Policy Analyst, Fish Conservation Program – St. Petersburg, FL

Organization: Ocean Conservancy

Position Title: Policy Analyst, Fish Conservation Program

Location: St. Petersburg, FL

Hours & Compensation: Full-time. Salary Commensurate with experience.

Application Deadline: None posted.

Organization Overview:

Our country’s ocean and coasts today face an era of unprecedented activity. Different uses are all competing to stake their claims on the ocean without proper planning that puts conservation first. In fact, the way the United States currently manages its ocean is fundamentally flawed. More than 20 federal agencies apply 140 laws in pursuit of their departmental mandates, often in isolation from each other. Ocean Conservancy is working to remedy this situation by promoting coastal and marine spatial planning to protect, maintain, and restore healthy marine ecosystems while allowing sustainable economic development. Ocean Conservancy led efforts that resulted in coastal and marine spatial planning’s being included in the National Ocean Policy promulgated by President Barack Obama by Executive Order in July 2010.

Description: 

The Policy Analyst’s primary responsibility is advocating for Ocean Conservancy’s sustainable fisheries platforms and priorities in the Gulf of MExico and South Atlantic US fishery management council processes. Day-to-day work involves close coordination with the Deputy Director of Fish Conservation to analyze ongoing and emerging regional and national fishery management issues, development appropriate advocacy  platforms that lead to sustainable fish populations and fishing communities (including written and oral comments0, and communicate fish conservation positions and priorities to both internal and external audiences. The Policy Analyst will be expected to collaborate with a team of Ocean Conservancy experts, state and federal government officials, the news media, non-governmental organization colleagues, the academic community, industry groups and other stakeholders in the region to achieve program goals. This position will also work with the restoration team to achieve meaningful and lasting ecologic and economic restoration in the Gulf. Finally, the Policy Analyst will assist with the development and management of work plans and budgets to ensure our sustainable fisheries goals are achieved.

Responsibilities:

• Working with a multi-disciplinary team of Ocean Conservancy experts to develop and implement strategies that achieve desired conservation outcomes.
• Advocacy of Ocean Conservancy positions with diverse audiences including decision-makers, stakeholders, the media and the public through research, analysis, writing, oral and written testimony, position papers, and reports.
• Working collaboratively with Ocean Conservancy’s restoration team to produce meaningful marine restoration outcomes for the Gulf of MExico and its communities.
• Achieving fish conservation program objectives through implementing and monitoring project workplans in line with available resources.
• Maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with colleagues in government agencies, regional fishery management councils, industry groups, scientific and academic communities, and non-governemntal organizations.
• In consultation with Ocean Conservancy staff, informing Ocean Conservancy members, activists, funders and the public through press releases, newsletter articles, workshops, brochures, action alerts, media interviews, and grant reports.

Qualifications:

• Two years or more of professional conservation, public policy, program management, or other relevant experience.
• Ability to effectively work within a team of experts and manage project work plans and budgets to secure meaningful results.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, as are demonstrated advocacy skills, and the ability to communicate complex scientific or technical concepts to policy and lay audiences (written samples may be requested).
• Ability to travel often, primarily throughout the Southeast and to Washington, DC.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in the Southeast US region preferred.
• Advanced degree preferred in fisheries science, marine biology, environmental science, environmental management, environmental policy, law, or closely related field.
• In-depth knowledge of fishery management laws, systems and policies.

How to Apply:

If you think you have what it takes to join Ocean Conservancy’s team, please send a cover letter speaking to your qualifications and abilities along with your resume and salary expectations to: [email protected] and note your name and “Policy Analyst, Fish Conservation Program #1307” in the subject line.

Contact Information:

Ocean Conservancy, http://www.oceanconservancy.org

1300 19th Street NW, 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20036

Job URL: http://www.oceanconservancy.org/who-we-are/job-listings/policy-analyst-fish.html