Austin, TX
Employer Name:Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
Date Posted:05-05-2011
Description:
Environmental Defense Fund
Gulf of Mexico and Southeast Oceans Program
Conservation Project Manager
Austin, TX
Full Time
About the Organization
With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, with programs from Boston to Beijing, 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.
Conservation Project Manager
EDF’s Gulf of Mexico and Southeast Oceans Program seeks a Conservation Project Manager to further develop and help lead two exciting new initiatives. The first will aim to establish a collaborative fishery governance system among the three Gulf countries (the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba). The second will be focused on developing innovative management tools that reduce bycatch of sea turtles and other wildlife in Gulf fisheries. The successful candidate will work under the direction of the region’s Director of Strategic Conservation Initiatives, and in close coordination with EDF’s Latin America and Caribbean program. This is an ideal opportunity for a candidate who has managed regional conservation initiatives, built coalitions, or has specific expertise in market-based natural resource management and/or conserving endangered species and/or charismatic animals.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The Conservation Project Manager will perform the following and other duties as assigned:
Manage EDF’s day-to-day work on a tri-national Gulf fisheries initiative, with emphasis on migratory shark populations and on-the-ground work in Mexico and Cuba.
Help EDF extend incentive-based fishery management principles to reduce bycatch of threatened and endangered sea turtles in Gulf fisheries.
Develop and implement strategic plans and workplans on EDF’s priority regional initiatives.
Analyze scientific, economic, legal, and political opportunities and challenges.
Grow and strengthen partnerships with government officials, academics, and researchers, the fishing industry, conservation organizations, and others in the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba.
Manage consultants contributing to initiatives.
Help write grant proposals and reports to raise funds to accomplish work.
Coordinate with other regional EDF Oceans program staff and with the National Policy team as needed.
Ideally, bring specific expertise on endangered species and/or charismatic species conservation to the team.
Qualifications
The successful applicant will have the following minimum qualifications:
Master’s degree level education and five years experience in natural resource economics, fisheries management, endangered species conservation, or similar field
Demonstrated leadership in building coalitions and working with diverse stakeholder groups (e.g., local resource users and managers with varied social and economic backgrounds, government agencies, private sector)
Strong preference for Spanish-speaking candidates
Ability and flexibility to travel extensively, up to 50% throughout the Gulf region including the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba
Preference for experience working on conservation of endangered and/or charismatic animals or other specially protected animals
Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively to diverse audiences via reports, briefings, public testimony, presentations, etc.
Preference for candidates with knowledge of and/or experience with working in Mexico and/or Cuba (or other Latin American or Caribbean countries)
Preference for candidates with knowledge of international environmental/conservation issues and institutions
Excellent writing and speaking skills, and experience with media
Experience in grant writing and reporting
Compensation and Benefits
Environmental Defense Fund offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. This position will be based in Austin, Texas, and will require regular travel throughout the Gulf region.
To Apply
The position will remain open until filled. To be considered for this position, interested candidates must click “Apply” above to submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements.
Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer. EDF’s Diversity Mission Statement can be viewed at http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=48276.