Climate & Ecosystems Coordinator

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Climate & Ecosystems Coordinator

About the Position

The Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS) is seeking to hire a Climate & Ecosystems Coordinator to manage and grow a portfolio of work on emerging issues that affect ecological integrity, coastal resilience, livelihoods, and human health in coastal and ocean environments of the Northeastern U.S. A particular focus will be advancing and integrating existing initiatives addressing Ocean & Coastal Acidification (OCA), specifically the Northeast Coastal Acidification Network and the Ocean Acidification Information Exchange. Additionally, the position will scope and develop new initiatives related to Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), Marine Heat Waves (MHWs), marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR), and other issues, including the intersections of those issues with one another and with OCA. For all of the issues considered, the position will also determine how to most effectively capitalize on and evolve the regional ocean observing systems managed by NERACOOS to better track critical climate and ecosystem indicators. Across this portfolio of work, the position will work at the intersection of ecosystem science and end-user engagement.

Primary Responsibilities

Northeast Coastal Acidification Network (NECAN)

• Organize regular meetings of the NECAN Steering Committee and the NECAN thematic work groups (education & outreach, science, management & policy, and industry). Continue the popular NECAN webinar program by recruiting speakers, publicizing events, and synthesizing outcomes. Lead the development of a Regional OCA Monitoring Plan in collaboration with the Northeast Regional Ocean Council and other partners, and work to begin its implementation. Participate in meetings, conferences, and other events as part of the national system of Coastal Acidification Networks (CANs) and other initiatives organized by the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP). Plan and execute research, monitoring, and user engagement activities at regional and national scales in collaboration with OAP, other CANs, and other partners. Coordinate and support outreach activities such as workshops, webinars, and educational collaterals. Maintain the NECAN implementation plan, website, and newsletter.

Ocean Acidification Information Exchange (OAIE)

• Manage the OAIE online platform, including responding to new member requests, tracking technical issues, managing work of the site developer, ensuring regular member updates, and other tasks. Work with web developer to implement website transition to new content management system and website improvements that better serve the community. Grow the community of OAIE users by publicizing the platform through social media channels, OCA-related events and publications, direct outreach to prospective users, and other tactics. Foster community engagement on the OAIE platform with content, both directly and by encouraging members to share questions, ideas, and news of interest to the community. Organize the OAIE community through teams convened through the platform. Convene and organize quarterly meetings of the Steering Committee. Work closely with OAP and CANs to identify ways that OAIE can better serve the community of practitioners focused on OCA.

Other climate and ecosystem issues

• Participate in events related to HABs, MHVs, mCDR, and other issues to identify needs and opportunities that are consistent with the mission of NERACOOS. Identify ways in which the regional ocean observing system can support understanding of and adaptation to emerging issues through application of existing assets and targeted system expansions. Develop strategies for new research, observing, engagement, and communication activities to support user understanding of and adaptation to these issues, including their interactions with one another and with OCA. Support fundraising to implement those strategies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field of marine science, with a preference for biogeochemical expertise. We will also consider candidates with a bachelor’s degree plus unique or extensive relevant experience. Commitment to building and sustaining operational oceanographic observing systems. Interest and experience in organizing communities of scientists, policymakers, and industry members, and in directing science to application. Website development and/or website content management experience preferred, or readiness to build this knowledge and experience. Excellent communication skills including social media and other popular media, technical report writing, and grant proposal development. Experience in stakeholder outreach and engagement, or strong willingness and potential to develop engagement skills.

About NERACOOS

NERACOOS is an independent non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that is one of eleven regional associations comprising the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System, working from Long Island Sound to the Gulf of Maine. We believe that everybody should have the information they need to advance resilient communities, economies & marine ecosystems. To that end, we serve people by creating, organizing, and sharing information about the ocean. We work in ways that are science-based, policy-neutral, and collaborative as we strive to meet the needs of ocean-reliant communities.

Position Type

This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position. Funding is committed for two years with potential to extend based on performance, demonstrated need, and additional fundraising success. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and available funding and includes the NERACOOS organizational benefits package.

Work Location and Hours

​The NERACOOS office is located in Portsmouth, NH, along with coordinated and supported teleworking. A remote location will be considered for the right candidate with periodic travel to the Northeast for in-person meetings with NERACOOS staff, partners, and users. Standard business hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, although the position will require regular travel up to 25% of the time and periodic work on weekends and in the evening as conferences, workshops, and other engagement opportunities dictate.

Applying Instructions: Submit CV, 1-page cover letter, and contact information for three professional references as a PDF to Rob Cardeiro (rob@neracoos.org). The search committee will review applications beginning February 1, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled.

NERACOOS is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. For more information visit www.neracoos.org