ABOUT THE ARCTIC PROGRAM
OC’s Arctic and Northern Waters Program works in Alaska and internationally to advocate for the protection of Arctic and Alaskan waters through precautionary solutions that combine science, Indigenous knowledge, and the participation of local residents. OC’s experts work at the community, state, federal, and international levels to craft and win policies designed for the Arctic and Alaska to protect vital ocean habitat from risky industrial development and establish precautionary rules for commercial fishing, offshore energy development, industrial shipping, and other new industries interested in Arctic resources. Through community partnerships, OC organizes marine debris cleanups on Alaska beaches and works to safely dispose of ocean plastics, including derelict fishing gear. Throughout its Arctic work, OC partners with Alaska Native and Arctic Indigenous leadership to promote conservation solutions co-produced and co-managed with Indigenous experts, communities, and organizations.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Marine Debris Specialist plays a critical supporting role in Ocean Conservancy’s Alaska marine debris efforts by assisting in community engagement, logistical coordination, and data tracking. This position will help facilitate marine debris cleanup and backhaul efforts in Alaska, working closely with the Senior Manager, Arctic Marine Debris and local partners to ensure successful execution of projects. The Marine Debris Specialist will serve as a liaison between community members, transportation partners, and the OC team, ensuring seamless coordination of debris removal operations. Additionally, the role will involve outreach efforts, supporting communication strategies, and maintaining detailed project records to enhance the effectiveness of the Arctic marine debris program.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist in coordinating OC’s marine debris cleanup and transportation efforts across Alaska.
- Support partnerships with Alaska Native communities, Tribes, NGOs, and local government agencies to facilitate marine debris removal.
- Communicate with transportation providers (barges, fishing vessels, recyclers) to support the safe and efficient removal of marine debris.
- Track and maintain detailed records of cleanup sites, transportation logistics, and debris disposal.
- Assist in the development of outreach materials, reports, and blogs to highlight OC’s marine debris efforts.
- Represent OC in local and regional working groups, meetings, and conferences as needed.
- Support project administration, including coordinating with contractors, drafting funding proposals, and managing small project budgets.
- Conduct research and compile data to support program development and advocacy efforts.
- Provide logistical and operational support for cleanup events and community engagement activities.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support OC’s Arctic and Northern Waters Program goals.
REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
- BA/BS degree and 2-4 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience working with and in coastal Alaska communities and with Alaska Native peoples.
- Familiarity with marine debris issues, coastal conservation, or environmental logistics in Alaska.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in data tracking and logistics coordination.
- Ability to work both independently with limited oversight and collaboratively within a team.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including experience developing outreach materials or reports.
- Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.
- Flexibility and ability to work in a fast-paced environment, including occasional weekend travel during peak project periods.
COMPENSATION
Ocean Conservancy is committed to equity in its pay practices and posts expected salary ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. The expected salary range is $65,000. We welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected range.
HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT
Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, allowing our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in person while building strong connections across the institution.
