Ocean Policy Program Specialist

The Ocean Policy Program Specialist contributes to the research, analysis, planning, and coordination needs of the Aquarium's ocean conservation policy program to help achieve the Aquarium's ocean conservation goals.

Core Responsibilities

Performs research and analysis of state, federal and international ocean policy issues relevant to the Aquarium's ocean conservation goals

Produces briefing memos, talking points, comment letters, informational folders, and similar materials in support of the Aquarium's policy strategies

Works with the Director of Ocean Conservation Policy Strategies and Ocean Policy Managers to develop and execute policy strategies at the state, federal and international levels

Absolutely Required Skills / Knowledge / Ability / Experience or Education

Master's degree in environmental policy, law, management, or science-related field

Excellent research and writing skills

Desired Skills / Knowledge / Ability / Experience or Education

Outstanding verbal communication skills

Works well independently and in teams

Strong time-management and multi-tasking skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required

Ancillary Responsibilities

Contributes to the planning and production of strategic events in California, Washington, DC, and in other U.S. and international locations

Along with the Director of Ocean Conservation Policy Strategies, coordinates and supports the Aquarium's Conservation Teams

Along with the Director of Ocean Conservation Policy Strategies, coordinates and supports the Aquarium Conservation Partnership

Works with the Conservation and Science Outreach Manager and Operations Coordinator to support Divisional priorities and projects

Job Details

Reference #18570

Posted onOct 28, 2016

Location(s)Monterey Bay

ExpertiseConservation & Science, Policy

Work type(s)Regular, Full Time

Job level(s)Entry/graduate

The Safina Center (formerly Blue Ocean Institute) is seeking a Sustainable Seafood Program Director. The Sustainable Seafood Program Director could be based at our office in Setauket, NY or there may be the potential to work remotely. Salary and benefits TBD based on experience and qualifications.
Background:
The Safina Center is an ocean and wildlife conservation nonprofit organization based on Long Island, NY. The Safina Center was founded in 2003 by Dr. Carl Safina, a pioneer of ocean conservation, who brought ocean issues into the conservation mainstream.
Our Sustainable Seafood Program translates seafood science for consumers, chefs, retailers, and health care professionals and consists of many interconnected components:
        Online seafood guide based on scientific ratings of 160+ wild-caught fish and shellfish: Green, yellow, and red ratings, and advisories for contaminants including mercury and PCBs
        Information for consumers, chefs, and retailers who want to switch to eating/selling more sustainable seafood
        Information on seafood nutrition and related health issues
        Web-based tutorials, videos, links and blogs of issues such as bycatch, mercury in seafood, overfishing etc.
        Partnership with Whole Foods Market to promote sustainable seafood from boat to counter top Primary duties:
        Oversee the research for our fisheries sustainability assessments that are published in The Safina Center’s online seafood guide
        Supervise three to four seafood researchers, and train new researchers
        Establish priorities for which species/fisheries to assess and rate
        Manage the contract and budget for the sustainable seafood program work
        Serve as the principal liaison with our business partner Whole Foods Market
        Work closely with our partner Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch on the fisheries sustainability assessments, revising the fisheries assessment criteria, and improvement to the online assessment tool used by both Seafood Watch and The Safina Center
        Draft and review policy comment letters related to U.S. ocean/fisheries management, and collaborate with other NGOs on policy initiatives
        Develop outreach content, including website content for Sustainable Seafood Program section of the website
        Respond to inquiries from the media, public, and seafood industry
Preferred Qualifications:
        A master’s degree or higher in the marine science or conservation fields, with a focus in fisheries
        Understanding of fisheries issues and how fisheries are assessed and managed
        Supervisory or managerial experience
        Experienced researcher, attention to detail
        Familiarity with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch fisheries assessment criteria (used by both Seafood Watch and The Safina Center) and the Seafood Watch Online Assessment Tool (SWAT)
        Excellent oral and written communicator, capable of synthesizing scientific information so that it can be understood by the general public
        Excellent organization skills, ability to multitask If interested, please send resume, two writing samples, and three references to Elizabeth Brown-Hornstein at ebrown@safinacenter.org.