

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$36K

$68.4K

$116K

How much do climate adaptation specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for climate adaptation specialist in the United States is $68,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a climate adaptation specialist?

A Climate Adaptation Specialist is a professional who helps communities, organizations, or governments prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change. They assess climate risks, develop strategies to reduce vulnerabilities, and implement adaptation plans to protect people, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Their work often involves collaborating with scientists, policymakers, and the public to ensure effective and sustainable adaptation measures are in place. These specialists play a critical role in building resilience to climate-related hazards such as extreme weather, sea level rise, and shifting ecosystems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a climate adaptation specialist?

To thrive as a Climate Adaptation Specialist, a solid background in environmental science, climate policy, and risk assessment—often supported by a relevant degree and experience in climate-related projects—is essential. Familiarity with GIS software, climate modeling tools, and certifications such as the Certified Climate Change Professional (CC-P) are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, stakeholder engagement, and effective communication skills set top professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing, implementing, and communicating adaptive strategies that build resilience to climate impacts.

What are some common challenges faced by climate adaptation specialists when working with diverse stakeholders?

Climate Adaptation Specialists often collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, community groups, and private sector partners. One common challenge is balancing differing priorities and perspectives, as each stakeholder may have unique concerns regarding climate risks and adaptation strategies. Effective communication, cultural sensitivity, and negotiation skills are essential for building consensus and ensuring that adaptation plans are both practical and inclusive. Addressing resource limitations and integrating scientific data with local knowledge are also key aspects of the role.

What are popular job titles related to Climate Adaptation Specialist jobs?

For Climate Adaptation Specialist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Climate Adaptation Specialist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,438 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Climate Adaptation Specialist I

Bethel, AK • On-site

Association of Village Council Presidents
Civic and Social Organizations • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Association of Village Council Presidentsexternal

$52K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist with developing and updating emergency response, hazard mitigation, and emergency operations plans.

  • Plan, organize, and conduct community exercises and drills to practice using emergency response plans.

  • Support emergency response, coordination, and planning efforts during incidents.

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Climate Adaptation and Emergency Management (CAEM) Program Manager, the Climate Adaptation Specialists support Tribes and communities prepare for and adapt to climate-related risks including emergency response planning. Two positions are being offered through this announcement with opportunities to specialize in one of two tracks. The two specialization tracks for the Climate Adaptation Specialist 2 are Environmental Risk Specialist and Hazardous Fuels Specialist. This position is initially supported through a subaward from the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, as part of their award under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Resilience Regional Challenge. The role will contribute to broader regional climate and disaster resilience initiatives, with a focus on community-driven training and planning.
SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CLIMATE ADAPTATION SPECIALIST 1. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Assist with developing and updating plans including Small Community Emergency Response Plans (SCERPs), Hazard Mitigation Plans (HMPs), and Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs).
  • Assist with planning, organizing, and conducting community exercises and drills for practice using SCERPs, HMPs, and EOPs.
  • Become familiar with the Incident Command System (ICS) and complete FEMA Independent Study courses within first year.
  • Support emergency response, coordination, and planning efforts in the event of an incident.
  • Become familiar with ArcGIS tools for use in risk assessment, hazard and community planning, and disaster aid.
  • Assist in hazard mapping and risk identification using GPS, GIS, drone and satellite imagery, and remote sensing tools.
  • Assist with preparing technical reports, maps, and data summaries for internal and external use.
  • Assist in creating and updating maps using ArcGIS software to support climate adaptation and emergency management projects.
  • Participate in training and professional development to advance skills to support community and regional climate adaptation and emergency management initiatives.
  • Adhere to safety protocols and regulatory compliance during all field activities.
  • Communicate effectively with team members and partners to support project, program, and organizational goals.
  • Contribute to grant writing, project reporting, and data management to support climate adaptation and emergency management funding.
  • Provide progress updates to supervisors via regularly scheduled meetings and as needed.
  • Collect environmental samples (soil, water, permafrost, etc.) and assist in analysis in coordination with partner laboratories and agencies.

SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CLIMATE ADAPTATION SPECIALIST 2 in addition to responsibilities for Climate Adaptation Specialist 1. Other duties may be assigned.
Environmental Risk Specialist:
  • Lead efforts to map baselines and hazards such as flood zones, erosion, permafrost degradation, and other climate and extreme event vulnerabilities identified by Tribes.
  • Work with Tribes to develop projects to mitigate environmental risks.
  • Prepare technical reports, maps, and data summaries for internal and external use.
  • Lead the creation of maps and tools using ArcGIS to support climate adaptation and emergency management projects.
  • Provide training and support to CAEM team members on the use of ArcGIS tools and remotely sensed data and information.
  • Lead the creation of a Regional Response Atlas.

Hazardous Fuels Specialist:
  • Lead efforts to map and analyze hazards such dead and diseased trees, overgrowth of grasses or shrubs, climate-driven environmental changes, and other fire risks and vulnerabilities.
  • Plan and lead mapping projects for fuel breaks, defensible areas, and other wildland fire mitigation measures.
  • Apply knowledge of wildland fire behavior and fuel types in the field.
  • Provide training and support to CAEM team members on wildland fire behavior and fuel risk reduction strategies.
  • Lead and coordinate with ground crews on prescribed burns and mechanical fuel treatments, such as trimming and clearing trees, brush, and debris to reduce fire risk.
  • Use fire modeling and ArcGIS tools to identify and manage fire-prone areas.
  • Lead the preparation of technical reports, maps, and data summaries for internal and external use.

Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Effective communication and teamwork skills.
  • Basic computer skills including Microsoft suite of tools and willingness to learn specialized software such as ArcGIS.
  • Ability to work outdoors in various weather and terrain conditions.
  • Physical capability to carry equipment weighing up to 50 lbs and hike moderate distances.
  • Ability to follow safety protocols and work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Comfortable with in-region travel, including by small plane, boat, snowmachine, and/or ice road.
  • Understanding of climate impacts and emergency management needs specific to Arctic/sub-Arctic regions, coastal areas, and Alaska Native communities and the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
  • Experience working with or within Tribal organizations or rural Alaska Native communities.
  • Proficiency in data collection tools (GPS, field logbooks, digital data entry, basic GIS).
  • Valid driver's license and ability to pass background check.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Minimum: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Preferred: Associate or bachelor's degree in environmental science, natural resource management, climate science, geology, engineering, emergency management, community planning, remote sensing or a related technical field OR equivalent work experience in Tribal environmental programs.
  • Preferred: Experience or certification in ArcGIS software, wildland firefighting, forestry, environmental fieldwork, emergency response/management, or climate adaptation.
  • Preferred: Fluency in the Yup'ik Language.

Salary Description
$52,620-$78,929

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