Job Opening: Marine Restoration Specialist

LOCATION: New Orleans, LA (St. Petersburg, FL or Austin, TX also possible)
DEPARTMENT: Conservation Program
REPORTS TO: Director, Gulf Restoration Program
DURATION: Full-time

Learn More About the Department/Program:
Ocean Conservancy’s Gulf Restoration program (GRP) is a dynamic initiative focused on the restoration and enhancement of the Gulf of Mexico following the BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster. Ocean Conservancy has provided strategic leadership in addressing key threats facing the Gulf of Mexico for over two decades. Key accomplishments include successfully promoting the use of fishing gear that reduced incidental taking of endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles, transforming regional fishery management systems to focus on science based management plans that end overfishing and restore depleted fish populations, and launching the largest global volunteer event of its kind—the International Coastal Cleanup. We have combined our regional expertise with a seasoned team of Exxon Valdez oil spill experts to ensure the effective restoration and enhancement of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem and its dependent communities. The Marine Restoration Specialist will work in concert with our team of professionals to ensure a science-based and community supported restoration and enhancement effort that delivers positive results for the region and its communities. This will be accomplished by securing support for restoration of the Gulf’s marine environment and establishment of a restoration science program. Ocean Conservancy envisions a healthy and productive Gulf of Mexico that supports resilient ocean ecosystems and coastal communities.

Primary Responsibilities:
The Marine Restoration Specialist is responsible for ensuring that the initiative to restore and enhance the Gulf of Mexico from the BP oil disaster includes the marine environment and a science program that supports successful restoration as integral components. This includes ensuring our partners, business interests, scientific institutions, community leaders and relevant decision-makers understand and adopt recommended marine restoration strategies and a restoration science program as part of the broader restoration effort. The Specialist will work closely with the Directors of the Gulf Restoration Program, Conservation Science, Government Relations, Digital Marketing, Strategic Communications and Constituent Outreach to ensure effective integration of policy, constituency building and science necessary to secure an effective marine restoration and science platform for the Gulf of Mexico. This work largely will be carried out in two interrelated contexts: 1) Implementation of the RESTORE Act, and 2) a federal-state Natural Resource Damage restoration program.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Work with Gulf region partners, fishing interests, regional businesses and scientific and academic communities to build support for marine restoration strategies and development and implementation of a long-term science program that supports successful restoration.
• Work with state-based organizations and coalitions to enhance their effectiveness and facilitate support for marine and science objectives.
• Work with state and local government officials to secure support for marine restoration strategies and development and implementation of a long term science program that supports successful restoration.
• In conjunction with other relevant Directors, develop educational and outreach materials for partners, decision-makers and the media.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with national and regional opinion leaders to advance marine restoration and science support in the Gulf of Mexico.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree preferred in a relevant science, management, communications, public policy, or another field closely related to coastal/marine affairs or environmental protection.
• Ten years or more of professional conservation, public policy, or other relevant field preferred.
• In-depth training or experience in at least one of the following areas preferred: marine ecosystem or resource management; marine wildlife or fisheries biology/management, science communications, natural resource/environmental policy, program management, or public policy.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, as are demonstrated advocacy skills, the ability to mobilize and manage a diverse partner network, and the ability to communicate complex scientific or technical concepts to policy and lay audiences (written samples will be requested).
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and function as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in the Gulf of Mexico region.
• Demonstrated knowledge of resource management issues and decision-making processes in the five Gulf states.

Other/Personal Characteristics:

• A strategic thinker who can bring the creativity, energy, discipline and commitment needed to help restore and enhance the Gulf of Mexico;
• 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 with past success in deepening and leveraging the power of partnerships to affect change and build political will;
• Highly collaborative with an appreciation of the benefit of a multi-disciplinary team approach;
• Personable, passionate, productive, and focused to support accurate, timely, and powerful policy, products, and positions;

APPLY FOR THE POSITION:
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: jobs@oceanconservancy.org and note your name and "Marine Resoration Specialist - #1220" in the subject line.

Ocean Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.