Fishery Project Coordinator

Our distinctive approach to environmental protection emphasizes science, economics and the use of market mechanisms where appropriate to reach well-crafted, durable solutions. We build teams of scientists, lawyers, economists, and other professionals to investigate the scientific causes of environmental problems as well as the market forces and government policies that contribute to them. In the full range of environmental arenas (air, water, climate, soil, toxic chemicals, and wildlife), we seek practical and equitable solutions, founded on science, that policy makers, landowners, and others can be urged to incorporate into practice, law, or regulation.

Overall Function: 

Environmental Defense is seeking to add two key members to our Gulf of Mexico oceans team to advance regional projects to improve management of state and federal fisheries and make sustainable fishing the most economically-sound way of doing business.

The regional fishery project coordinators will build a high level of awareness and interest among fishing and related businesses and communities and assist them in developing and implementing new market-based tools to end over fishing and rebuild declining fish stocks. The projects will have a special emphasis on sport and shrimp fisheries.

The positions will be based at Environmental Defense's Austin, Texas office; however we will consider other locations in the Gulf of Mexico states. The project coordinators will report to the regional director of the Gulf of Mexico oceans program. 

Key Responsibilities: 

* Work under the direction of Environmental Defense's regional director and with the oceans team to design, build support for, and implement pilot programs demonstrating innovative market-based fishery management strategies. Special emphasis on sport and shrimp fisheries. 
* Assist the oceans team to develop outreach and communications activities that will inspire stakeholders and help build partnerships and support for new fishery management programs. Lead and coordinate on-the-ground outreach and communication efforts.
* Help the oceans team to analyze the target fisheries, from capture to processing to marketing, and develop appropriate market-based management programs.
* Work with the oceans team to develop comprehensive strategies to win the regulatory and legislative changes needed to implement new programs.
* Assist the regional director to manage projects including developing milestones and timelines, monitoring progress, and coordinating the activities of consultants.
* Forge alliances among diverse groups in coastal communities including fishermen, local organizations and businesses, regulators and other government officials, community leaders and academics.
* Assist partners to develop their strategies and achieve our common objectives.
* Represent Environmental Defense in meetings with communities, regulators, and others and serve on relevant advisory bodies.
* Participate in Environmental Defense strategy sessions, annual retreat, and other important meetings. 

Qualifications: 

* Degree in business, communications/marketing, fishery/natural resource management, marine policy or related discipline with at least 5 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, significant experience working in the commercial or recreational fishing industry.
* Proven ability to work effectively with, and build common ground among, diverse groups. Ability to work constructively with government agencies, businesses, community groups and public interest organizations.
* Experience working with federal and state regulatory processes.
* Enjoys meeting and working with individuals and groups of people.
* Result-oriented, self-starter with the ability to think analytically and strategically.
* Willingness and ability to travel extensively.
* Ability to work with limited supervision.
* Proven speaking, writing, presentation and other communication skills.
* Experience and knowledge of the fishing industry, especially sports and/or shrimp fisheries, is highly desirable.

Salary: Commensurate with experience; all benefits included as per Environmental Defense plan documents. 

Please email, fax or mail cover letter, resume along with salary requirements to: 

Mechelle Evans,
Environmental Defense,
1875 Connecticut Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20009.

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