Environmental Defense: Policy Associate position open

Policy Associate
Oceans Program

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, founded in 1967 as the Environmental Defense Fund, 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. With programs from Boston to Beijing, Environmental Defense is the only environmental group to receive an A rating from Wired magazine.

Background: Environmental Defense seeks a Policy Associate for its Oceans Program. The Oceans program works to find constructive solutions to the most critical problems threatening the world's marine environments. At the national and regional levels, our team of scientists, attorneys and economists are tackling land-based sources of ocean pollution and working with fishermen to establish fair and sensible limits on their catch that will allow fisheries to recover. We are also working to create marine protected areas, where the rich diversity of sea life can thrive relatively undisturbed. Our Oceans Program focuses on safeguarding marine ecosystems and fisheries in the North and South Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, the Pacific and the Caribbean.

Overall Function: The Policy Associate, based in the Washington, DC office, will be member of Environmental Defense’s Oceans Program working in a multi-disciplinary setting to formulate and implement strategies to advance conservation practices and policies with respect to the trade of corals and coral products. The successful candidate will have an understanding of ocean conservation problems and solutions and a strong interest to advance policies on Capitol Hill and with leading federal oceans agencies, including NOAA.

Primary Responsibilities:
• Track and research proposed federal ocean policies in Congress and the Administration and provide regular updates to Oceans Program staff.
• Draft background documents and memos for key policy-makers on priority ocean conservation issues.
• Update and maintain a database of key Congressional and Administration ocean staff persons.
• Schedule and participate in meetings with fisheries and ocean policy staff in Congress and in the agencies.
• Work closely with the National Policy Director, policy consultants, and others in the Oceans Program to coordinate outreach and education to leading policy-makers and staff.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree required (advance degree preferred) in environmental studies, natural resources management, communications, politics or other related field.
• General understanding of ocean science, management, and conservation.
• Possess strong organizational and people skills, be a self-starter, but able to work closely with Directors and other staff in a highly energetic and changing environment.
• Must have excellent written and public communications skills, good computer skills, and the ability to work independently.
• Strong commitment to ocean conservation.

Term: This is a one-year term position.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Interested applicants should forward their cover letter, resume and salary requirements to:

Cheryl Pickard, PHR
HR Generalist
Environmental Defense
1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20009
jobs@environmentaldefense.org


Environmental Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and the physically-challenged are encouraged to apply.

(March 2008)