As a core member of Ocean Conservancy’s Florida Conservation Team, the Florida Conservation Program Specialist will provide critical mission support and added capacity, and will expand and enhance the organization’s ability to work with partners in state and local governments and within the conservation community across Florida. The Specialist will serve as a key point of contact with both existing and new local government partners, and will provide critical staff support for flagship projects such as marine plastics assessments and grassroots advocacy, sea level rise and climate change initiatives, water quality and abundance interventions, and marine wildlife and habitat protection efforts. The Specialist will also represent Ocean Conservancy in public appearances, testimony, and in outreach and education activities.

The Specialist will report to the Director of Florida Conservation, and will preferably be based in St. Petersburg, Florida.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Network and partner with state and local government officials on marine conservation priorities in target regions of Florida including South Florida, West Central Florida, Southwest Florida, the I-4 corridor, and Northeast Florida.

• Network with environmental NGO peers and partners statewide to maximize impact for marine conservation

• Network with impacted stakeholders on issues including water quality and abundance, sea level rise and climate change, marine debris and ocean plastics, and habitat and wildlife

• Represent Ocean Conservancy in public settings, including events such as conventions, symposia, and restoration and cleanup events

• Provide public testimony to local and state government on marine conservation issues, for example in support of marine debris regulation or fertilizer ordinances

• Help develop and refine Ocean Conservancy’s policy positions on marine conservation issues affecting the state