Our pursuit of Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) at OC has allowed us to realize an enormous opportunity to assist with environmental justice issues in port communities within the context of our Shipping and Arctic work. We are increasing partnerships and coordination with community groups as well as labor organizations and municipalities. Establishing good faith to bring more community members into the work is our priority.

The Port Community Liaison will report to the Associate Director, Ports and Communities and will have primary responsibility for propelling Ocean Conservancy’s goal of achieving zero carbon shipping and green ports by being a liaison to South Louisiana, a key geographic area.

To do so, the Liaison will engage in the community, participate in existing resident led, community-based environmental justice events, attend Air Quality Management District meetings, engage with Port Operators / Harbor Planners, and identify other forums which align with our existing efforts to reduce the harmful pollution impacts from shipping, ports, and their associated transportation activities. This individual will be the boots-on-the-ground for our Shipping and Ports Justice work and collaborate within the region to realize the vision of a post carbon waterfront in a way that inspires and builds a sustainable Just Transition.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and dynamic teammate who works effectively across culturally, ethnically, and racially diverse teams, and who has a passion for community engagement, community organizing, and advocacy. They will be dedicated to strengthening port and coastal community resilience.

This position is based in South Louisiana but will work remotely until CDC guidance changes.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Primary support to the Associate Director, Ports and Communities in the creation of a comprehensive regional survey and the design of research studies focused initially on the standardization of port emission reporting and creating greater transparency.
• Become a regional expert able to inform and make decisions in collaboration with the Ocean Justice Team on engaging with the community in a way that is mutually beneficially and influences positive environmental change.
• With the support of the Ports Coordinator, they will collaborate with the other Port Organizers to share best practices and lessons learned from their region on developing long lasting relationships and ultimately creating a connected network.
• Once well established in their region, they will collaborate with internal groups & teams (including our ocean plastics, science, Arctic and Florida teams) to offer recommendations rooted in experience, research, and an in-depth understanding of the region.