Southeast Fish Conservation Manager- St. Petersburg, FL

Organization: Ocean Conservancy

Position Title: Southeast Fish Conservation Manager

Location: St. Petersburg, Florida

Hours and Compensation: full time, industry standard

Application Deadline: not given

Organization Overview

Ocean Conservancy’s Fish Conservation program is a dynamic, multi-faceted initiative focused on achieving sustainable fisheries in our nation’s waters with an emphasis on the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific. Ocean Conservancy has played a key leadership role in transitioning our nation’s fisheries towards a sustainable future. Past accomplishments include securing significant improvements to our nation’s fisheries management laws in 1996 and 2007, transitioning regional fisheries to long-term sustainability through the adoption of science-based management plans, by catch reduction measures and protection of essential fish habitats, along with the establishment of the first science-based rebuilding plan for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. We will continue this leadership role by working at both the national and regional levels to ensure the development and implementation of laws and policies consistent with sustainable fisheries by developing science-based conservation policies and practices, implementing incentive-based measures, ensuring accountability within the fishery management system and building support among fishery stakeholders and decision-makers.

Description

The Fish Conservation Manager will lead a team of professionals to ensure that management policies and decisions continue to transition fisheries to long-term sustainability and will coordinate with other teams to ensure full restoration of the Gulf of Mexico. We envision healthy and productive oceans that support resilient ecosystems and coastal communities.

Responsibilities

This position manages our efforts in the Southeastern United States to secure Ocean Conservancy’s Fish Conservation program objectives. As such, this position is charged with managing the development and implementation of Ocean Conservancy’s sustainable fisheries conservation policy strategy in the Southeast region. Other responsibilities include developing, communicating and advocating organizational positions and priorities that lead to sustainable fish populations and fishing communities. The Fish Conservation Manager will manage the activities of the Fish Conservation team in the Southeast region, track progress and achievements in conservation goals and ensure the team has the resources, direction and guidance to excel. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining effective team relationships with state and federal government officials, the news media, non-governmental organization colleagues, the academic community, industry groups and other stakeholders in the region. The position will also facilitate close collaboration with our team of proven oil spill response and restoration leaders to achieve meaningful and lasting ecologic and economic restoration in the Gulf. Finally, the Fish Conservation Manager will be responsible for the development and adaptive management of regional fisheries conservation work plans and budgets to ensure our sustainable fishery goals are achieved.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Directing the day-to-day activity of a multi-disciplinary team of Ocean Conservancy experts to develop and implement policy and advocacy strategies that achieve desired conservation outcomes in the Southeast region.
• Supervising regional Fish Conservation program staff including providing regular direction and advice, necessary mentoring and support that leads to excellence and accountability.
• Developing and advocating Ocean Conservancy positions on fish conservation to a diverse audience including decision-makers, stakeholders, the media and the public through research, writing, oral and written testimony, position papers and reports.
• Facilitating coordination with Ocean Conservancy’s team of proven oil spill response and restoration leaders and experts to produce meaningful outcomes for the Gulf of Mexico and its communities.
• Facilitating coordination with Ocean Conservancy’s U.S. Fish Conservation program.
• Managing the preparation, implementation and monitoring of project work plans and budgets.
• Tracking and reporting on regional staff activities and achievements.
• Developing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with colleagues in government agencies, regional fishery management councils, industry groups, scientific and academic communities, and non-governmental organizations.
• In consultation with other Ocean Conservancy departments, informing Ocean Conservancy members, activists, funders and the public through press releases, newsletter articles, workshops, brochures, action alerts, media interviews and grant reports.
• Enhancing and maintaining professional knowledge of current and emerging fish and marine ecosystem conservation issues.

Qualifications

Education requirements: Master’s degree, fisheries biology, marine biology, environmental science, environmental management, public policy, law

• Ability to effectively supervise staff, develop and manage project work plans and budgets, and lead a team of experts to achieve meaningful results.
• In-depth knowledge of fishery management laws, systems and policies.
• Two or more years’ experience in professional conservation, public policy, program management or other relevant field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, demonstrated advocacy skills and the ability to communicate complex scientific or technical concepts to policy and lay audiences (written samples will be requested).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in the Gulf of Mexico region desired.

Other/Personal Characteristics:

• A strategic thinker who can bring the creativity, energy, discipline and commitment needed to execute our fisheries policy and advocacy work.
• A high-level performer who remains attentive to details and adheres strictly to deadlines and deliverables while keeping a larger vision in mind.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Highly collaborative with an appreciation of the benefit of a multi-disciplinary team approach.

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 “Southeast Firsh Conservation Manager – ID – #1320” in the subject line.