Location: Washington, DC
Department: Science & Policy
OCEANA, an international organization focused solely on protecting the world’s oceans, is dedicated to achieving measurable change by conducting fact-based advocacy campaigns with clearly articulated goals. Our campaigns are led by teams of scientists, economists, lawyers and advocates to restore and protect the ocean.
We are looking for a Marine Scientist to play a substantive role on Oceana’s Climate and Energy team. As the Marine Scientist for this team, you will play a primary role in researching Oceana’s major campaign topics, developing and defining policy initiatives, and preparing Oceana technical reports. You will be an excellent writer with the capability to translate scientific language into easily understood documents for a broad range of audiences; Congress, federal agencies, the media and public. As a technical lead you will guide the science-based messaging of the campaign and serve as a quality control professional for internal and external communications.
Responsibilities include:
- Carry out research on Oceana’s campaign topics and other subjects relevant to the Climate and Energy campaign objectives. Author Oceana reports, fact sheets, lobbying materials, and talking points.
- Conduct literature reviews, carry out analyses of primary and secondary literature, draft reports and policy recommendations.
- Gather pertinent information and data through libraries, the web, government agencies and academia; analyze data as appropriate and prepare reports accordingly.
- Communicate with outside scientists and other conservation organizations in order to generate support for Oceana’s work, including scientist sign-on letters and technical review of reports.
- Write/edit or otherwise provide the scientific foundation for Oceana scientific reports and external communications such as public comment letters, petitions, activist outreach, press releases, blogs, fundraising emails and lobbying materials.
- Represent Oceana at external events including conferences, symposia, meetings, and hearings. Assist with lobbying Congress and meet with federal agency representatives to communicate our objectives.
- Prepare reports for the Board of Directors, foundations and public education efforts, including writing/editing or otherwise providing the scientific foundation, as well as production and distribution to the intended audience.
- May supervise consultants, interns or fellows
- Performs additional duties as needed and/or assigned.
- Must exercise sound judgment and be able to represent Oceana in a professional and responsive manner.
Education, Experience or Other Requirements:
- Master’s degree with a major in a relevant scientific discipline such as marine biology, environmental science, toxicology, or oceanography required. Two years or more of professional experience in research science, conservation, ocean policy/law, or a relevant field preferred.
- Strong background in ocean science. Some familiarity with ocean-relevant laws particularly the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as well as understanding of the functioning of federal regulatory agencies. Contacts within the academic community, federal agencies and other NGO are a plus.
- Preferred experience with: marine wildlife impacts of oil spills and/or offshore oil and gas drilling, seismic surveys and threats to marine life from manmade underwater sound, best practices for offshore wind mitigation measures, and the threats of climate change and ocean acidification to marine resources. Must be a fast learner and able to quickly become Oceana’s expert on these topics.
- Excellent writing, editing, communication, organizational and research skills required. Confidence with explaining complex scientific issues for diverse audiences, including Congress, federal agencies, media and public.
- Proficiency with Windows-based applications (MS Office Suite preferred). GIS and database proficiency a plus.
- Planning skills and the ability to handle many tasks simultaneously, with speed, accuracy, and courtesy.
- A clear understanding of the role of science in advocacy campaigns.
- Ability to take initiative in suggesting ways to augment work and responsibilities of position to accomplish Oceana’s goals.
- Excellent judgment in handling communications, expense budgets, and personal relationships.
- Must be self-motivated and able to work independently to meet deadlines and accomplish tasks.
- Must have a passion and enthusiasm for addressing major threats to marine life.
- Spanish fluency a plus.
Oceana provides a competitive base salary with experience including comprehensive health, dental, vision, and 403(b) retirement plan, employee assistance program and generous leave.