Program Officer, Marine Ecosystem Repair

WHO WE ARE

Ocean Visions is a nonprofit organization that catalyzes innovation at the intersection of the ocean and
climate crises. We facilitate multisector collaborations from within our network and beyond, working with leading research institutions, the private sector, and public-interest organizations to fully explore and advance responsible and effective ocean-based climate solutions. In short, we work to stabilize the
climate and restore ocean health.

WHAT WE DO

Unprecedented levels of greenhouse gas pollution in the biosphere are disrupting the climate and driving changes in our ocean – overheating and acidification – which are devastating marine life and diminishing the ocean’s ability to support humanity. Ocean Visions works on a four-part strategy to directly address the causes and impacts of climate disruption:

1. Reduce: Identify and advance high-leverage ocean-based opportunities for a just transition to a low-carbon economy
2. Remove: Identify and advance ocean-based pathways for cleaning up carbon pollution from the air and ocean
3. Repair: Develop interventions to avoid catastrophic loss of critical marine ecosystems while we rebalance global carbon cycles
4. Reach: Build a global community to innovate and develop ocean-climate solutions

THIS ROLE

We are seeking an energetic and collaborative individual to support our work on the third pillar – Repair. The Repair program is focused on systematically identifying and assessing a full range of potential actions and interventions targeted at prolonging and repairing the function and health of critical components of the ocean-climate system. This new field of exploration requires the involvement of many disciplines, sectors, and perspectives.

We are developing a digital, interactive road map assessing tools and strategies that may be able to slow the loss of and rebuild Arctic sea ice. This will be the latest in the suite of Ocean Visions road maps on ocean-based climate solutions. The map will review the current state and potential of all relevant pathways, analyze their social and environmental risks and co-benefits, identify key policy and governance issues and considerations, and identify the knowledge gaps that need to be filled in order to fully evaluate the tools and interventions. The map will also identify a set of first-order priorities for additional research, development, and potential testing.

This position will support the roll out and subsequent activities identified in the road map. Duties will include collating and incorporating feedback on the map, fact checking and literature review, managing collaborative review processes, assisting with the development of written and oral communications, and supporting outreach events. This position will also support a global scan and analysis of other critical ocean ecosystems and tipping elements threatened by climate disruption, which will serve to inform potential areas of future activity for the Ocean Visions Repair program. Duties will include conducting literature review, synthesis of findings from diverse sources of information, analyzing information on tipping points, and managing collaborative review processes.

WHO WE NEED

We seek an individual with a scientific background and well-developed research skills to support the Repair program. This person must have strong analytical and communication skills, as well as project management experience. Experience working on ocean issues and the climate crisis is strongly desired. This person must be able to synthesize large amounts of information and produce usable outputs for a variety of audiences. Familiarity with the application of technology and innovation to solve complex problems is desired. Passion for addressing and solving the climate crisis is essential. This Program Officer will report to the lead of the Repair program and will work collaboratively with all Ocean Visions staff.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s degree and at least 4 years of relevant experience is required.
• Demonstrated ability to come up to speed quickly on new subject matter areas.
• Comfortable with technology and engineering concepts.
• Demonstrated skills in working with a variety of people in a collaborative setting.
• Experience with knowledge synthesis and scientific communication.
• Excellent attention to detail and project management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and organize a diverse workload, while adjusting to periodic
  changes to account for new opportunities.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to operate with independence, meet deadlines, and fulfill commitments.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• An advanced degree and at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Familiarity with concepts related to tipping points.
• Solid knowledge of climate and ocean issues.
• Experience working at the intersection of science and policy.
• Experience with innovation and scaling of technology and innovation.

LOCATION, HOURS, AND TRAVEL

This is a full-time remote position. Applicants must be U.S.-based, legally authorized to work in the U.S., and available to work standard business hours of a continental U.S. time zone. Must be willing and able to travel insofar as COVID-19 restrictions and safety measures allow, and position may require international travel.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position is $60,000-$70,000, commensurate with the candidate’s specific skills, years of experience, and unique background. Ocean Visions offers a competitive benefits program including dental, vision, and health insurance, generous vacation and sick time, short- and long-term disability insurance, paid parental leave, a 403(b) plan with employer match, and more.

TO APPLY

• Please apply at the link below or on our careers page (www.oceanvisions.org) by uploading your cover letter and resume as a single combined PDF.
• Candidate review will begin on April 8, 2024 and the application process will remain open until
  the position is filled. Finalists will be asked to provide names and contact information for
  professional references.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Ocean Visions is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Ocean Visions is continually seeking to diversify its staff, particularly to broaden opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy.