Fishery Outreach Coordinator, Groundfish

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Program Overview:

For over a decade, Environmental Defense has worked with and through the New England Fishery Management Council to promote and implement improved fishery management in both ecological and economic terms.

The outreach coordinator will focus on the groundfish fishery, the most complex fishery in the region. The NEFMC continues to make groundfish a management priority, with a focus in 2008 on implementing 'sector allocations' (i.e. fishing cooperatives) in a substantial portion of the fishery. As a result, there is a distinct need for a dedicated staff person to work with the council, industry and others interested in a biologically and economically sound future for this fishery.

Based on the success of market-based pilot projects in New England and other regions, all of the major federal fisheries in New England are considering application of the market based approaches to management. Catch share systems such as fishing cooperatives, IFQs and permit banks, are all under consideration. This, in combination with new statutory requirements through the Magnuson Stevens Act to implement catch limits, has provided a window of opportunity for change unprecedented in New England.

Position Overview:

The primary goal for the Oceans Program in New England is to promote and implement market-based approaches to fishery management for the benefit of the resource, fishermen and fishing communities.

The Outreach Coordinator will be based in our Boston office and will report to the Oceans Program New England Regional Director who oversees the Oceans team in the region and coordinates regional and national efforts. No positions report to the Outreach Coordinator, however s/he will be required to supervise the work of temporary staff or consultants on occasion.

Key Responsibilities

* Develop proposals for management alternatives that promote conservation and economic viability, in concert with the groundfish industry and others. 
* Organize meetings with industry and other groups, prepare agendas, provide and ensure follow up. 
* Analyze management alternatives and determine ecological and economic viability.
* Provide written and oral testimony before the New England Fishery Management Council and other relevant venues.
* Negotiate with industry, conservation groups and government. 
* Translate complex management system for media, lawmakers and others outside the management system.
* Coordinate all efforts with other staff working through the New England Fishery Management Council.
* Support fundraising activities.

Required Qualifications: 

* Masters degree in natural resource management, science or policy, or masters in business administration required.
* Working in a complex regulatory environment.
* Demonstrable success in negotiations.
* Public speaking in a variety of venues.
* Project management with diverse participants. 
* Willingness to travel up to 30% of time in New England and occasional travel to the mid-Atlantic region.
* Desired Skills in GIS proficiency

To Apply:

Please email your cover letter, resume and salary requirements.

Environmental Defense is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply.