Fish Conservation Analyst

Austin, TX, or St. Petersburg, FL

Position Title: Fish Conservation Analyst
Department: Conservation Programs
Reports To: Director, Fish Conservation Management
Duration: Full-Time
Location: Austin, TX, or St. Petersburg, FL

PROJECT OVERVIEW:
The Fish Conservation Analyst will assist Ocean Conservancy in its goal of securing sustainable U.S. fisheries and healthy ocean ecosystems. To this end, the Analyst is responsible for ensuring that state and federal management policies and decisions are consistent with applicable conservation laws. The Analyst will work with a larger team of Ocean Conservancy scientists, attorneys, policy advocates, communications and outreach specialists to achieve our goals. This work will focus on our efforts in the Gulf of Mexico region.

BASIC FUNCTIONS
In coordination with other Ocean Conservancy staff, develops, reviews, communicates and implements organizational positions on fish policy issues to achieve organizational goals. Reviews state and federal fishery management and wildlife protection laws to ensure that state and federal policies are consistent with these laws.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Researches applicable fish and wildlife conservation and management laws to ensure state and federal decisions and policies are consistent with relevant law.
• Assists in the review and drafting of oral and written comments to state and federal decision-makers.
• Researches, formulates, and advocates legally and scientifically-sound marine fish conservation policies before federal and state fish managers, regulators, legislators, media, and the public.
• Monitors, researches and analyzes relevant administrative, legislative and judicial developments in fisheries management and policy.
• Monitors marine fish conservation issues and policy through attendance at agency and regional fishery management council meetings, state fish and wildlife commission meetings, public hearings, congressional hearings, professional meetings and conferences, and through government, industry, and scientific literature.
• Explains Ocean Conservancy positions on marine fish conservation to Executive and Legislative branch officials and staff, the media, and the public.
• Maintains cooperative and effective working relationships with colleagues in government agencies, regional fishery management councils, industry groups, scientific and academic communities, and other conservation groups.
• Serves as a liaison with the External Affairs team to ensure accurate information on fisheries management and policy is used to inform Ocean Conservancy members, activists, and the public through press releases, newsletter articles, workshops, brochures, action alerts and media interviews.
• Enhances and maintains professional knowledge of current and emerging fish and marine ecosystem conservation and management issues.
• Works with other staff attorneys and outside counsel representing Ocean Conservancy in litigation.
• Other duties as identified to help achieve program goals.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Law degree with two to five years of experience in environmental advocacy. Graduate or undergraduate degree in marine or environmental science and familiarity with federal marine conservation laws preferred. Demonstrated skill with administrative and legislative advocacy preferred. Excellent writing and communication skills, strong organizational skills and ability to work within a team and independently are essential. Ability to work with minimal supervision, set priorities among competing projects, achieve objectives and meet deadlines, resolve routine problems independently, and recognize and work with supervisor to resolve complex or unusual problems. Willingness to travel and work long hours when required by project objectives. Demonstrated commitment to marine fish or environmental conservation in the public interest is essential. Strong computer skills are also essential.

OTHER/PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong computer and organization skills required including efficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are necessary for success.
• A high degree of confidentially is required with respect for the sensitivity of information.
• Must be a good listener with the ability to problem solve. Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees throughout the organization is required as well as the ability to be highly responsive to the needs of OC employees in a fast paced environment.
• Must have the ability to work independently, exercising good judgment, while at the same time working as an important part of the HR/Finance team to meet departmental and organizational goals.
• Must be able to handle multiple projects at once within a limited timeframe with the ability to diplomatically prioritize changing demands and remain attentive to details and adhere strictly to deadlines and deliverables while keeping a larger vision in mind.

BECOMING AN OCEAN CONSERVANCY TEAM MEMBER:
This position is available immediately. Ocean Conservancy offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. We welcome candidates with a dedication to conservation and a commitment to leveraging the power of partnerships for policy change.

Ocean Conservancy staff use and value our resources—time, talent, and money—to achieve powerful policy gains for the protection of the ocean that sustains all life. We’re dedicated to long-term issues, not to trendy campaigns, and we create sustainable solutions based on science, not ideology. We see the big picture and offer realistic solutions to protect the ocean and improve our quality of life.

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 with your resume and salary expectations to: jobs@oceanconservancy.org and note your name and "Fish Conservation Analyst #1004" in the subject line.

Ocean Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.