Marine Debris Specialist

Ocean Conservancy is seeking a Marine Debris Specialist based in Alaska or Washington to support marine debris cleanup efforts. The role involves community engagement, logistical coordination, and data tracking to facilitate cleanup projects. The Specialist will liaise with community members and partners to ensure effective operations and maintain project records. This full-time position is term-limited for three years and focuses on protecting Arctic and Alaskan waters.
DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Conservation/Arctic and Northern Waters and Trash Free Seas Programs

REPORTS TO: Senior Manager, Arctic Marine Debris

STATUS: Regular, Full-Time, Exempt (Term-limitedthree years)

LOCATION: Alaska (preferred) or Washington

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Ocean Conservancy (OC) envisions a healthier ocean protected by a more just world. From the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico to the halls of Congress, OC brings people together to find solutions for our water planet. OC creates evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. The organization collaborates with partners across the globe to tackle the largest ocean conservation challenges and strengthen the health of the ocean for future generations. OC mobilizes citizen advocates to facilitate change and is committed to supporting efforts that benefit the people who depend on the ocean for food, jobs, and recreation. OC shapes the political agenda for the ocean so sound decisions are made that sustain our planet and improve lives.

ABOUT THE ARCTIC PROGRAM

OCs 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. OCs 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 Conservancys 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 OCs 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 OCs 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 OCs 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 candidates 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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We encourage applicants who have a diverse range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required. We value employees career growth and, in return, seek to grow Ocean Conservancy into a stronger, more inclusive institution.