Senior Water Policy Specialist

Job Title: Senior Water Policy Advisor
Salary Range:Range commensurate upon experience: Starting salary $74449
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 Floridas 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 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 statement 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 organizations outreach materials and creates content for the organizations website social media platforms and other media outlets as required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in environmental policy environmental studies natural sciences or other relevant degree. A masters degree in a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of three years of related experience with a masters 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 Floridas 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 drivers 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:

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