Programs Manager Jobs in Monterey, CA (NOW HIRING)

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all backgrounds into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Priority deadline for applications is September 1, 2026 at 8am PST. Due to the volume of incoming applications, the role may be closed earlier than September 1, 2026 at 8am PST. 

Job Summary:

With limited oversight, lead the development and implementation of informed, equitable and practicable strategies to advance global sustainable aquaculture among a diversity of seafood commodity groups in land-based and mariculture systems, from industrialized to small scale production. Develop and maintain Seafood Watch Standard for environmentally sustainable aquaculture, and the assurance mechanisms for tools including Seafood Watch Aquaculture assessments and the Verification Platform. Inform the research and interventions associated with the Seafood Watch Science Team and Monterey Bay Aquarium\'s global projects geared to enable and accelerate improvements and robust governance for environmentally and socially sustainable aquaculture production. Coordinate across teams with internal and external collaborators, and engagement with collaborative projects including the Aquaculture Governance Indicators, the Seafood Social Risk Tool, the Socioeconomic Learning Framework, biodiversity metrics and other key sustainability indicators. Foster an integrated work plan across teams, ensuring coordination among the Global Programs and Science teams. The Senior Aquaculture Program Manager is Monterey Bay Aquarium\'s resident expert on sustainable aquaculture, with proficiency in global practices, governance and the systemic issues impeding progress in sustainable aquaculture development. Perform other duties as required. 

Core Activities:

• Manage a team of aquaculture scientists to implement and improve the utility and impact of the Seafood Watch Assessment and Verification Platform processes.
  • Oversee the work of a team of full-time staff and outside contractors who conduct the Seafood Watch aquaculture assessments.
  • Assess performance of full-time staff, including but not limited to annual reviews, providing goal-focused feedback, mentor staff to improve performance, and determining merit-based compensation; conduct the hiring process for FTEs and contractors.
  • Conduct training of new staff and contractors to ensure consistent quality of the Seafood Watch Aquaculture assessments.
• Lead strategic planning to advance sustainable aquaculture development in conjunction with other teams in the Global Ocean Conservation Department.
  • Develop an annual work plan for prioritizing Seafood Watch assessments in coordination with Global Ocean Conservation Teams.
  • Develop strategies for improving persistently problematic production systems,  outside of the assessment process, in collaboration with the Global Ocean Conservation leadership team.
  • Design remediation processes and implement improvement plans in collaboration with aquaculture stakeholders, resource managers, and other conservation groups to optimize uptake of research findings.
• Ensure research is strategically linked and meets MBA protocols for research transparency and integrity by serving as the senior scientific advisor for aquaculture research projects. This research function is aimed at filling critical information gaps and improving our understanding of underlying issues including disease management and ecosystem impacts.
  • Co-design and advise on research projects and data management, in coordination with Global Ocean Conservation leadership. 
  • Provide strategic scientific expertise in meetings and workshops with relevant staff, research Fellows and collaborators both remotely and in-region.
  • Integrate findings from research and convenings into relevant programmatic strategies or products.
• Update Seafood Watch Standards; set requirements that are clear and practicable to ensure best practice and reflect latest scientific findings in a manner consistent with a four-year multi-stakeholder, transparent, and inclusive review and revision cycle.
• Assure consistent application of the Seafood Watch Aquaculture standards to reduce risk and maintain the reputation of SFW and MBA, particularly for high profile or complex assessments.
  • Provide expert reviews of all Seafood Watch aquaculture assessments to ensure consistent and reliable results and further inform improvements to the assurance mechanisms, standard and operating.
  • Conduct assessments for highly complex or high-profile aquaculture production systems where needed.
• Lead training through hosting regular meetings and workshops to ensure our research products are rigorous, accessible, and provide accurate and reliable results and build our sustainable aquaculture competency, including among staff scientists, research fellows, and contractors.
• Act as the primary spokesperson and representative on sustainable aquaculture for Monterey Bay Aquarium. This includes participation in relevant technical advisory committees, public and private sector collaborations, workshops, and public presentations or media interviews. 

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs):

• Advanced degree in marine or environmental sciences
• Minimum of 10 years\' experience in aquaculture, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years\' experience in managing research projects
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and project tracking
• Demonstration of competent, professional writing skills
• Demonstration of competent data management systems
• Knowledge of data management and research integrity best practices
• Strong organization, communication, facilitation, and active listening skills
• Proven ability to work effectively among a diversity of team structures and dynamics
• Ability to communicate effectively, diplomatically, honestly, and sensitively with all levels of management, staff, and external audiences
• Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and ability to work collaboratively
• Extensive travel is required; at least bi-monthly, domestically and internationally
• Ability to effectively design and facilitate workshops, meetings, and presentations to engage a diverse audience - both across cultures and sectors including small- and large-scale producers, suppliers, government, academia, and civil society organizations among others
• Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium\'s Core Values
• The position can be remote or based in Monterey, California

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Typical office equipment
• Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending
• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Work is performed typically online, in an office but also overseas in conference/meeting rooms and in remote locations of aquaculture operations

Annual Compensation Range:
$110,700 - $141,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.