Job Announcement: WATER QUALITY PROTECTION PROGRAM COORDINATOR

MONTEREY BAY NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

WATER QUALITY PROTECTION PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Applications due Sept. 9, 2002

BACKGROUND:

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) was
designated in 1992 to enhance and protect the resources in over 5000 square miles of ocean waters and along nearly 300 miles of California’s coast. The Sanctuary's Water Quality Protection Program (WQPP), initiated in 1994, is a partnership among federal, state and local agencies, public and private groups to address nonpoint and point sources of pollution in the region. Four detailed plans to address water quality issues have already been developed by the group and are in various stages of implementation, and additional plans addressing new issues such as beach closures and desalination are anticipated. To lead these efforts, the Sanctuary requires water quality coordination services for ongoing plan implementation, future planning and monitoring, and evaluation of emerging issues. Additional information on the Sanctuary and the WQPP can be found at: http://montereybay.nos.noaa.gov/

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

The chosen applicant will serve as the Water Quality Protection Coordinator for the Sanctuary to oversee the implementation of existing plans and development of new plans. They will work closely with interagency committees, public and private groups and the Sanctuary's
Resource Protection Coordinator to evaluate water quality issues, pursue methods, resources and partnerships for ongoing implementation of existing plans, coordinate scoping and development of new plans, conduct outreach, and evaluate and comment on emerging water quality issues.

IMPLEMENTATION:

Coordinate and strengthen a variety of implementation efforts underway addressing urban runoff, agriculture and rural lands, marinas and boating, and regional monitoring issues. Coordinate with committee members, federal, state and local agencies, public and private groups, MBNMS staff and contractors to implement additional water quality
strategies, building on existing resources and programs where possible.
Investigate and pursue additional resources needed for implementation,
including collaborative grant proposals, public-private partnerships,
volunteers, Memorandums of Agreement, etc. Develop a framework with WQPP committee for interagency tracking of plan implementation and success evaluations, and compile annual program reports.

MONITORING:

Coordinate with agencies and volunteer groups in the implementation of a regional water quality monitoring program and associated databases, providing advice on monitoring applications and management needs. Coordinate with partners to strengthen Sanctuary Citizen Watershed Monitoring Network, a coalition of trained volunteer groups.

FUTURE PLANNING:

Coordinate with agencies and public groups to develop a regional plan addressing beach closures, sewage discharges and spills, and finalize a plan on desalination plants. Coordinate scheduling, agendas, lead meeting facilitation and prepare structured tools to gather information at workshops. Compile and draft descriptions of existing data and existing management programs, descriptions of problems and potential solutions. Work with committee members and other stakeholders to revise drafts and finalize plans.

EVALUATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

Evaluate and develop recommendations on regional projects and permits which may impact water quality. Participate in local water quality projects and meetings to present recommendations and link efforts with WQPP activities.

OUTREACH:

Give presentations on water quality issues and the WQPP to government, public and private groups, coordinate public workshops and media publicity, respond to information requests, and provide water quality updates for the Sanctuary1s webpage and listserves. Coordinate with Sanctuary education staff on water quality outreach needs and products.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's degree with minimum of 3 years experience in work
related to resource management, water quality, and multistakeholder
coordination. Knowledge and experience in Federal, State, and local
regulations, programs and guidelines related to water quality issues and
knowledge of related physical and biological sciences.

CONTRACT AND APPLICATION:

The full contract period is for three years beginning approximately October 21, 2002. Work is expected to be full-time and will be located at the Sanctuary offices in either Santa Cruzor Monterey, California. Benefits and insurance are not included and are the responsibility of the contractor. Applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and names of 3 references by September 9, 2002 to:

Dr. Holly Price
Resource Protection Coordinator
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
299 Foam St.
Monterey, CA 93940