Temporary Job Announcement: Aquatic Invasive Species Policy Analyst

Qualifications: Applicants must be a graduate of or a student currently enrolled in a graduate level marine resource policy degree program or its equivalent. An undergraduate degree in marine biology or its equivalent is preferred. Applicants with knowledge of marine aquatic invasive species (AIS) are preferred. Applicants must be able to acquire, analyze, and apply information on early detection/rapid response (EDRR) plans for AIS including identifying funding sources to implement rapid response actions to eradicate or otherwise control AIS. Applicants must also be able to conduct the research required to develop state regulations that address the problem of AIS in freshwater and marine ecosystems. Applicants must be available for the project duration, July 1 – December 31, 2011.

Scope of Work: The successful applicant will be required to complete the following two tasks:

1. Independently conduct a survey of Federal and State AIS management plans and other sources to compile information on EDRR and other initiatives to control the Chinese Mitten Crab Eriocheir sinensis. Identifying sources of emergency or other funding sources to implement rapid response actions will be a critical part of the survey. Upon completion of the survey, the applicant will produce a draft EDRR plan for the Chinese Mitten Crab Eriocheir sinensis that is applicable to the New England states and the State of New York. It is anticipated that this task will be completed by September 30, 2011.
2. Independently conduct research, including a survey of State coastal zone management programs and other resource management programs, to develop regulations that address the problem of AIS within a State’s coastal jurisdictional area. A critical part of the regulations will be provisions regarding the development and implementation of an EDRR plan to eradicate or otherwise control AIS in State coastal waters. It is anticipated that these draft regulations will be completed by December 31, 2011.

Deliverables: For Task 1 the successful applicant will complete a final draft EDRR plan for the Chinese Mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis applicable to the New England states and the State of New York The EDRR plan will be presented by the successful applicant to the Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Panel at its fall 2011 meeting in Rhode Island. For Task 2, the successful applicant will assist in the completion of draft AIS regulations that will be presented to the Coastal Resources Management Council as a proposed amendment to the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Program.

Please submit a resume, writing sample, and contacts for three references to:

Kevin R. Cute at kcute@crmc.ri.gov