POSITION OVERVIEW

We seek a highly qualified individual to join Marine Conservation Institute as a Conservation Analyst for marine protected areas (MPAs), undertaking crosscutting research and analysis in support of the Institute’s flagship programs, the Atlas of Marine Protection and the Global Ocean Refuge System. This individual will conduct detailed research on the types of ecosystem protections afforded by MPAs across the world’s oceans.

The analyst will work closely with other Institute staff and collaborators; particularly those engaged in the MPA Guide, an effort being led by Marine Conservation Institute, Oregon State University, UCN, UNEP-WCMC, National Geographic, and others to standardize MPA definitions and classifications. The researcher will support a rigorous two-year research and assessment effort to categorize and score a subset of global MPAs, demonstrating the conservation advocacy value of the MPA Guide framework. The individual will contribute to an operational guide based on the framework to enable countries and other interested parties to conduct independent assessments. Our research efforts will seed adoption of the framework by the international community.

This position will be part of the Atlas of Marine Protection (http://mpatlas.org) program team. As countries around the world race to meet levels of marine protection established within international agreements, the Atlas strives to clarify and visualize the level of global marine protection coverage, particularly within fully protected MPAs, the places that most strongly protect marine biodiversity in situ. MPAtlas.org is a key platform for organizing strategic coalition planning, research and communication, providing near-real time updates on MPA commitments and national and global MPA coverage. The analyst will assist with the development of the Institute’s interactive information products and reports provided through the Atlas of Marine Protection platform.

The analyst will also work closely with the Global Ocean Refuge System program director to evaluatehigh-performing MPAs. To catalyze strong protection for at least 30% of the global ocean by 2030, the Global Ocean Refuge System incentivizes governments to protect marine life by recognizing outstanding MPAs that meet science-based conservation standards. The analyst will research nominated sites and write formal evaluation reports using the Global Ocean Refuge criteria. The analyst will also help coordinate logistics, perform spatial and policy analyses, develop communications materials, and assist Institute staff with activities surrounding international meetings, conferences and workshops.

We seek individuals with excellent research and communication skills and substantive knowledge and experience in marine science and policy. They should share our commitment to protecting marine life and have a demonstrated ability to work independently, with minimal direct supervision. This position will be based in our Seattle office, though there is a possibility to work from our San Francisco Bay Area office in Glen Ellen, CA.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Research Activities

  • Perform research and assessments of global MPAs regarding protection level and implementation status
  • Research advances in MPA monitoring and enforcement approaches
  • Perform geospatial analyses on global MPA coverage (GIS experience highly desirable)17
  • Communicate with site managers and local or regional MPA authorities
  • Capture high-level MPA announcements and commitments to keep Atlas records current
  • Contribute to written reports summarizing research and global MPA coverage

DESIRED SKILLS: Technical Skills

  • Excellent internet research skills
  • Proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Experience with spatial analyses (GIS) and modeling (highly desirable)
  • Experience with database design or management (desirable)
  • Experience with scientific programming (Python, R, etc.) and data visualization (desirable)
  • Experience with web application development (desirable)
  • Ability/willingness to learn new computer programs and analysis methods

Science & Policy

  • Master’s degree in marine science or related field, or equivalent experience (highly desirable)
  • Familiarity with marine protected areas and management
  • Substantive understanding of ocean conservation issues, including fisheries
  • Experience searching and reviewing scientific literature, white papers, and legal documents

Communication

  • Interpersonal skills
  • Excellent verbal and especially written communication skills
  • Proficiency reading or speaking other languages (highly desirable)

COMPENSATION
We are hiring a full-time staff researcher (40 hours/week) with a competitive benefits package including medical, dental and vision and 401k matching program. Salary commensurate with experience.

APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please e-mail the following materials to jobs@marine-conservation.org. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis starting July 1, 2019. Please reference the position title (Conservation Analyst) and your name in the subject line.

  • A cover letter detailing your interests, relevant experience, goals and availability
  • A résumé, including relevant coursework and experience
  • A list of 3 references
  • Short formal writing sample

Please, no calls regarding this opportunity.

ABOUT MARINE CONSERVATION INSTITUTE

As a leader in the global movement to protect and recover the integrity of vast ocean areas, Marine Conservation Institute uses the latest science to identify important marine ecosystems around the world and then advocates for their protection. Our unique effectiveness comes from our vision, expertise and our willingness to partner with others. Marine Conservation Institute is an equal opportunity employer.