Environmental Policy & Advocacy Associate

Job Title: Environmental Policy & Advocacy Associate

Reports to: Director of Environmental Policy

Key Responsibilities:

Work closely with Environmental Policy team translating science into impactful outcomes for issues related to water quality, land use, wildlife conservation and resilience

• Monitor development of relevant bills during Florida’s legislative session and environmental issues within Lee County
• Work with Policy and Communications teams to create advocacy campaigns through legislative action alerts, short and long-form articles and social media content
• Participate in meetings with elected or appointed officials and agency staff at various levels of government, provide comments at public meetings
• Participate in leading educational courses for various groups on issues related to Environmental Policy, conduct presentations and engage in media interviews
• Capture weekly aerial photos of water quality via drone and compile into virtual panoramic tour (can be taught within role)
• Compile metrics and craft communications on weekly water quality conditions
• Participate in weekly stakeholder meetings regarding water quality and produce weekly water quality report
• Conduct regular research on environmental science publications, legislative developments and threats to Southwest Florida’s environment
• Conduct background research and participate in production of SCCF’s ‘Land, Water, Wildlife’ podcast
• Craft creative and impactful communication tools such as infographics and/ or story maps
• Participate in SCCF staff events, meetings, fundraising events

Required skills:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental science, ecology, public policy or related field
• Strong research and organization skills, ability to track and understand multiple issues at a time from scientific and policy-based perspectives
• Understanding of Florida legislative processes and willingness to learn
• Skilled at computer work, use of Microsoft Suite and data management
• Strong writing, speaking and communication skills, ability to explain complex topics to various audiences
• Willingness to learn new skills and gain in-depth knowledge of Southwest Florida’s unique environmental challenges
• Strong diplomacy and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work both independently and with a team on larger initiatives
• Ability to conduct presentations, provide public comments and conduct media interviews on various topics

Preferred skills that will be utilized within role. If not already possessing, can be taught on- site:

• Use of Adobe Creative Suite; Lightroom, Photoshop
• Piloting of a drone (Mavic Pro 2) for data collection
• Use of communications platforms; Constant Contact, WordPress
• Use of legislative tracking software (Quorum)
• Data analysis within Excel
• GIS knowledge

Travel and Working Hours:

The nature and geographic scope of this position requires regular travel away from Sanibel to meetings and events at various locations throughout the state. Especially during Sanibel’s high tourism season, workdays can extend to evenings and some weekends when participating in SCCF sponsored programs, events or educational activities.

The nature of this work requires strong diplomacy skills when dealing with elected and appointed officials and government agencies.

Physical Requirements:

This role requires a valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle and endurance for semi-frequent travel throughout the county and state, sitting, walking, standing and the ability to engage in media interviews, conduct presentations and participate in public speaking engagements.

SCCF is a drug-free workplace, any offer of employment is contingent on passing a background check and drug screening.

Compensation and Benefits

• Full-time; salaried, exempt
• Eligible for PTO (vacation and sick), paid holidays, medical, dental and life insurance.
• 401k with generous employer match
• Mileage reimbursement for required travel
• Sanibel Toll reimbursement for employees who live off-island
• Sanibel Recreation Center membership

Application deadline: November 30, 2026