Public Policy Advisor

Estuario; San Juan (PR); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Estuario (San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership) seeks a Public Policy Advisor to support policy proposals, monitoring and compliance related to waste management within the Inter-Municipal Network. The role collaborates with the Aquatic Debris Manager to implement CCMP guidance and expand regional waste management collaboration.

The ideal candidate will have relevant environmental policy expertise, strong stakeholder engagement, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team in Puerto

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, public administration, or related programs.
• Master’s degree in natural resource or watershed management, ecology, biology, hydrogeology, environmental policy, or related field preferred.
• Juris Doctor degree or in progress with environmental experience.

Responsibilities

• Create and coordinate public policy tools and information online and via workshops to diverse sectors.
• Identify policy options addressing single-use plastics and waste management.
• Track implementation of public policy proposals via Inter-Municipal Network with measurable metrics.
• Support Watershed Basin Waste and Resource Management Analysis recommendations.
• Implement a replicable regional solid waste model across the watershed.
• Document municipality participation and achievements in inter-municipal network meetings.
• Train municipalities, communities and agencies on policy promoting reduction, reuse and recycling.
• Expand the regional solid waste model outline to be replicable statewide.

Skills

Public policy

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Policy analysis

Project management

Independence

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences/public administration

Master’s degree in natural resource/watershed management/environmental policy

Juris Doctor or in progress (environmental issues)

Tools

GIS

Microsoft Office

Google Drive

Adobe

Job description

The San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership (Estuario) is seeking qualified applicants for a Public Policy Advisor.

The Corporation for the Conservation of the San Juan Bay Estuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that operates the San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership, or Estuario. Established in 1994, we are the only tropical and non-continental location within the National Estuary Program (NEP) under Section 320 of the Clean Water Act. The Estuario operates as a partnership to restore and conserve the waters and associated ecosystems of the San Juan Bay Estuary and its watershed as a sustainable axis of social and economic development. The partnership is a trusted regional science-based organization, supported by engaged stakeholders. Estuario’s work is guided by a master restoration plan known as the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) for the San Juan Bay Estuary.

The Public Policy Advisor will support the development of public policy proposals, monitoring, and compliance of public policy related to waste management to integrate to the efforts of the Inter-Municipal Network in addition to supporting the Aquatic Debris Manager in carrying out outputs. Responsibilities will include identifying policy options and opportunities; developing and disseminating policy tools and informational materials; conducting workshops, presentations, and training for municipalities and other stakeholders; tracking policy implementation through the Inter-Municipal Network and documenting participation and achievements; and supporting the implementation and continued development of a replicable regional waste management model.

Responsibilities:

• Create and coordinate the integration of public policy tools and information related to resource and waste management on the Estuario website and other communication channels. Additionally, carry out workshops/presentations/seminars, etc. to present these tools and information to different sectors (private/ public sector, communities, academic, etc.).
• Identify potential policy options and opportunities to address the issues related to single use plastics and other waste management issues and incentive mechanisms that promote recycling, pollution prevention, and circular economy practices.
• Track the implementation of the public policy proposals to ensure integrated resource and waste management at a regional level via the Inter-Municipal Network utilizing metrics that municipalities can adopt and implement.
• Support the implementation of recommendations identified in the Watershed Basin Waste and Resource Management Analysis and Recommendations Report.
• Implement the strategic and replicable model for efficient tools and incentives for adequate resources and waste management in one or more areas across the watershed.
• Document municipality participation, collaboration, and achievements related to the inter-municipal network meetings and the regional waste management model.
• Train different sectors (such as municipalities, communities, other governmental agencies), through workshops, meetings, and other events on policy that effectively promotes the reduction, reuse, recycling and adequate disposal of resources and waste at a regional level.
• Continue to expand as needed the outline for a regional solid waste model within the watershed that is replicable throughout Puerto Rico and includes strategies and activities resulting from the inter-municipal network meetings.
• Support the Aquatic Debris Manager in carrying out tasks related to: CCMP implementation related to Aquatic Debris, regional integrated resource and waste management activities/workshops/events and other emerging public policies and news opportunities focused on waste management.

Required Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, public administration, or related programs
• Master’s degree in natural resource or watershed management, ecology, biology, hydrogeology, environmental policy, or a related field is preferred.
• Juris Doctor degree or Juris doctor in progress with experiences in environmental issues.
• Demonstrated experience working in laws and permitting requirements associated with solid waste,
• recycling, and/or general restoration projects and natural protected areas.
• Experience with partnership development, GIS, and negotiation is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of current theory, practices, principles and technological developments of watershed and estuarine science and restoration.
• General knowledge of laws and permitting requirements associated with solid waste, recycling, and general restoration projects and natural protected areas.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional networks to accomplish goals.
• Position requires a high degree of independence
• Strong interpersonal skills allowing the ability to work with many personalities while always showing respect for differing opinions and experiences
• Works well independently and as part of a team, on the field, and behind a computer.
• Ability to effectively organize work, determine priorities, establish and monitor timelines, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, professional peers, the general public, and the ability to effectively work as a team and on individual assignments
• Adapts easily to dynamic and changing situations.
• Excellent communication skills, a demonstrated proficiency in the communication of technical information to the general public, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent ability to synthesize information, analyze data
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office, cloud-based data access and share software such as Google Drive, software such as Adobe, and other programs/systems as required
• Provide their own personal computer and transportation

Start Date:

expected October 2026

Sources of funding:

The Corporation for the Conservation of the San Juan Bay Estuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that operates the San Juan Bay Estuary Partnership. The Corporation for the Conservation of the SJBE provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or genetics. MBE/WBE and other certified minorities and small businesses are encouraged to apply.