An official website of the United States government.

This is not the current EPA website. To navigate to the current EPA website, please go to www.epa.gov. This website is historical material reflecting the EPA website as it existed on January 19, 2021. This website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work. More information »

Careers

Profiles of Members of the Native-American Community at EPA: Alan Moomaw

Profiles of Members of the Native-American Community at EPA


Alan Moomaw

Alan Moomaw, Tribal Coordinator
EPA Region 10 - Washington Operations Office
Lacey, WA

Where were you born?

Omak, Washington (on the Colville Indian Reservation).

What is your tribal affiliation(s)? 

I am a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian reservation, and I'm also of Okanogan, Nespelem, Chinook, Sisseton, Yankton, Assiniboine, Kutenai and Ojibwa mixed descent.

What brought you to EPA?

While in graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I became involved with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES).  I attended an AISES conference in Dallas, where I met an EPA recruiter at the career fair.  Since I was interested in returning home to the Pacific Northwest, I eventually got a position with EPA Region 10 in the Washington Operations Office, working with tribal governments.   

Describe the type of work you do at EPA.

I work as a tribal coordinator. Among my duties, I serve as a liaison to different tribal governments. I also manage several assistance projects to assigned tribal governments located in Washington State.  A large share of the work involves serving as a tribal grants project officer. 

Did you go to vocational school or college? What was your major?

I went to Washington State University, where I got a bachelor of science degree in forest management & a minor in Native American studies (GO COUGS!!). I later attended graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the Institute for Environmental Studies/Land Resources Program.

What message would you like to send other American Indians/Alaska Natives who are considering college or a career at EPA?

I admit that leaving home is a big step and it takes courage to do so.  I’d encourage you to check out support organizations like the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, where you can find mentors and make lifelong friendships.  EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment is a wonderful calling.   I’ve been privileged to be able to work with tribal governments in assisting the development of tribal environmental capacity. So, follow your path forward and have a good journey.

Top of Page