Staff Scientist – Highlands, NJ

Organization: Clean Ocean Action

Job Title: Staff Scientist

Location:Highlands, NJ

Hours and Compensation: Full time

Application Deadline: October 31, 2013

Posted on: October 22, 2013

Organization Overview:

Clean Ocean Action (COA) is a broad-based coalition of 125 active boating, business, community, conservation, diving, environmental, fishing, religious, service, student, surfing, and women’s groups.  These “Ocean Wavemakers” work to clean up and protect the waters of the New York Bight.  The groups came together in 1984 to investigate sources, effects, and solutions of ocean pollution.  What follows is a description of the network.

Under the guidance of COA’s Board of Trustees, COA’s staff researches pollution issues affecting the marine environment, then formulates policy and campaigns to eliminate each pollution source. The staff then coordinates and organizes the Ocean Wavemakers (Participating Organizations, Concerned Businesses, Educators for a Clean Ocean, and Concerned Citizens) to use their individual experience and expertise to help. Press events, rallies, writing letters, making phone calls, testifying at public hearings, and distributing literature are just some of the ways members of the coalition become involved.

Description:

The staff scientist is the primary technical expert on ocean pollution issues for Clean Ocean Action (COA), a non-profit marine advocacy coalition. The Staff Scientist investigates issues, identifies solutions, and develops positions and outreach materials. The scientist will oversee the scientific aspects of COA’s programs and will advocate on COA’s behalf. Time allowing, publishing in technical journals and presenting at conferences are encouraged, upon approval. Work produced by COA, including verbal statements, is always factual and research must be documented.

Responsibilities:

• In consultation with COA’s Executive Director, plan the direction of the science/policy research and advocacy issues
• Help to shape regional and national ocean protection policies
• Monitor issues and respond proactively
• Investigate and evaluate proposals, regulations, projects and issues, and prepare comments
• Write, prepare, and collaborate on policy/technical reports and position statements on water quality or related issues
• Advocate, communicate, and coordinate technical and policy issues with a diversity of people including policy, legal, and outreach experts, coalition members, media, students, and citizens
• Consult with legal team to define and organize legal positions and actions
• Network with research scientists to review topics and develop positions
• Network with the regional community, other groups, and government staff as needed
• Develop, organize and facilitate workshops and meetings as needed
• In collaboration with Education Coordinator, coordinate the Sustainable Jersey Blue Star Program
• Represent COA at local, regional, and national levels and attend scientific meetings
• Train and advise interns in marine science/public policy
• Citizen and public outreach, and organizational support:
  • Conduct public presentations on issues.
  • Write newsletter articles and keep website updated on science related matters.
  • Provide citizens with information, as needed.
  • Assist in outreach on water quality topics.
  • Assist with grants proposals and annual reports, as needed.
• Otherwise act at the discretion of the Executive Director

Qualifications:

• • Ph.D. preferred, Master’s degree required
  • Strong communication skills, ability to talk to multiple audiences and clearly express complex science and government processes
  • Desire to protect and improve coastal waters
  • Ability to multitask on multiple, diverse projects
  • Networking skills
  • Knowledgeable about watersheds and coastal oceanography, especially water and sediment quality issues (BEACH Act, dredging, pollution)
  • Team player, desire to be part of grassroots initiatives
  • Familiarity of legal documents, regulations, and compliance issues
  • Familiarity with mapping applications and GIS for marine spatial planning and data analysis
  • • Maintain focus and message on pollution prevention
    • Stay current on state/federal policies, regulations and rules
    • Update relevant programs and information on COA’s website
    • Manage “science” email account
    • Support and promote development efforts

How to Apply:

Please send a cover letter, CV, three references with affiliations, one writing sample, and salary expectations to [email protected].