Florida Conservation Lead & Policy Advocate

The Ocean Conservancy Inc; Saint Petersburg (FL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Ocean Conservancy seeks a Florida Conservation Program Manager to lead and expand state partnerships, advancing grassroots debris reduction, water quality initiatives, and climate resilience.

You will work with government partners, NGOs, and communities across Florida, reporting to the Senior Director of Florida Conservation. Based in St. Petersburg with hybrid options and opportunities to travel within the state.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in environmental conservation in Florida; advanced degree may substitute for experience.
• Genuine passion for Florida’s marine environment and strong state ties.
• Familiar with Florida marine conservation issues and potential solutions.
• Empathy and ability to work with diverse communities for a greater good.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; media exposure is a plus.
• Experience with environmental policy analysis and advocacy to influence Florida conservation.
• Highly detail oriented, adaptable, well-organized and self-starting; able to work independently.
• Highly collaborative with large, multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Seek, manage, and expand community-led initiatives to reduce marine debris and nutrient pollution across Florida.
• Lead development of marine debris positions at local and state levels.
• Develop and advance community-driven water quality and debris interventions.
• Participate in grant applications and budget development to attract funding for Florida projects.
• Network with state and local government officials on conservation priorities in key Florida regions.
• Coordinate and network environmental NGO peers statewide to maximize impact for marine conservation.
• Engage stakeholders on water quality, sea level rise, climate change, debris, and habitat issues.
• Represent Ocean Conservancy in public settings and events; testimony when needed.
• Support development and refinement of Ocean Conservancy's policy positions for Florida.

Skills

Public speaking

Policy analysis

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marine conservation or related field

Job description

Ocean Conservancy seeks a Florida Conservation Program Manager to lead and expand state partnerships, advancing grassroots debris reduction, water quality initiatives, and climate resilience.

You will work with government partners, NGOs, and communities across Florida, reporting to the Senior Director of Florida Conservation. Based in St. Petersburg with hybrid options and opportunities to travel within the state.