Marine Protected Area Network Specialist- American Samoa

The American Samoan Government is soliciting candidates for the Marine Protected Area Network Specialist (MPA Specialist), working within the Governor’s Coral Reef Advisory Group (CRAG). The Coral Reef Initiative Coordinator is the direct supervisor and will be heavily involved in the day-to-day efforts, as well as the integration of CRAG’s programs with other ongoing federal and territorial efforts, including the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, American Samoa National Parks, and other CRAG activities. The Chief Fishery Biologist of DMWR will act as a co-supervisor with particular focus concerning the ongoing Community-based Fishery Management Program and No-Take Program. The MPA Specialist will be housed at the Department of Commerce (DoC), yet will work for all of the CRAG agencies rather than any particular one. As such, the Network Specialist will report to the primary agencies of the Territorial MPA Network and keep them informed of ongoing progress/activities.

General Description

The Marine Protected Area Network Specialist will build-upon and assist the managed marine network areas as well as implement sections of the American Samoa Marine Protected Area Network Strategy (MPA Network Strategy). The agencies that constitute the MPA Network include the American Samoa Department of Commerce (ASDOC), Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR), National Park of American Samoa (NPAS), Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (FBNMS), American Samoa Coastal Management Program (ASCMP), American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), American Samoa Community College (ASCC), Department of Parks and Recreation (ASDPR), and the Office of Samoan Affairs.

The MPA Network Strategy was developed to link MPA programs and agencies together to be more effective and efficient given each programs’ mandates, resources and funding through enhanced on-the-ground implementation, integration of education, research and monitoring, enforcement, and program administration. The goal of the MPA Network Strategy is to enhance existing MPAs and to develop a network of MPAs to ensure the long-term health and sustainable use of the Territory’s coral reef resources. The MPA Network Strategy includes capacity building and training programs and performance measures that monitor the progress and success of the network, and will also serve to facilitate, support and enhance the designation and management of no-take MPAs that will protect 20% of the Territory’s coral reef ecosystems. Additionally, the Coral Reef Initiative Coordinator and the Chief Fishery Biologist of DMWR shall jointly coordinate the efforts of the MPA Network to contribute to the ongoing Two Samoas Initiative.

The MPA Network Specialist, working collaboratively with the MPA network team and other local interested stakeholders, will be responsible for implementing a wide array of protection and management tasks, including the following:

General responsibilities:

• Assist in the bio-reconnaissance surveys and initial monitoring of sites in the No-Take Marine Protected Area Program;

• Assist with specific activities surrounding the designation of new ‘no-take areas’ through collaboration between DMWR and the communities in American Samoa

• Ensure that the local MPA efforts are in line with the National Framework of MPAs and that the locally established MPAs are listed as part of the National System of MPAs

• Serve as a point of contact in coordinating MPA activities between American Samoa and the Independent State of Samoa under the Two Samoa Initiative to support the development of an archipelagic network of co-managed MPAs;

• Coordinate regular MPA Network meetings and update all member agencies with minutes of the meetings as well as information of upcoming activities and funding opportunities etc.

• Serve as the liaison for MPA related requests for information from off island.Provide coordination between the territorial and federally managed MPAs to implement the activities and tasks laid out in the MPA Network Strategy; (see attached strategy update)

• Provide progress reports of the accomplishments to the MPA Network member agencies;

• Oversee periodic and regular evaluations of the MPA Network Strategy and integrate feedback and necessary adaptive changes into the Network when necessary;

• Develop projects to support the implementation activities for the designated network of MPAs.

Qualifications and Experience:

The Government of American Samoa is seeking a highly skilled professional with exceptional collaborative skills, a background in marine biology, natural resources, education or policy, and demonstrated leadership skills, to initiate and oversee the implementation of the MPA Network Strategy. The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrated technical understanding and experience working with all aspects of marine protected area management and program evaluation;

• Expert knowledge and understanding of coral reef ecosystems as well as marine policy, science and education;

• Working knowledge and demonstrated experience of experimental and survey design;

• Experience in resource evaluation and monitoring, particularly reef fish and benthic resources;

• Proven capacity to work with, and enhance relationships with, a diverse group of stakeholders including communities, government agency staff, researchers, educators, and enforcement personnel;

• Experience living and working in another culture, preferably a Pacific island community;

• SCUBA certified;

• Competency with basic computer skills including word processing, development of spreadsheets and presentations and preferably GIS skills;

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, including experience with writing and successfully acquiring grants;

• Experience in coordinating meetings and management groups preferably with an emphasis on effective resource management;

• Experience in developing recommendations and preparing clear and well-organized reports;

• Strong interpersonal, listening and facilitation skills;

• Experience in management;

• The individual should be highly organized, communicative, and self-motivated; and

• Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively as a member of a team and to effectively prioritize workloads.

How To Apply: