December 2007 Job Opportunities

Nature Conservancy’s Marine Conservation Fellowship Program - HI

Sustainability Coordinator - NC

Fishery Observers - West Coast

AGU Public Affairs Coordinator - DC

Americas Fisheries Outreach Manager - WA

Nature Conservancy’s Marine Conservation Fellowship Program - HI

The Nature Conservancy’s Marine Conservation Fellowship Program:
Empowering the Next Generation of Marine Conservation Leaders in Hawai‘i
The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘I
http://www.hear.org/announcements/pdfs/20071120tncmarine.pdf

The Nature Conservancy is a private, non-profit conservation organization whose mission is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. Since 1980, The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i has been conserving and managing native habitats and ecosystems in Hawai‘i. With a system of 11 preserves on the islands of O‘ahu, Maui, Moloka‘i, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i, the Conservancy directly protects 40,000 acres of critical habitat. Together with other public and private landowners, we are protecting almost 1 million acres of critical forest and conservation lands across the state through voluntary, cooperative partnerships that allow landowners to share expertise and resources and work across ownership boundaries. In 2002, The Conservancy extended its work from the forests to the reefs, and is now engaged in marine conservation in the nearshore waters of the main Hawaiian Islands.

The Need for Qualified Marine Resource Managers

Lasting conservation success depends on building strong partnerships with the people who live in and care for the places where we work. Since 2002, the Conservancy has worked with local communities to improve nearshore marine resource management because we know that empowered communities will help to ensure that our conservation work will endure. However, as our marine program grows, we are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit qualified local candidates to fill entry and mid-level Marine Resource Manager positions. And yet these “on-the-ground” managers are key to the long-term success of marine conservation in Hawai‘i.

They are the ones who will work directly with local communities to develop conservation strategies to restore and manage marine resources, guide the implementation of those strategies, and help communities monitor the effectiveness of protection efforts. Technical and scientific training for Marine Resource Managers is available through several venues in Hawai‘i. Undergraduate and research programs typically provide a good science foundation, including some hands-on experience within resource agencies and conservation organizations. However, that training often lacks focused field work, where collaborating with diverse communities and stakeholders is a critical skill. The few marine conservation jobs available in Hawaii are often filled by marine resource managers who have acquired their work experience elsewhere. While this professional cross-pollination is almost always beneficial, it must be matched with an investment in Hawaii’s youth.

Project Goal and Objectives

The goal of the Conservancy’s Marine Conservation Fellowship Program is to provide recent, local college graduates with the experiential and practical training they need to become Hawaii’s next generation of marine conservation leaders. By building the capacity of future Marine Resource Managers, we can help ensure that Hawaii’s marine resources are cared for and sustainably managed for generations to come.

The program objectives are to:

• provide four fellows with two years of on-the-job training which combines mentoring by senior program staff and peer-to-peer learning;
• strengthen the fellows’ core competencies in traditional Hawaiian and contemporary science-based resource management, and community-based conservation;
• provide training through direct experience with on-site projects, formal instruction, and field-based work; and
• enable fellows to compete successfully for positions in marine resource management after completing the program.

The Nature Conservancy’s Marine Conservation Fellowship Program

The Marine Conservation Fellowship Program is modeled after the Conservancy’s successful Assistant Natural Resource Management Fellowship Program. The Marine Conservation Fellowship Program will provide two years of on-the-job training to build a strong pool of wellqualified, experienced Marine Resource Managers. Trainers will include Conservancy staff, marine resource experts, kupuna (community elders), and other conservation leaders throughout Hawai‘i. During the program, the fellows will complete formal training in core skills such as biological monitoring, strategic planning, and data analysis. They will also play an integral role in the Conservancy’s Marine Program by working on marine projects alongside our senior staff and staff from partner agencies. We also expect the fellows to add fresh perspectives, energy, and enthusiasm to the Conservancy’s Marine Program.

Upon completion of the program, the fellows will have gained the necessary skills and knowledge to become effective marine conservation practitioners in Hawai‘i. They will be highly competitive in Hawaii’s conservation job market for positions not just at the Conservancy, but at partner agencies; other non-profit conservation partners; and recreational fishing, ecotourism, and other private sector marine-based operations. More importantly, there will be a new generation of empowered, highly skilled, and motivated marine stewards who will help restore and sustain our islands’ marine resources.

Program Design

The Marine Conservation Fellowship Program will take two years to complete and will offer a salary of about $32,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. The program is designed for four fellows: two will be hired in the first year and two more in the second year, with a one year overlap. The program emphasizes mentoring by senior program staff as well as peer-to-peer learning among the fellows to enrich the educational experience. The fellows hired in the first year will help train those hired in the second year.

Fellows will be based in the Conservancy’s program offices, with two on O‘ahu and one each on Maui and Hawai‘i Island. The fellows will be supervised by the Conservancy’s Communitybased Project Manager and will work closely with our island Marine Coordinators.

Qualifications of Applicants

The Marine Conservation Fellowship Program will seek applicants with undergraduate degrees in ecology, biology, natural resource management, Hawaiian studies, environmental studies, geology, geography, conservation, or other related fields. Candidates must be proven “selfstarters” who have demonstrated initiative and motivation in all of their past experiences (e.g., school, professional, or volunteer projects). Preference will be given to candidates who have knowledge of cultural and traditional marine resource management practices, are dedicated to conservation, and have a demonstrated commitment to the marine resources management and conservation field in Hawai‘i.

Application Process

Interested applicants will be asked to submit a resumé, a list of references, and a cover letter stating:

• why they are an outstanding candidate for the program;
• their interest and experience in marine resource management in Hawai‘i;
• their short- and long-term career goals; and,
• the island(s) on which they wish to be located (O‘ahu, Hawai‘i or Maui).

We plan to hire two fellows by January 2008. We will hire two additional fellows in December 2008.

Please send your resumé with cover letter to: jeber@tnc.org  by December 17, 2007

Sustainability Coordinator - NC

Director, University Sustainability Office (Educational Planning & Development Consultant)
North Carolina State University
www.ncsu.edu

NC State University, located in Raleigh, NC is seeking candidates for the position of Educational Planning & Development Consultant (Sustainability Coordinator).  NC State is a highly specialized environment of over 11.5 million gross square feet in 300 buildings where government, corporate and academic partners work together seeking innovation.  There are three campuses of 2200 acres.  The campuses are growing to meet the demands of 31,000 students and 8,000 faculty and staff.

This position will serve as the Director of the University Sustainability Office and reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Facilities Operations.   The coordinator will work directly with the Campus Environmental Sustainability Team (CEST) in developing a long-term comprehensive strategic plan for sustainability for the University (a plan which incorporates policies and practices that preserves natural resources, conserves energy, eliminates waste and emissions, and lessens overall environmental impact), reviewing ongoing projects and programs, establishing new projects and programs and providing support to the CEST’s Task Groups.  The Coordinator will develop, through CEST, an annual tactical plan for implementation of the strategies.  Responsibilities include annual reporting, community relations, curriculum development, campus awareness, guidance of student organizations, sponsorship of campus events, periodic assessments, administration of the University Sustainability Office, supervision of employees and interns, and coordination of related environmental and operational programs.

Required Qualifications:  Master’s Degree in Education or a special field to which assigned and three years experience in public education with emphasis on planning and developing innovative programs or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:  Master’s Degree in Environmental Programs and Leeds training or Certification.  Four years experience in communications work for a sustainability, environmental, recycling or related program or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

To apply online please go to: http://jobs.ncsu.edu and search for position 100177. You must complete an online application to be considered.

