Environmental Policy & Advocacy Associate

Sanibel - Captiva Conservati; Sanibel (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO and paid holidays

Medical, dental and life insurance

401k with employer match

Sanibel Toll reimbursement

Recreation Center membership

Job summary

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) seeks a policy-focused professional to translate science into impactful environmental outcomes. You will monitor Florida legislation, craft advocacy content, and engage with officials to advance water quality, land use, and wildlife resilience in Southwest Florida.

You’ll lead educational programs, deliver presentations, and conduct media interviews, while collaborating with Communications and Policy teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental science, ecology, public policy or related field.
• Strong research and organizational skills; ability to track multiple issues from science and policy perspectives.
• Understanding of Florida legislative processes and willingness to learn.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data management.

Responsibilities

• Translate science into policy outcomes on water quality, land use, wildlife conservation and resilience.
• Monitor Florida bills and environmental issues in Lee County.
• Create advocacy campaigns and write short/long-form articles and social content.
• Attend meetings with officials and agency staff; provide public comments at meetings.
• Lead educational courses; conduct presentations and media interviews.
• Capture aerial water quality data via drone and compile tours.
• Prepare metrics and communications on weekly water quality.
• Research environmental science publications and policy developments.
• Contribute to SCCF’s podcasts and outreach events.
• Create infographics or story maps for communication.

Skills

Research

Organization

Public policy understanding

Writing

Public speaking

Diplomacy

Networking

Independent & teamwork

Presentations & media interviews

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental science, ecology, public policy or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

GIS

R

Adobe Creative Suite

WordPress

Job description

Reports to: Director of Environmental Policy

Key Responsibilities:

Work closely with Environmental Policy team translating science into impactful outcomes for issues related to water quality, land use, wildlife conservation and resilience

• Monitor development of relevant bills during Florida’s legislative session and environmental issues within Lee County
• Work with Policy and Communications teams to create advocacy campaigns through legislative action alerts, short and long-form articles and social media content
• Participate in meetings with elected or appointed officials and agency staff at various levels of government, provide comments at public meetings
• Participate in leading educational courses for various groups on issues related to Environmental Policy, conduct presentations and engage in media interviews
• Capture weekly aerial photos of water quality via drone and compile into virtual panoramic tour (can be taught within role)
• Compile metrics and craft communications on weekly water quality conditions
• Conduct regular research on environmental science publications, legislative developments and threats to Southwest Florida’s environment
• Conduct background research and participate in SCCF’s 'Land, Water, Wildlife' podcast
• Craft creative and impactful communication tools such as infographics and/ or story maps
• Participate in SCCF staff events, meetings, fundraising events

Required skills:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental science, ecology, public policy or related field
• Strong research and organization skills, ability to track and understand multiple issues at a time from scientific and policy-based perspectives
• Understanding of Florida legislative processes and willingness to learn
• Skilled at computer work, use of Microsoft Suite and data management
• Strong writing, speaking and communication skills, ability to explain complex topics to various audiences
• Willingness to learn new skills and gain in-depth knowledge of Southwest Florida’s unique environmental challenges
• Strong diplomacy and networking skills
• Ability to work both independently and with a team on larger initiatives
• Ability to conduct presentations, provide public comments and conduct media interviews on various topics

Preferred skills that will be utilized within role. If not already possessing, can be taught on- site:

• Use of Adobe Creative Suite; Lightroom, Photoshop
• Piloting of a drone (Mavic Pro 2) for data collection
• Use of communications platforms; Constant Contact, WordPress
• Data analysis within Excel
• GIS and R knowledge

Travel and Working Hours:

The nature and geographic scope of this position requires regular travel away from Sanibel to meetings and events at various locations throughout the state. Especially during Sanibel’s high tourism season, workdays can extend to evenings and some weekends when participating in SCCF sponsored programs, events or educational activities.

The nature of this work requires strong diplomacy skills when dealing with elected and appointed officials and government agencies.

Physical Requirements:

This role requires a valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle and endurance for semi-frequent travel throughout the county and state, sitting, walking, standing and the ability to engage in media interviews, conduct presentations and participate in public speaking engagements.

SCCF is a drug-free workplace, any offer of employment is contingent on passing a background check and drug screening.

Compensation and Benefits

• Eligible for PTO (vacation and sick), paid holidays, medical, dental and life insurance.
• 401k with generous employer match
• Sanibel Toll reimbursement for employees who live off-island
• Sanibel Recreation Center membership

Are you authorized to work in the United States? Are you authorized to work in the United States?