Principal Scientist Job Announcement for Clean Ocean Action

The principal scientist is the primary science expert on marine pollution 
issues for Clean Ocean Action (COA), a non-profit marine advocacy 
coalition.  The Principal Scientist works closely with COA’s Executive 
Director, attorneys, and policy directors.  The Principle Scientist will 
oversee the scientific aspects of COA’s programs.  For information about 
COA, please visit www.CleanOceanAction.org. 

Primary Responsibilities:  in consultation with COA’s Executive Director, 
- help shape regional and national ocean protection policies, 
- plan the direction of the science programs,
- investigate and evaluate proposals, regulations, projects, and issues, 
and prepare comments to reduce pollution sources, 
- track and assess scientific and technical aspects of water quality 
policies and pollution permits at regional and state levels to reduce 
pollution impacts, 
- prepare policy/technical reports and comments on water quality issues,
- advocate through both written comments and oral testimony for sound 
science and strong regulatory policy before regulatory agencies,
- communicate and coordinate technical and policy issues with a diversity 
of people including policy, legal, coalition members, media, students, and 
citizens,
- develop, organize, and facilitate workshops and meetings as needed,
- represent COA at local, regional, and national levels and attend 
scientific meetings, 
- write position papers, press communications, and scientific content for 
website, newsletters, and public outreach materials,
- cultivate relationships with scientists and policy experts at non-
governmental organizations, regulatory agencies, and educational 
institutions to review topics and develop positions, and
- train and advise interns in marine science/public policy.

In addition when necessary: 
• Conduct public presentations on issues.
• Write newsletter articles and keep website updated on science related 
matters.
• Provide citizens with information. 
• Assist in outreach on water quality topics.
• Assist with grants proposals.  
• Time allowing, publishing in technical journals and presenting at 
conferences are encouraged.

Position Qualifications:
• Advanced degree in marine biology, environmental chemistry, toxicology, 
or related environmental sciences field (post-doctorate preferred).
• Strong technical and scientific background in water quality.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, public speaking, and writing 
skills.
• Good judgment and ability to successfully manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong decision-making experience with interest in taking a leadership 
role in a collaborative, visionary, and highly effective organization.  
Advocacy experience a plus. 
• Commitment to science, precautionary principle, and facts a must.  
• Flexibility and good sense of humor with a passion for Clean Ocean 
Action’s mission to protect the marine environment

SALARY: Very competitive salary with 100% employer paid health and dental 
insurance in addition to other employee benefits.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Clean Ocean Action (COA) is based at Sandy Hook, NJ, a 
national recreation area—a beautiful largely undeveloped coastal ecosystem 
including wetlands, forest, and 15 miles of beaches—located within 15 
miles of Manhattan.  COA is a team of ten dedicated ocean advocates who 
work together in a century old building.  The pace is hectic, the work 
rewarding, and the results priceless. 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: December 1, 2007 or until position is filled.

HOW TO APPLY: Submit a cover letter, resume, short writing sample, at 
least three references with affiliations and contact info, and salary 
expectations by email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]  E-mail inquiries 
only, please.

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