Local Research Assistant

Not a remote or hybrid position. This role requires 100% onsite work in Cordova, Alaska.

• The Native Village of Eyak (NVE) is a federally recognized Tribal government based in Cordova, Alaska —a remote, roadless community nestled between the eastern Chugach Mountains and the waters of Prince William Sound.
• Our ancestral homelands have long served as a traditional gathering place for the Eyak, Aleut, Tlingit, and Athabascan peoples and span more than 55 million acres of land and sea
  , encompassing the Copper River Delta and the Northern Gulf of Alaska
  . This territory reflects the deep, enduring connection our people have to the land and waters that have sustained us for generations.
• NVE is governed by a seven-member elected Council
  , which upholds our Constitution and Bylaws. The Council provides strategic leadership and direction to the Administrative Executive Director and Health Executive Director to implement projects and programs in alignment with a strategic plan.
• The Ilanka Community Health Center is a primary care outpatient clinic serving the Cordova community. As both an Indian Health Service facility and a Community Health Center
  , Ilanka offers affordable, high-quality care through contract health services and sliding fee scales
  . In addition to medical services, Ilanka also provides behavioral health support
  .
• Mission
  :
  Dedicated to exercising our sovereignty to enhance the well‑being of our people, culture, and homelands.
• Vision
  :
  To cultivate a resilient and thriving community where our people are healthy and empowered, our culture is alive, and we honor our lands and waters. Through our relationships, education, healing, and leadership, we uphold our sovereignty and empower current and future generations to sustain our way of life.
• Core Values
  :
  Humility - Accountability - Integrity - Kinship – Respect
• Traditional Values
  :
  God – Loyalty – Humor – Cooperation – Teaching – Cultural Pride – Sharing – Discipline – Language – Respect
• Most positions require or strongly prefer on‑site work in Cordova to ensure the highest quality of services for our Tribal Members.
  Remote work may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis, depending on the nature of the role, and may require regular travel to Cordova.
• NVE is an e‑Verify employer and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.
• In accordance with P.L. 93‑638
  , preference in hiring practices are given to Alaska Native, American Indian, and Native American applicants
  .
• We are committed to equity, access, and inclusion in our hiring process. If you need assistance applying, please contact our HR team at HR@eyak‑nsn.gov

Do you enjoy talking about fishing
, hunting
, and gathering wild foods
?

The Native Village of Eyak is seeking applicants for the role of temporary Local Research Assistants.

• An interest in wild foods
• Ability to write legibly
• Familiarity with Cordova roads

Approx. Late January to February 2026

Work with project staff to conduct in‑person surveys with randomly selected households, advise project staff of local protocols and knowledge, and assist with survey cleanup and research plans.

The Native Village of Eyak and ADF&G Division of Subsistence are working with the Chugach Regional Resources Commission and U.S. Forest Service to update wild food harvest estimates for Cordova. This last update was conducted in 2014, and a lot has changed since then! This research assesses overall harvest and sharing of resources, changes in availability of wild resources, and community member concerns.

It will also document local knowledge through ethnographic interviews. Join this important work!

Position benefits include flexible hours, paid training, and opportunities for additional job responsibilities for those interested in learning more about subsistence research.