MARINE DEBRIS REMOVAL STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR

Location: Florida Keys, FL

Supervisor: Director of Conservation

Status: Full-Time Exempt position (hybrid)

What We Need

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, is seeking a Marine Debris Removal Stewardship Coordinator, a position responsible for assisting with the planning and execution of community stewardship activities for the Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys program.

Program Overview:

Marine debris is a significant challenge facing our ocean and marine wildlife, and it is an ongoing challenge in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Marine debris, including lost or abandoned fishing gear and trash, entangles stony corals, sea fans, sponges, sea turtles, manatees, and other marine life. It also degrades seagrass, hard bottom, coral reef, and mangrove habitats, and detracts from the natural beauty of the islands.

Goal: Clean Seas - Established in 2018, Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys initiative removes underwater marine debris from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and educate the public about its role in marine debris prevention. Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys partners work with sanctuary-recognized Blue Star Dive Operators to educate dive professionals and recreational divers on best practices for removal of marine debris; perform scoping dives to identify debris hotspots; remove, dispose, and recycle underwater debris; conduct post-removal data reporting and analysis; and engage the public in marine debris awareness and prevention through education and outreach.

Since the program’s inception, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation-funded divers removed nearly 53,000 pounds of debris from Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, including 232 intact lobster traps, hundreds of pieces of lobster trap debris, and over 78,000 feet of line. The program engaged nearly 3,000 professional and recreational divers who spent nearly 3,600 hours underwater.

The Foundation works with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to create opportunities for the community to play an active role in stewardship activities. Blue Star is a voluntary recognition program established and administered by Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to reduce the impact of divers, snorkelers and anglers on the ecosystems of the Florida Keys. Through Goal: Clean Seas and other programs, Blue Star operators are given a unique opportunity to play a hands-on role in resource protection. Additionally, these programs provide incentives for operators to join the Blue Star program and become stewardship partners in protection. Through this program marine conservation has become integrated into the Blue Star operator's business plans and shown long-term benefits.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes for current and future generations.

What You’ll Do

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate activities and provide opportunities in partnership with the Florida Keys NMS for the community to be involved in the Goal: Clean Seas Florida Keys. Be able to travel to the operators participating in G:CS to engage with them based on program needs
• Communicate with the Foundation and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for overall Foundation activities to support Goal: Clean Seas, including implementation, budget and operations management
• Act as liaison between the Foundation, Blue Star operators, PADI AWARE, volunteers, and other program partners
• Recruit Blue Star dive operator partners to Goal: Clean Seas working with the Florida Keys NMS and other key partners
• Develop Requests for Proposals to receive applications for funding assistance from Blue Star operators and assist and answer questions
• Support the technical review of applications for funding consideration including ensuring all necessary permits and requirements are completed and up to date
• Work with the Florida Keys NMS to host orientations and trainings and create materials for onboarding Blue Star operators to participate in program
• Work with Foundation Operations Department to generate and manage award contracts, including review and approving incoming invoices, tracking metrics
• Compile, analyze and share data and metrics to demonstrate conservation program impact and success
• Host calls, meetings, and email check-ins with each participating dive operator to check in on the status of dives, needs, coordination
• Work with Foundation Communications Department and Florida Keys NMS to review and develop communications and outreach materials to promote the programs as well as collect and provide promotional content from the operators
• Engage in outreach opportunities, i.e. presentations to other dive operators not currently involved in the programs, representation of the program at dive industry or related conferences and meetings
• Lead implementation of the recycling activities, including derelict fishing gear under Fishing for Energy, in partnership with Florida Keys NMS and community leaders to ensure that partners meet milestones as well as metric goals

Who You Are

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in a marine science or education field including natural resource management, coastal and marine biology, and ecology, environmental education, science communication, and environmental studies and at least one year of professional experience or a combination of both education and professional experience.
• Experience working on or supporting community stewardship programs.
• Understanding of marine debris in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and familiarity with conducting underwater field work.
• Knowledge and skill in small boat operations.
• Experience organizing meetings, training sessions, and events.
• Critical thinker with demonstrated problem-solving skills. Results driven.
• Experience working with budgets, tracking expenses and contract management.
• Attention to detail and ability to perform under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills with experience in assimilating complex information into a concise issue paper or talking points using a variety of styles including scientific and plain language for multiple internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrated initiative, ability to work both independently and with others. Demonstrated ability to coordinate among and between various organizations, programs, divisions, and/or offices, both locally and remotely in other areas of the country.
• Proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office software suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google web-based office suite.
• Strong understanding of data collection, input, and management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to become and maintain status as a NOAA Diver (or a program that has American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) reciprocity)

Why You Will Love Us

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (“Foundation”) is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, working with communities to conserve and expand those special places for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. The Foundation works in close partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase stewardship of our ocean and Great Lakes through on-the- water conservation projects, and education and public outreach activities, and by support for research. Together, we safeguard species and the places they call home, and support coastal communities and economies.

• 
  Dedicated and passionate staff committed to marine and Great Lakes Conservation
• Two weeks paid annual leave, plus paid time off the week between December 25 and January 1; and 12 paid holidays
• Two weeks paid sick leave
• Health benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision
• Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance
• Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service

Where Do I Apply?

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references. Applications received by Monday, October 10 will be preferred.

Compensation and Benefits: $51,000-58,000, based on experience. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package.

Location: Florida Keys, FL (with an ability to perform some work remotely)

Disclaimer

The statements contained in this position description describe the general nature and level of work the employee in this position will perform. The statements are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position. The supervisor may assign other responsibilities, duties, and skills to the position at any time.

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This commitment applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. The Foundation makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.