Policy Analyst

Location: Remote within the Pacific Coast region

(Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii or Alaska);

occasional travel required for events and meetings.

Reports To: Executive Director

Compensation: $70,000-$90,000, based on qualifications and location.

Benefits: Paid holidays and personal time off and access to Association-sponsored IRA

(after 6 months of employment).

Organization and Position Summary

The Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association (PCSGA) is a member-supported organization that represents the farmers of bivalve shellfish (e.g. clam, oyster, mussel) in Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, and Hawaii. PCSGA members depend on clean water, healthy marine environment, and sensible regulations to provide nutritious food, jobs, and many other benefits for communities and ecosystems.

PCSGA supports a wide portfolio of work including workforce development and training, public health, scientific research, and farming methods. Our services and activities include providing general guidance and resources to our members, developing outreach materials for various audiences, planning and hosting events, and advocating for our growers in state capitals and Washington DC. Under the guidance of a Board of Directors, PCSGA staff develop programming and strategies for our members and to ensure a future for growing shellfish. We also work regularly with legislators, researchers, community groups, tribes, NGOs, and other stakeholders to develop collaborative solutions to address the challenges for growing shellfish, and to promote the many benefits our farms provide to society and the environment. PCSGA’s success is dependent on strong relationships between its staff, Board, and our membership. 

As such, PCSGA staff are expected to actively engage with the farmers and other stakeholders at events, farm tours, and meetings. The Policy Analyst supports PCSGA’s policy and advocacy efforts by conducting research, preparing policy analyses, and assisting in the development of policy recommendations. This position plays a key role in gathering information and analyzing regulatory, food safety, environmental, and legislative issues impacting the shellfish industry. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Board of Directors and various committees, the Policy Analyst Policy Analyst Position at PCSGA – November 2024 provides critical insights to guide PCSGA’s advocacy strategy and ensures members are informed of relevant policy developments.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Analysis and Synthesis

o Conduct research on local, state, and federal regulations affecting the shellfish industry, focusing on issues such as food safety, water quality, coastal management, and sustainable aquaculture.

o Analyze draft initiatives, documents and regulatory proposals, assessing their potential impacts on the industry and preparing summaries for internal and external audiences.

o Track and compile data on relevant food safety, environmental, economic and market trends, industry best practices, and emerging issues.

o Become well-versed in regulations a

nd programs supporting and/or regulating shellfish aquaculture including but not limited to NOAA Office of Aquaculture, National Shellfish Sanitation Program, the Farm Bill, State and National Shellfish Initiatives, and emerging initiatives in the shellfish aquaculture arena.

Advocacy Support

o Build relationships with national aquaculture and agriculture organizations such as Sea Grant, Farm Service Agency, National Aquaculture Association, East Coast Shellfish Growers Association to gain an understanding of the resources available through their networks.

o Support PCSGA’s advocacy efforts by drafting policy briefs, reports, and background materials for use in meetings with policymakers, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders.

o Support PCSGA’s Government Committees by preparing talking points, position statements, and other resources to inform stakeholders on key policy priorities.

o Participate in relevant meetings, hearings, and conferences to stay current on policy discussions and share insights with the PCSGA staff and members. 

Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

o Contribute to member and public communications, such as newsletters, social media, and updates, providing insights on policy developments and regulatory changes impacting the industry.

o Support outreach initiatives, such as information sessions and awareness campaigns, on general marketing of shellfish, proper shellfish handling, and legislative issues affecting the shellfish community.

Association and Member Support

o Staff PCSGA Committees and support member engagement and networking opportunities.

o Provide support and representation at PCSGA’s events, meetings, and public engagement efforts including preparing materials, receiving sponsorship, and coordinating attendance.

o Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and Knowledge

o Bachelor’s degree in public policy, environmental science, economics, or a related field.

o At least 2 years of experience in policy research, analysis, or support in an environmental, agricultural, marine resource, or regulatory setting. 

o Familiarity with regulatory processes, food safety and environmental policies, particularly those related to coastal management or aquaculture, preferred.

Skills and Competencies

o Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex policy information into clear, concise summaries.

o Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey information to diverse audiences and the ability to maintain harmonious working relationships with and among members, staff, and Board of Directors.

o Demonstrated success in planning, managing, and executing projects.

o Leadership in guiding collaborative processes and ability to effectively manage complex, multi-component discussions, programs or initiatives.

o Proficiency with MS Office Suite, social media platforms, research databases.

Preferred Qualifications

o Master’s Degree or advanced degree specializing in Marine Affairs, fisheries/biological sciences, public health, natural resources management, agriculture, or related field.

o Knowledge of Pacific Coast aquaculture or marine industries, especially issues related to water quality, food safety, habitat conservation, and economic sustainability.

o Grant-writing ability with demonstrated success receiving external funding and supporting grant administration.

o Experience working in collaborative, multi-stakeholder environments, such public policy, advocacy organizations or industry associations.

o Passion for shellfish farming, sustainable food systems, healthy marine ecosystems, and/or working waterfronts.

o Experience working with shellfish growers, aquaculture producers, fishermen, or other farmers.

o Experience and ability to write copy for a diversity of formats, including newsletters, social media, comment letters, promotional materials, etc.

o Strategic and detailed-oriented individual who works independently to accomplish tasks.

Special Requirements

o Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within the Pacific Coast region as needed for meetings and events.

Application Process

• Interested candidates are asked to submit an application that details their ability to successfully accomplish the work described in this announcement and demonstrates familiarity with shellfish aquaculture and marine resource issues. The application should include a resume, cover letter, and three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• Materials are to be submitted via email, with the subject line reading “Application for PCSGA Policy Analyst” to Aliciaburns@pcsga.org.

• The position will remain open until filled and the first review of applications will occur no later than December 4, 2024. The first round of interviews is anticipated to occur during the week of December 9th.

• Please direct questions to PCSGA Executive Director, Margaret Pilaro, at Margaretpilaro@pcsga.org.