Scientist, 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.

Overall Function: 

The Scientist will be responsible for working with other program staff in the Southeast office and nationwide to create and implement strategies to achieve current program goals/objectives, as well as research and develop new initiatives to further enhance Environmental Defense's effectiveness.

Major areas of program focus currently include (but are not limited to) fisheries planning and management and reform at the state, regional and federal level; coastal and marine habitat protection; and water quality management, especially in coastal ecosystems. Involvement in these issues may also extend beyond the southeastern U.S., northward into the mid-Atlantic region and southward into the Caribbean region. The Scientist may also occasionally be involved in projects involving Oceans Program staff in other regions around the United States. 

The Scientist reports to the Director of the Southeast Oceans Program in our Raleigh, NC Office. 

Responsibilities: 

* Conduct scientific research and analysis to support Oceans Program work in the Southeast. Research and analysis will involve review and evaluation of: stock assessments and management measures associated with fisheries reform efforts; essential fish habitat protection measures; environmental impact statements (EISs); and any proposed rules or policies regarding the conservation of marine resources. 
* Work with other Program staff to design market-based fishery management tools, such as limited access privilege programs, that are effective in preventing overfishing, rebuilding fish populations, and protecting fish habitat. 
* Work with Principal Scientist and other Program staff to provide the scientific justification for protecting for deepwater corals in the Southeastern U.S. 
* Manage efforts to design and secure approval of an expanded network of marine protected areas from North Carolina to Florida.
* Present scientific data, and its potential management and/or policy implications, to a wide array of audiences, including government bodies, fishermen, academics, other stakeholder groups, and the general public. 
* Represent Environmental Defense in a wide array of fora, including formal and informal stakeholder groups, advisory panels, media, public meetings and negotiations. Provide oral and written testimony as needed. 
* Maintain frequent interaction with state, regional and federal fisheries management personnel. 

Desired Qualifications: 

* PhD is preferred, or Masters level with an equivalent level of applicable experience 
* Experience in marine and estuarine ecosystems 
* Ability to gather, analyze, synthesize and present data from diverse array of sources * A working understanding of statistics
* Excellent writing skills
* Some experience with stock assessments and/or other aspects of fisheries management
* Familiarity with policy making and political processes, a plus 
* Ability to be a self-starter and effectively manage one's time 
* Desire and ability to work individually as well as part of a focused team 
* Excellent internal/external communication skills 

Location: Environmental Defense's Southeast Regional Office in Raleigh, NC. The work environment is casual and highly interactive, with an emphasis on a blend of teamwork and personal initiative. The overarching goal is high quality science applied to environmental policy and management. The position will involve some amount of travel, within North Carolina and the southeastern United States. 

To Apply

Interested applicants should email or mail a cover letter, resume and salary requirements. 

Cheryl Pickard, PHR HR Generalist
Environmental Defense
1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 600
Washington, DC 20009 

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