For more information, please follow this link: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=98930ce8-632f-495a-bf7b-12cd372446bd&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=437691&source=CC2&lang=en_US

Salary– $21 To 25 Hourly

Position description: 

The ocean policy program within our Conservation Programs and Partnerships (CPP) department is seeking a part-time ocean policy associate to support the Seattle Aquarium’s growing policy work through June 2023. The position will have the opportunity to work directly on policy and advocacy related to the 2023 Washington state legislative session, which runs from January until April, as well as work on federal policy priorities. The work accomplished during this period will help the Seattle Aquarium realize our vision to emerge as a pro-active leader in conservation, both in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

On the state level, issues of focus are likely to include plastic pollution, salmon recovery, orca recovery and environmental justice. On the federal level, issues of focus are likely to include climate change, environmental justice, wildlife and ecosystem protections and plastic pollution. 

Essential functions: 

  • Research, track, analyze and report on environmental issues and proposed policies at all levels of government, particularly Washington state and federal. 
  • Support multi-faceted policy campaigns. Tasks are likely to include writing comment letters, drafting and delivering testimony for legislative or agency hearings, developing public outreach materials, developing blogs and social media messages and writing email action alerts. 
  • Track evolving legislation as it moves through the Washington state legislature or Congress; identify opportunities for action or influence and monitor changes that are proposed through amendments. 
  • Summarize and report on scientific studies and literature, and draft legislation regarding conservation issues related to the Seattle Aquarium’s conservation priorities. Develop talking points and position statements grounded in scientific evidence. Potential issues include marine debris and pollution, salmon recovery, climate change, environmental justice, ocean acidification, coral reef conservation, marine protected areas, aquaculture, offshore renewable energy, orca recovery and water quality. 

Additional responsibilities:

  • Provide support for external presentations and talking points on ocean policy issues and actions.
  • Work with the public relations and marketing departments to develop clear, compelling communication materials, including web content, fact sheets and more. 
  • Participate in meetings and phone calls with our partners in the policy arena. 
  • Provide policy updates for Seattle Aquarium board, staff and volunteers through presentations, handouts, intranet posts, and other documents.
  • Depending on availability, as well as comfort and safety in light of COVID-19, may have the opportunity to make occasional day trips to Olympia to attend hearings, deliver testimony or participate in meetings and/or Environmental Lobby Day(s).
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required skills, abilities:  

  • Very strong written and oral communications skills, including an ability to effectively tailor information for diverse audiences (e.g., writing letters directed to agencies or legislators about science and policy issues, explaining policy positions and supporting science in brief, digestible formats for public audiences and writing blogs on science and policy topics for a public audience). 
  • Familiarity with current environmental policy issues in the Salish Sea and beyond, especially salmon recovery, plastic pollution, environmental justice and/or climate change.
  • Experience with literature reviews and online research.
  • Team player with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills and a service-oriented work ethic.
  • Strong organizational skills, an ability to prioritize and consistently meet deadlines self-directed; a high degree of professionalism; proactive in seeking guidance when needed.
  • Skilled at using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet browsers, and comfortable using video conferencing tools (e.g., Teams, Zoom).
  • Demonstrated ability to be productive in a remote work environment and to advance projects without direct daily supervision. 
  • Self-motivated with a demonstrated passion for the Aquarium’s mission and values.

Experience, education and certifications: We will consider various combinations of relevant experience and education in order to meet minimum requirements. 

Required: 

  • A minimum of three years of experience that demonstrate an understanding of ocean conservation issues, legislative processes and policy and management approaches in the Salish Sea and beyond. 

Preferred: 

  • Three years of experience that demonstrate an advanced understanding of legislative and rule-making processes at the federal level, Washington state legislative processes (similar to what could be acquired through a master’s degree in public policy or public administration and/or a previous job or internship with an advocacy organization, lobbying firm, state agency or legislative office).

Working conditions:

  • The role is currently hybrid within Washington state and can be performed on-site or remotely if that remote location allows at least one to two days per week on-site for team meetings and special events. A computer will be provided. The person in this position will need to have regular and reliable access to their own phone and internet access for working remotely. Staff working remotely are subject to the Seattle Aquarium’s telecommuting policy.
  • On-site work is performed at a computer workstation in an open office environment. 
  • Be comfortable using a computer for up to four hours at a time. 
  • Occasional local travel (less than 5%) as comfort and safety allow in light of COVID-19.