Position Announcement: PISCO Policy & Outreach Coordinator

PISCO Policy and Outreach Coordinator
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz

Please note: This is not an official announcement. Please visit the UCSC employment website (http://www2.ucsc.edu/staff_hr/employment/) for official information about this position. An official posting should appear on the website by April 13, 2004.

Start Date: Mid-May to early June, 2004 (or when available)

Position Description:  PISCO (the Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans) is seeking a Policy and Outreach Coordinator.  PISCO is a four-university research consortium comprising the Universities of California at Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara, Oregon State University, and Stanford University, focused on cross-scale studies of ecosystem dynamics in the nearshore ocean of California Oregon, and Washington, with special emphasis on rocky-intertidal and kelp forest communities and adjacent waters. Among the goals of PISCO are to provide scientific information to inform policymaking, management and conservation of coastal ocean ecosystems at local, statewide, regional, and national levels.

The Policy and Outreach Coordinator will work under the direct supervision of the PISCO Principal Investigators at UC Santa Cruz.  The Coordinator will interact closely with other members of the PISCO research group at UC Santa Cruz and at other PISCO universities.  The Coordinator will work with counterparts at other PISCO campuses to ensure coordination and integration of policy and outreach activities across the consortium.

Duties Include:  Developing open lines of communication between the research group and key policymaking and management entities in central California and providing scientific input as requested and/or appropriate to public decision-making processes; working to increase understanding about ocean issues and marine conservation science among relevant citizens’ groups, non-governmental conservation organizations, industry groups, and the interested public by writing reports/publications, making presentations, convening meetings, developing content for the PISCO website, and other activities; encouraging communication and collaboration with scientists outside of the PISCO consortium; engaging PISCO scientists in policy issues by staying current on marine issues at regional and national levels;  providing communication training; and assisting with the development and instruction of interdisciplinary university courses. Some travel (approximately one week every other month) is required.

Requirements and Preferred Qualifications:  The candidate should have a minimum of a Masters degree, with graduate work in ecology, natural resource management, or related field (although a Bachelors degree with at least three years experience in natural resource policy-related work may be considered). A strong scientific background is preferred, particularly in the areas of conservation science, ecology, and biology. Work experience should include two or more years working with state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the interested public on natural-resource management and policy issues (preferably marine). Preference will be given to candidates with experience communicating scientific information to diverse audiences, formulating strategic plans for multiple projects, and demonstrated experience in project management.  Demonstrated ability to understand and evaluate scientific concepts is essential. This position requires excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.  Excellent writing and presentation abilities are necessary. Good judgment and ability to make decisions quickly also are important.  Work will be conducted both as part of a team and independently. Proficiency with relevant software will also be considered: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat as well as HTML coding skills.

Position Conditions:

• Minimum starting salary $37,000. 
• Full-time, fixed-term appointment, with reappointment at the discretion of the hiring supervisor.
• This position is eligible for full benefits 
• This position is grant funded.

To Apply: Send a completed UCSC application, resume, letter of interest, and names and contact information for three professional references to:  UCSC SHR/Employment, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064.  Go to: http://www2.ucsc.edu/staff_hr/employment/ for more information on how to apply for a position at UCSC. Important: Please be sure to note the UCSC job number (yet to be assigned as of April 7, 2004) for this position when you send in your application. Without this number, your application will not be considered.