Senior Water Policy Specialist

Job Title: Senior Water Policy Specialist
Department: Environmental Policy
Reports To: Director of Environmental Policy
FLSA Status: Exempt

PURPOSE OF JOB: Provides policy analysis and recommendations and develops advocacy goals for the Conservancy on water resource and wetlands issues at the local, state and federal levels. Supports the Everglades and Water Policy Manager and the Environmental Policy Manager on issues related to water resources and wetlands policy/advocacy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Advocates, lobbies, and acts as spokesperson on water policy issues as assigned by the policy leadership team.
• Monitors and reviews activities including but not limited to the following: water quality standards and watershed assessments and restoration plans, relevant Everglades restoration projects, stormwater regulations, and wetlands permitting, including Water Management District/Department of Environmental Protection permits and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits; researches and provides technical analysis on these issues and creates documentation in support of recommendations; provides recommendations to the policy leadership team.
• Provides analysis of relevant data and literature, laws and regulations, and other information pertinent to policy formulation; compiles such information into the drafting of white papers, comment letters, and position statements, advocacy materials and other communications for our members, board, government staff, elected officials and the general public.
• Educates local, state, and federal governmental agencies and policy makers regarding our position on water resources policy issues and provides testimony at public meetings.
• Reviews and provides recommendations on proposed legislation; provides public comments as requested.
• Monitors and participates in governmental meetings and meetings of other decision-making entities regarding water resources issues; prepares a record of discussions and recommended actions.
• Acts as spokesperson for the media on relevant issues.
• Provides public outreach presentations as appropriate.
• Acts as the policy department's lead for drafting social media outreach in coordination with both policy and the marketing/communications team.
• Cultivates relationships and enhances communication and coordination with governmental and non-governmental entities in order to advance the organization's policy goals.
• Provides technical and administrative support for Conservancy litigation, when applicable.
• Coordinates with our contract consultants, lobbyists and legal counsel on water policy issues.
• Participates in local and regional environmental committees as assigned.
• Assists in preparing grant proposals and reports.
• Maintains code of ethics and confidentiality of all donor records and Conservancy confidential information.

OTHER/NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
• Contributes to the organization's newsletter and other media outlets when requested.

The above statements describe the general qualifications required to perform the job and the general nature and level of work performed - not a complete list of duties - additional responsibilities may be assigned by management.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree, preferred in environmental policy, environmental studies, natural sciences, or other relevant degree and at least 3 years of work experience in the field of water policy.
• Proficiency/knowledge of the Clean Water Act, Florida-specific water regulations and Everglades Restoration.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with fundamental ecological principles, wetland terminology, mitigation principles, hydrology and various wetland community types found throughout South Florida.
• Strong commitment to the conservation of biodiversity, environmental quality, and natural resources.
• Strong training and experience in community outreach, and conservation policy development.
• Knowledge of GIS database research and environmental mapping preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with individuals of diverse interests and backgrounds, including senior management, outside attorneys, business associates, and media.
• Knowledge of environment issues in Southwest Florida.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with individuals of diverse interests and backgrounds.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities.
• Willing to work variable hours and to travel statewide to meetings on water resources and Everglades issues. Travel outside the state may also be necessary.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; and 3 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
• Valid driver license and good driving record.

PHYSICAL, DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical demands: While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee will occasionally be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Posted: 6.19.2021