California Marine Life Protection Act Initiative Announcement

What: Seeking assistant marine planner as contractor to help the State of California implement the Marine Life Protection Act

When:Statements of interest due no later 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Where: See below for details

Contract Position Description: Assistant Marine Planner

Posted June 2, 2008

Expressions of interest are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2008

The Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative invites qualified parties to submit statements of interest for work in the MLPA South Coast Study Region through December 2009. Specifically, the MLPA Initiative is seeking an assistant marine planner o provide scientific and technical planning support.

The primary objective in this phase of the MLPA Initiative is to ensure development of sound draft proposals for marine protected areas in the MLPA South Coast Study Region (Point Conception in Santa Barbara County to the border with Mexico in San Diego County, California). Work will be privately contracted, using non-state funds. The initiative seeks qualified candidates who are well known in their respective field and have a solid, proven track record of project performance. Expressions of interest will be reviewed by individuals with related competencies.

Background

The MLPA was signed into law in 1999 and directs the state to redesign California's system of marine protected areas to increase its coherence and effectiveness in protecting the state's marine life and habitats, marine ecosystems, and marine natural heritage, as well as to improve recreational, educational and study opportunities provided by marine ecosystems subject to minimal human disturbance.

The MLPA Initiative is a public-private partnership among the California Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Game, and Resources Legacy Fund Foundation, designed to help the State of California implement the statutory objectives of the MLPA. Information about the MLPA Initiative is available at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa/.

Scope of Work

The assistant marine planner will work with the principal planner and geographic information system (GIS) staff in providing (1) information and support to the MLPA South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group (SCRSG) in developing alternative proposals for MPAs in state waters, and (2) support to the MLPA Master Plan Science Advisory Team in evaluating MPA proposals.

The assistant marine planner will work directly with other staff in all aspects of the MLPA South Coast Project planning effort including:

Assist with data collection * work with state and federal agencies, academic institutions, and stakeholder groups to assemble ecological, socioeconomic, and other baseline data in a regional profile and in GIS format for MPA planning.

Assist in the analysis and presentation of information to various project participants??? work with project staff to analyze and present information to the MLPA South Coast Regional Stakeholder Group, Master Plan Science Advisory Team, and Blue Ribbon Task Force.

Support the development and evaluation of alternative MPA proposals ??? work with other staff to support (1) the regional stakeholder group in developing alternative MPA proposals and (2) the science team in the scientific evaluation of alternative proposals.

Assist in the production of documents for public review- work with other MLPA staff in developing planning documents such as a regional profile, evaluation of existing MPAs, and presentation and evaluation of alternative MPA proposals.

Education, Skills and Experience Required

Bachelor's of science degree in marine science, geography, or related discipline and a minimum of five years of related work experience; alternatively a Master's of Science and 1-3 years experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Knowledge of ocean processes, marine ecosystems and habitats, water quality, and/or conservation biology, and key issues associated with MPA planning

Experience with public policy processes, conservation planning, and marine protected areas

Strong analytical skills, including analyzing data and interpreting results, excellent technical problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and organizational skills

Also desirable are knowledge of geographic information and data standards as well as experience working in multi-disciplinary teams and with stakeholders

Must work well independently and collaboratively.

Necessary for this work are the ability to set priorities and meet tight deadlines with minimal supervision, write effectively in different formats and styles, extract data and key information from conversations and documents, maintain confidentiality, and utilize a computer (advanced skills in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint are mandatory; knowledge of Adobe Acrobat Professional and ESRI GIS software desirable, especially ArcGIS/ArcInfo and Spatial Analyst).

Terms of Engagement

The assistant marine planner will be an independent contractor to the MLPA Initiative, reporting to the MLPA Initiative principal planner. Contractor is expected to provide the equipment necessary to conduct this work, including a computer and software, wireless access, a cell phone and a facsimile.

Contract Period:00% time from July 2008 to June 2009 with a contract extension possible.

Location: Contractor to be located in southern California, but travel will be expected within California.

Compensation: Negotiable, plus expenses; no benefits. Compensation will depend on qualifications and past compensation history.

Application

Send CV (or resume) and cover letter no later 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 to:

Evan Fox, Principal Planner
South Coast Study Region
California MLPA Initiative
evanwfox@gmail.com

Please include in the subject line of your email message your name and "Assistant Marine Planner." _______________________________________________ MLPAInitiative mailing list MLPAInitiative@lists.ceres.ca.gov To subscribe, unsubscribe, or change list options please visit: https://lists.ceres.ca.gov/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/mlpainitiative