ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION FULL TIME

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is seeking a full-time Associate Director of Conservation, which will be a new position within the Department of Conservation and Policy. 

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Department of Conservation and Policy conducts applied research on the species and habitats of Long Island Sound and supports the development of policy that will improve the health and resiliency of marine and coastal systems. Current projects underway by the department include salt marsh restoration and research, marine debris retrieval, and building partnerships to support regional environmental monitoring. The ideal candidate will be a conservation scientist who is eager to join a high-performing, highly collaborative team, partnering with others within and outside of the Aquarium to implement an ambitious conservation action plan.

ABOUT THE MARITIME AQUARIUM: 

The mission of The Maritime Aquarium is to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For more than 35 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium historically hosts nearly 500,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals. Altogether, the Aquarium is home to nearly 7,500 animals and over 300 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce approximately 65,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation, and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its 60 full-time staff, and part-time and seasonal staff, in addition to volunteers who contribute nearly 20,000 hours annually.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead day-to-day coordination of project portfolio, ensuring alignment between schedules, staffing, and appropriate prioritization of multiple concurrent projects to meet strategic goals and commitments.

• Lead local, state, regional, and national policy engagement for the Aquarium on issues related to conservation, including researching relevant policy issues, drafting position statements, coordinating with staff across the organization, attending meetings with external collaborators, and representing coalitions.

• Manage a high performing team of project managers and research assistants (3), supporting a positive team culture and future departmental growth

• Manage new or ongoing field research projects and collaborations

• Support Director in oversight and implementation of all department activities, such as:

o Research project design/management/coordination/implementation (including field work)

o Grant writing, management, reporting

o Communications (internal and external) and outreach to various public audiences

o Representing the Aquarium at meetings and stakeholder events

o Strategic planning and partnership management

• Lead staff, volunteers, and/or interns to conduct field research in various habitats across region

• Conduct data analysis, statistics, and data visualization 

• Assist with writing of reports and publications

• Prepare and deliver public presentations at community events and scientific conferences

• Coordinate activities of the growing research team and oversee 1+ direct reports

 QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Work Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science, Ecology, Biology or related field required

• Advanced degree preferred

• Previous field research experience required

• Project and people management experience required

• 5+ years of relevant experience required

• Prior experience working at a non-profit/with grant-funded projects a plus

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of Long Island Sound species and habitats required

• Excellent written and oral communication skills required

• Detail-oriented and excellent organization skills required

• Must be comfortable working outside in all weather conditions, including on boats

• Must be able to work collaboratively, work independently, and multi-task

• Strong leadership ability with proven management skills in leading and developing a highly motivated team, with an ability to accept, delegate and supervise responsibility as well as organize tasks and people.

• Able to carry 35+ pounds over uneven terrain during field work

• MS office (excel, word, powerpoint) skills required

• Skills and experience in data management, data analysis, and/or statistics, proficiency in R and GIS (ESRI ArcMap) strongly preferred

The typical work schedule will be Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm, but weekend, early morning, and evening work will be required periodically. 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Please send a cover letter, CV and salary requirements to Sarah Crosby at scrosby@maritimeaquarium.org and Rosemarie Lombardi at applications@maritimeaquarium.org, with Associate Director of Conservation and Policy in the subject line of your email. Review of applications will begin immediately.

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.