Bonsai Leadership Group is excited to support Ocean Conservancy in its search for a (Senior) Specialist, Marine Debris Backhaul.  

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Ocean Conservancy envisions a healthier ocean, protected by a more just world. Ocean Conservancy works to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with its partners, it creates evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. Learn more about Ocean Conservancy at oceanconservancy.org. 

ABOUT THE ARCTIC PROGRAM

The Arctic is warming four times faster than the planet, driving the melting of Arctic sea ice and changes to its ecosystems, marine life, and human communities. Ocean Conservancy’s Arctic program works in Alaska, nationally and internationally to advocate for the protection of Arctic waters through precautionary solutions that combine science, Indigenous knowledge, and participation of Arctic residents. Experts at Ocean Conservancy work at the community, state, federal, and international levels to craft and win policies designed for the Arctic 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, Ocean Conservancy organizes marine debris cleanups on Alaska beaches and works to dispose of ocean plastics, including derelict fishing gear, safely. Throughout its Arctic work, Ocean Conservancy partners with Alaska Native and Arctic Indigenous leadership to promote Arctic conservation solutions co-produced and co-managed with Indigenous experts, communities, and organizations.  

THE OPPORTUNITY

The (Senior) Specialist, Marine Debris Backhaul will coordinate Ocean Conservancy’s work to transport and recycle marine debris collected in coastal communities across Alaska. In this role, the (Senior) Specialist will work closely with the Senior Director of Arctic Programs and the Arctic Marine Debris Manager in efforts to create a sustainable model for marine debris transport and backhaul in Alaska. The (Senior) Specialist will work closely with Tribal and community partners, transportation companies, and recyclers. The position is responsible for building and maintaining relationships, coordinating transportation efforts, tracking data, and drafting necessary documents and reports. The (Senior) Specialist will also be responsible for supporting integration of this work with Ocean Conservancy’s Alaska marine debris cleanup and outreach efforts. 

Reporting to the Arctic Marine Debris Manager, the (Senior) Specialist, Marine Debris Backhaul will have the following primary responsibilities:  

• Coordinate OC efforts to transport and dispose of marine debris from communities throughout Alaska. 

• Communicate regularly with community partners, transportation companies (barges, fishing vessels, etc.), and recyclers to facilitate the transport and disposal of marine debris. 

• Maintain detailed documentation of the project, including mechanisms used to transport, store, and dispose of debris. 

• Identify and pursue opportunities to build partnerships and support communities and Tribes working on marine debris removal. 

• Ensure communities have the necessary supplies and training to prepare marine debris for shipment. 

• Draft and/or edit blogs, reports, outreach materials, and other documents as needed 

• Represent Ocean Conservancy in local and regional working groups and at conferences, symposia, and other events. 

• Manage outside designers, writers, and other consultants as needed. 

• Take on additional responsibilities and contribute to other areas of Ocean Conservancy’s work as appropriate.  

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE 

The ideal candidate will possess many of the experiences and qualifications described below but need not possess them all for consideration: 

• Bachelor’s degree or 2-4 years of equivalent lived or professional experience. 

• Experience working with and in coastal Alaska communities and with Alaska Native peoples. 

• Familiarity with shipping, fishing, and logistics in rural Alaska and the ability to understand complex systems. 

• Excellent attention to detail and written and oral communication skills.  

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with limited oversight while functioning as part of a team. 

• Commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of work. 

• Ability to take initiative and make connections among partners. 

• Ability to be flexible and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment. 

• Willingness to travel over weekends, particularly during the summer months. 

TRAVEL 

U.S. based travel up to 20% of the time.  

LOCATION

Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows their staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution. Ocean Conservancy has office spaces in Anchorage, Bellingham and Portland. Fully remote work is possible for candidates in locations with reliable internet access, with a preference for those based in Alaska, and consideration given to those in Washington or Oregon. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair and equitable compensation as a foundation for fostering a diverse, inclusive, and thriving workplace where every employee feels valued and empowered. It has established pay structures informed by market data and ensures accountability through ongoing monitoring and reporting of its progress toward achieving more equitable pay practices.  

The minimum starting salary for this position is $X0,000 annually. Final compensation offers will be determined at the end of the recruitment process based on factors such as the candidate’s location, qualifications, background, experience, and internal pay equity considerations.  Individuals are encouraged to share their salary expectations early, as this allows for meaningful discussions about compensation and helps ensure alignment and equity before a final offer. 

In addition, Ocean Conservancy offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:   

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance for employees, spouses (both same sex and opposite sex), domestic partner, and dependent children (effective day 1 of employment)  

• Short- and Long-Term Disability (free for employee)  

• Basic Life Insurance (free for employee)  

• Healthcare and/or Dependent Care Reimbursement Account  

• Retirement Planning - 100% vested upon hire; can begin contributing at hire. After 1 year, Ocean Conservancy will open a 401(a) account for you and will contribute 6% of your monthly salary whether you participate in the 403(b) or not.   

• 15 paid vacation days, 11 holidays, 12 sick days, and 2 personal days  

See full list of benefits at: Ocean Conservancy Benefits. 

SHARE YOUR INTEREST

Bonsai Leadership Group has been exclusively retained for this search. For consideration, submit your letter of interest and resume here. Candidates will be evaluated on a rolling basis. If you are a person with a disability and need help applying, please contact us at careers@bonsaileadershipgroup.com.    

Ocean Conservancy encourages individuals with a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to share their interest. A 100% match is not required. Ocean Conservancy wants to support employees’ career growth, and in return, its employees help it grow into a stronger, more inclusive institution. 

All letters of interest, nominations, inquiries, and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.  

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.