Water Policy Advocate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Senior Water Policy Specialist
Salary Range: Range commensurate upon experience: Starting salary $74,449
Reports to: Director of Environmental Policy

MISSION:  For more than 60 years, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been a leading environmental advocacy organization dedicated to protecting Southwest Florida's water, land, wildlife, and future.
ABOUT: The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a leading environmental conservation organization dedicated to protecting the water, land, and wildlife which make our home such a special place. For more than 60 years, the Conservancy has worked with community leaders, businesses, partner agencies, and individuals to find a sensible balance between the demands of a growing population and the preservation of our natural treasures.
Job Overview: Conservancy of Southwest Florida seeks a dynamic and strategic professional to serve as the Senior Water Policy Specialist. The Senior Water Policy Specialist provides technical expertise and leadership for the Conservancy on water policy and wetlands issues at the local, state, and federal levels.  Supports the Policy team on issues related to water resources and wetlands policy/advocacy. 

Responsibilities

Water Policy Analysis and Development:

• Analyzes, assesses, and prepares work products for issues related to water policy, including but not limited to: water quality standards, watershed assessments and restoration plans; TMDLs and BMAPs; stormwater regulations; and wetlands permitting, including Water Management District/Department of Environmental Protection permits and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits.
• Conducts research and technical analysis on these issues.
• Creates documentation in support of recommendations and provides recommendations to the policy team.
• Creates white papers, comment letters, position statements, and advocacy and communication materials.

 Water Policy Advocacy and Representation:

• Advocates, lobbies, and acts as spokesperson and technical expert on water policy issues.
• Educates local, state, and federal governmental agencies and policymakers regarding water policy issues.
• Represents the Conservancy at public and governmental meetings, hearings, workshops, or other gatherings.

Public Outreach, Stakeholder Engagement and Media Relations:

• Cultivates relationships and enhances communication with governmental and non-governmental entities.
• Participates in environmental committees and boards as assigned.
• Prepares and provides public outreach presentations.
• Acts as spokesperson for the media on relevant issues.

Support of Departmental and Organizational Goals:

• Assists in preparing grant requests and reports.
• Works with contract consultants and legal counsel on relevant issues.
• Participates in departmental planning, strategy, and coordination meetings.
• Maintains code of ethics and confidentiality of all donor records and Conservancy confidential information.
• Contributes to the organization's outreach materials and creates content for the organization's website, social media platforms, and other media outlets as required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in environmental policy, environmental studies, natural sciences, or other relevant degree. A master's degree in a related field is preferred.  
• Minimum of three years of related experience with a master's degree, or six years of related experience without.
• Proficiency/knowledge in Florida-specific water regulations.
• Knowledge of fundamental ecological principles, wetland terminology, mitigation principles, hydrology, and South Florida's wetland communities.
• Strong commitment to biodiversity conservation, environmental quality, and natural resource preservation.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with individuals of diverse interests and backgrounds, including leadership, outside attorneys, business associates, and media.
• Knowledge of standard terminology, techniques, and practices in ESRI GIS products. Perform GIS analyses utilizing a combination of spatial and tabular data, prepare reports, and give professional opinions.
• Valid driver's license and good driving record.

Competencies

Organization and Problem-Solving Skills:  Able to prioritize time and workload to meet deadlines; possessing the flexibility to re-prioritize based on fast-moving issues and unexpected developments; capable of anticipating what is needed to complete a task and garnering the resources (both internal and external) to ensure a complete work product is produced in a timely manner.   Ability to accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels, with diplomacy and tactfulness. Demonstrated creativity, problem-solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgment, and decision-making skills. Adaptability to work flexible hours and travel locally when required, using a personal vehicle when necessary.

Technical Proficiency:  Able to analyze data, reports, laws, and other water policy-related materials, translate the information into policy recommendations, craft messaging at the appropriate level of detail to the intended audience and answer questions regarding the policy position when interfacing with others internal or external to the organization.    

Interpersonal Communication Proficiency:  Possessing the ability to interact with others, both internal and external to the organization, in a dynamic, engaging and energetic manner; must have the skillsets to effectively engage in public outreach and enjoy interacting with others.   

Media Relations:  Comfortable speaking and interacting with all forms of media outlets, including newspaper and TV reporters; able to synthesize complex policy issues and convey message in media-appropriate communications.  

Public Presentation Aptitude:  Able to create presentations, talking points and visuals with the level of detail appropriate for specific situations (i.e., more technical for policy and science peers, more educational for the public and general audiences); can effectively engage with others in small or large group settings, motivating the audience and being responsive to the situation.   

The above statements describe the general qualifications required to perform the job and the general nature and level of work performed - not a complete list of duties; management may assign additional responsibilities.

 Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

 Physical Demands and Work Environment

This job description recognizes that reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role. The job entails:

• Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk.
• Lift/move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Exposure to Florida outdoor weather conditions during all-weather types.
• Use of hands for various tasks.
• Visual abilities include close and color vision, along with peripheral and depth perception.
• The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is an equal-opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Date Posted: March 19, 2026