NC State is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.  In addition, NC State University welcomes all persons without regard to sexual orientation

Fishery Observers - West Coast

IWest Coast Groundfish Observer Program
www.alaskanobservers.com
Various locations

Alaskan Observers, Inc. is recruiting BIOLOGISTS to begin training

March 3, 2008

For contracts running April 1 to October 31, 2008

Are you looking for a challenging opportunity where you can leverage your degree in the biological sciences? Do you want to play a critical roll in the conservation and management of fisheries resources? Alaskan Observers, Inc. may have the perfect opportunity for you.

Description of Work: Vessels operating in this fishery range in size from 35 - 100 feet. Observers will sample on a variety of gear types, including trawl, longline, pot, and stick gear. Trips will generally be one to five days in length. Observers can expect to be sampling at sea from 10 - 20 days per month, gathering fishing effort and location information, sampling for bycatch composition, and collecting biological data from both bycatch and target species. When they are not at sea, Observers work on shoreside tasks that include making dock rounds, entering and editing data, debriefing, performing safety reviews, and contacting vessels to be observed.

Following training in Newport, OR, observers will be required to relocate to a port on the West Coast. We expect to fill 12 openings in the following ports (some of which have more than one opening):

Washington: Neah Bay, Westport (starting pay, 3401.17 per month)

Oregon: Astoria, Pacific City, Newport, Coos Bay, Brookings (starting pay, 3401.17 per month)

California: Los Angeles, Morro Bay (starting pay, 3745.13 per month)

Medical insurance is provided. Observers will receive up to $350.00 in relocation expenses, will be reimbursed for meal expenses incurred during travel to and from deployments away from their home ports, and will be compensated for mileage driven during deployment-related travel outside their home ports.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in the biological sciences, and 30 days of prior experience at sea as a fishery observer or similar marine experience is preferred.

For more info, please call David Edick
1-800-483-7310 or 206-283-7310
Or send email to aoistaff@alaskanobservers.com

AGU Public Affairs Coordinator - DC

Public Affairs Coordinator
www.agu.org

The American Geophysical Union (AGU), an international scientific association, is seeking a Public Affairs Coordinator to implement and manage Public Affairs programs so that members and policy makers regard AGU as a reliable, unbiased source of credible scientific information.

Major responsibilities include writing legislative alerts (ASLAs) and other public policy communications of interest to the AGU membership; coordinating personal visits and briefings, assisting with press conferences, and preparing hearing testimony; attending congressional hearings, markups, and other functions on Capitol Hill and at relevant government agencies; developing methods of bringing AGU members in contact with policy makers; participating in strategy and planning activities with other scientific societies to demonstrate the relevance of Earth and space science research to society; assisting in gathering content for the AGU website; and supporting the Public Affairs Administrator with general outreach to other societies and organizations on public affairs business.

Requirements include strong college level education with some coursework in science highly desired; one to three years of relevant experience; excellent written and verbal communications skills, good telephone manner, diplomacy, and the ability to communicate effectively with Ph.D. scientists; strong organizational skills; demonstrated time management skills and the ability to prioritize workload assignments; flexibility to effectively handle a wide variety of projects and assignments with changing priorities and deadlines; and the ability to think strategically, and work independently as well as part of a team to achieve expected results. 

Candidates must be computer literate and skilled with word processing, spreadsheet, email, and scheduling software.  Selected candidate must be available to travel on business for up to one week for at least twice per year.  An outgoing personality with excellent interpersonal skills is preferred.

AGU is metro-accessible and offers a competitive salary and exceptional benefits package. Qualified candidates must apply directly online at: http://careers.agu.org

EOE

Americas Fisheries Outreach Manager - WA
Marine Stewardship Council (www.msc.org)
Seattle, WA

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) seeks a Fisheries Outreach Manager for its Americas regional office, based in Seattle.  MSC is the world’s leading marine eco-labeling and certification programme for wild fisheries. The organization aims to reverse the decline in global fish stocks, to deliver quantifiable improvements in marine conservation and help secure the livelihoods of those involved in the global fishing industry. MSC is the leading global fisheries eco-labeling program. 

