POSITION TITLE: Coast and Ocean Partnership Coordinator
JOB FAMILY: Conservation
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
LOCATION: Darien, GA
SUPERVISED BY: Southeast Director of Marine Conservation
DATE PREPARED: May 8, 2013
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree and 3 years experience in natural resource management, social science, or environmental policy, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Written and verbal communications experience including preparing and presenting complex project proposals and working in partnership with other organizations/individuals in a collaborative capacity.
Excellent presentation skills.
Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, Web browsers, etc.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Nature Conservancy in invested in coastal and marine conservation at the multi-state scale across the southeastern United States. The South Atlantic Whole System engages the North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida chapters under four core strategies:
- Conserving and Restoring Oyster and Coral Reef Habitat
- Reducing Coastal Vulnerabilities
- Meeting Economic and Ecological Goals through Ocean Planning
- Supporting Sustainable Fisheries
The Coast and Ocean Partnership Coordinator will be part of the regional South Atlantic marine team with initial emphasis towards implementation of the ocean planning strategy.
Coastal and marine management decisions are generally made on an issue-by-issue or case-by-case basis which can lead to unexpected conflicts both between uses and with use and conservation goals. Building a framework for multi-objective ocean planning can help to mitigate these conflicts. Working with state and university partners, the Conservancy identified Georgia as a pilot area for ocean planning in the southeast. The Coastal and Ocean Partnership Coordinator will be responsible for leading this pilot project. Emphasis will be place on stakeholder outreach and engagement, understanding of use areas, and facilitation of spatial data sharing. Specific activities may include: completing a stakeholder analysis, conducting targeted outreach and engagement with local organizations and leaders, leading visioning exercises, coordinating participatory mapping exercises around ocean uses, and supporting coordination across ongoing spatial mapping efforts. S/he will work closely with an internal team of Nature Conservancy staff to communicate and share the results of the pilot project for consideration in other parts of the South Atlantic Region.
In addition to the pilot project, the Coast and Ocean Partnership Coordinator will engage in core activities of the South Atlantic Whole System team – annual work plan development, budget management, public and private fundraising and communication. As appropriate, s/he may take on responsibilities related to other regional conservation strategies (e.g. sustainable fisheries).
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
3-5 years experience in natural resource management, social science or environmental policy or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, ocean management and natural resource preservation.
Experience in building community support around conservation issues, including conducting and/or analyzing public surveys on conservation issues.
Experience in facilitation, training and curriculum design.
Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means.
Confidence in explaining conservation practices to technical and nontechnical audiences, including an ability to communicate and work closely with scientists
Manage time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results
COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:
Interpret guidelines, evaluate information and modify processes to adapt to changing circumstances
Resolve routine issues independently, consulting with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of complex and unusual problems
Cultivate and develop creative ideas to improve conservation strategies
Identify and disseminate lessons learned, best practices and methods, tools, consistencies and inconsistencies across chapters and plans
DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:
Make sound decisions based on analysis, consultation with others, experience, and judgment. Errors in judgment could have wide scope and lasting effect.
Perform tasks with minimal supervision; Complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s)
RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT – FINANCIAL AND SUPERVISORY:
Lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, interns, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area
Gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals
Financial responsibility may include working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development.
Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:
Superb communication and presentation skills; network effectively with a diverse group of people, including land owners, fishermen, conservation partners, government agencies, public officials, donors, board members and the general public to provide and obtain information and build support for Conservancy efforts.
Communicate professionally with a wide variety of people of different cultures to develop, negotiate and/or implement functional programs.
Leverage constructive and effective relationships inside and outside the Conservancy. Work in partnership with other organizations in a collaborative or advisory role.
Provide a variety of information to staff and others, contributing to conservation projects and assisting workflow throughout the organization.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions may:
require occasional physical exertion and/or muscular strain
present occasional possibility of injury
require long hours in isolated settings
This position may also:
require frequent domestic travel
require evening and weekend hours
require ability and willingness to participate in the Conservancy’s Vehicle Safety Program.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer