Fisheries Policy Specialist

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, with programs from Boston to Beijing, has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships, and market-based approaches. You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life.

Position Overview:

Under the overall direction of the Gulf and Southeast Oceans Program Regional Director, and direct supervision of the Southeast Senior Conservation Manager, this position will be responsible for implementation of area specific tactics, associated with strategies on commercial catch shares and other related commercial programs, which will bring these strategies to fruition. The Fisheries Policy Specialist will work with other Oceans team members to ensure the Gulf and Southeast Region's goals and objectives are met.

The Fisheries Policy Specialist's scope of work will include conducting complex scientific, economic, and social analysis of South Atlantic snapper grouper, golden crab, and other commercial fisheries; helping to develop effective messaging and communications on catch share benefits and other commercial programs; securing catch share support from varied audiences; and conducting politically sensitive interactions (meetings and other communications) with coastal communities, fisheries stakeholders, state and federal fishery managers, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council members and staff, and elected officials.

This position will work closely with other marine user groups, members of the commercial fishing industry, other NGOs, and any other interested parties to carry out the program's mission.

Responsibilities:

The Fisheries Policy Specialist will perform the following and other duties as assigned:

• Identify, design, and conduct in-depth analyses of the South Atlantic snapper grouper and golden crab fisheries' commercial fishing sectors to identify the most robust catch share designs to optimize conservation and economic benefits, while minimizing adverse community impacts during the transition to catch shares.
• Implement area specific tactics, associated with strategies on commercial catch share adoption and implementation and other related commercial programs, which will bring these strategies to fruition. This includes researching and marshalling human resources and fiscal assets, developing external partnerships, using media and outreach materials, identifying and developing key commercial fishermen and stakeholder supporters, and cultivating Council member and staff support for each initiative.
• Provide catch share design recommendations and analyses and work with regulators, commercial fishermen, and others to ensure effective plan implementation and subsequent plan modification and improvement where necessary. Use these analyses as the basis for white papers, media and other communications pieces as needed.
• Demonstrate thorough strategic knowledge of NOAA's National Catch Shares Policy and related Magnuson-Stevens Act provisions related to Limited Access Privilege Programs (catch shares).
• Take the lead in analyzing draft amendments associated with South Atlantic Fishery Management Council commercial fishery proposals and prepare comprehensive EDF public comments to be submitted in light of that analysis.
• Under the direction of the Southeast Senior Conservation Manager develop and conduct effective commercial fishermen and stakeholder education and outreach initiatives to foster commercial catch share programs in the Southeast, including workshops, site visits, leadership training, media and communications training, and other activities. Conduct additional interactions with news media as needed to promote and publicize projects.
• Under the direction of the Southeast Senior Conservation Manager identify, design, and implement strategies for working directly with key supporters among commercial fishermen and other stakeholders to effectively leverage their voices with Council members and staff, state and federal agencies staff and executives, and other key decision makers to implement commercial catch shares throughout the South Atlantic.
• Assist the Southeast Senior Conservation Manager in efforts to bring key stakeholders (community, fishery, and NGO) together in developing well designed South Atlantic commercial catch share proposals and in ensuring successful plan implementation.
• Serve on federal and state advisory panels and committees key to advancing EDF's commercial work in the South Atlantic.
• Engage in fundraising support activities and collaborate on funding proposals and reports required by grantors or other requesting parties as needed.
• Undertake and complete special projects as needed.
• Cultivate close working relationships with members and staff of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council.

Qualifications:

The successful applicant will have the following minimum qualifications:

• Graduate degree or equivalent professional experience in science, policy, economics, or law, in areas related to environmental or marine resources policy, aquatic sciences, environmental sciences, or related fields
• Minimum of 5 years of related advocacy work experience and at least 1 year of related commercial fisheries work
• Strong understanding of state and federal marine fisheries policymaking and political processes, with a special emphasis on commercial fisheries and the provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and Fishery Management Council procedures and responsibilities under that Act
• Understanding of business, environmental, financial, scientific and other issues related to creating and maintaining sustainable commercial fisheries is preferred
• Demonstrable people and project management skills
• Demonstrable analytic skills and ability to perform rigorous analysis in support of highly public work
• Experience working with commercial fishermen and coastal communities or within the commercial fishing community is preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Negotiation skills and an ability to garner consensus between disparate groups with conflicting priorities, communication and negotiation experience within commercial fisheries preferred
• Capacity to work with a variety of concerned parties, including government agencies, grassroots organizations, private firms, and commercial fishermen, as well as within strategic coalitions
• Ability to recognize and build on market and strategic opportunities for progress
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
• Self-motivation with the ability to think strategically and the initiative to work in a small regional office while functioning effectively as part of a larger program team

Compensation: The position will be located in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. EDF offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package that is commensurate with experience.

To Apply:

This position will remain open until filled. Interested candidates should follow this link to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements.  

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer. EDF's Diversity Mission Statement can be viewed here.