The Americas Fisheries Outreach Manager (AFOM) will report to and assist the Fisheries Director - Americas to deliver the MSC’s fisheries program in the Americas region.  The AFOM will be responsible for outreach, support and customer service to the fishery sector, primarily in North America, to promote MSC’s fishery assessment and certification program and the MSC brand. 

The AFOM will help to maintain and increase the support for the program across a broad range of interest groups including: fisheries and supply chain stakeholders, government representatives and partners in the NGO community. Work will include developing background research and analysis, understanding target fisheries and commercial linkages within those fisheries, building relationships and support for use of the MSC program throughout the fishery, making presentations as needed, and coordination with MSC commercial program to move certified products to market.  The position promotes the MSC concept and certification program to potential clients, seeks leverage to encourage fisheries to move ahead within the program, and supports clients as needed after they are certified.

Specific Objectives include:

- Promote the role and value of the MSC’s fishery certification program to priority regional stakeholders, including those in the fisheries and seafood business sectors, governments, research organizations, environment groups, and other relevant stakeholders.

- Responsibility for outreach and support to a suite of fisheries, primarily in North America.  This will include working with each fishery from initial discussions through each stage of involvement in the MSC’s fisheries program.  The AFOM will be a primary point of contact and assistance to encourage each fishery to either go through MSC’s fishery assessment program or to make improvements in fishing practices and fisheries management systems that will make the fishery more sustainable and, therefore, increase the likelihood of the fishery being certified. 

- Understand relevant commercial details about targeted fisheries, such as: product forms,  supply chains, markets, key commercial supporters, and be able to use that understanding to inform priorities and create leverage to move fisheries to either become certified or make improvements. 

- Provide MSC’s commercial team with accurate commercial and marketing information about each fishery in the program.  Also, to work with the commercial team to understand key buyer interest and use that interest to drive certification and improvements.

- Liaise with other sections of the MSC to ensure an integrated approach to certification, marketing and communication.

- Provide oral and written advice through briefings, submissions and reports to MSC staff as needed. 

- Respond to the “fishing sector” inquiries, both internal and external.

- Provide annual and quarterly reporting against agreed workplans, and additional reporting as may be required for MSC funders.

- Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Knowledge Desired

- Strong and effective communications skills at every level including:   interpersonal, group, presentation, writing, email, telephone, internet, and other. 

- Excellent project planning, work planning, personal organization, and time management skills.  Successful record of project development and management.

- Post-graduate degree or equivalent in: fisheries, marine conservation biology; natural resources or environmental management.

- Experience working with the fisheries capture sector.

- Experience working with and proven ability to manage relationships with diverse stakeholders and other external parties, preferably in the fishery and commercial sector. 

- Understanding of the role of eco-labeling in fisheries.

- Understanding of resource sustainability issues, particularly as they relate to the North and South American fisheries and seafood industry.

- Good computer literacy and IT skills essential; which must include experience in the use of standard software packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

- Demonstrated cultural awareness and sensitivity to the diversity of values, views and approaches to issues relevant to the MSC program.

- Prior business or marketing experience would be an advantage, especially sales experience and sales training.
 
- Spanish and French language skills would be an advantage.

- High personal and work ethics.

- Ability to work with minimal supervision

- Ability to travel on a regular basis, up to 40%, to work irregular hours, and to work effectively while traveling.

- Right to work in the U.S.

Employment Information:

- Position Location:  Marine Stewardship Council Ltd, Seattle, WA U.S.A.
- Salary Range:  $45-60,000 (US$) + Benefits
- Other Benefits: 5 weeks annual vacation, health, dental, disability insurance, flexible working hours

How to Apply:

Please send resume and cover letter electronically to: Nancy Gray-Keller at:

Nancy.Gray-Keller@msc.org

Application deadline is Dec 31, 2007, interviews expected to be held the week of January 21 with a start date in mid-February or March projected.

For further information, please visit www.msc.org or contact Jim Humphreys, Fisheries Director – Americas at 206-691-0188.