About Friends of the Everglades
Friends of the Everglades is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1969 by Marjory Stoneman Douglas. Its mission is to preserve, protect, and restore the Everglades. This role also serves VoteWater, a 501(c)(4), and work time must be tracked and allocated between the organizations in accordance with applicable policies and IRS requirements.
Position summary
The Science and Policy Analyst reports to the Policy Director and develops and curates scientific knowledge to inform Friends of the Everglades’ policy positions and advocacy. The analyst reviews and synthesizes scientific data, studies, and reports; tracks environmental conditions and water-quality trends; writes technical and briefing materials; and provides research and technical input, including legislative tracking, to strengthen policy positions and communications.
This is a Florida-based remote position requiring travel to the Stuart, Florida office approximately twice per month. Candidates in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties are preferred. Qualified candidates elsewhere in the 16-county Greater Everglades region, or willing to relocate there, are also welcome.
Compensation and benefits
- Full-time, salaried position
- Salary range: $60,000–$70,000, commensurate with experience
- Remote work with some travel reimbursement
- Healthcare coverage, generous paid time off, 401(k), and paid holidays
ResponsibilitiesScientific research and analysis
- Review and evaluate scientific evidence and research related to Everglades restoration, water quality, and ecosystem health to support policy decisions.
- Track environmental conditions, including algal blooms and long-term water-quality trends, using monitoring data and agency updates.
- Attend field visits, seminars, workshops, and scientific briefings to stay informed about emerging issues.
- Consult external Everglades scientific experts and work with the Policy Director and science advisors to interpret evidence and strengthen policy positions.
- Draft white papers, memos, briefings, and technical summaries for leadership and advocacy and education work.
Policy support and advocacy
- Help track and assess proposed federal, state, and local policies and legislation for alignment with the organization’s mission and objectives.
- Provide research-based recommendations and technical input to support policy positions, and report findings that may inform new or amended policies.
- Contribute to advocacy materials, public comments, and testimony, both written and spoken.
- Support stakeholder engagement and consensus-building on policies related to Everglades protection, preservation, and restoration.
- Build collaborative working relationships with scientists, agencies, and partner organizations as directed by the Policy Director.
Communication and stakeholder engagement
- Translate scientific and technical findings into accessible communications for policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.
- Prepare background materials, talking points, and presentations for the Policy Director, Executive Director, and other staff.
- Represent Friends of the Everglades at meetings, workshops, and events when requested.
Responsibilities may be adjusted to meet organizational priorities, and other duties may be assigned in support of the organization’s mission.
QualificationsRequired
- Bachelor’s degree in a physical, biological, or environmental science or engineering field, or a bachelor’s degree combined with a science-related master’s degree.
- Ability to read, evaluate, and synthesize scientific literature and monitoring data.
- Strong writing skills and ability to explain technical findings to non-scientists.
- Comfort engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Working knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes.
Preferred
- Advanced degree in a relevant field.
- Two or more years of relevant experience in scientific research, environmental science, policy, or advocacy. Paid, volunteer, internship, fellowship, and graduate research experience count.
- Familiarity with Everglades restoration issues, including CERP, the Lake Okeechobee Management Schedule, and water-quality standards.
- Experience working with state or federal agencies.
- Experience with data-analysis or GIS tools.
Work culture
Friends of the Everglades is a small, collaborative team whose policy, science, education, development, and operations staff work closely together toward a shared mission. The organization values mutual support, open communication about priorities and workload, honesty, respect, and constructive engagement with colleagues, partners, and the public.