Prior Contract Announcements

• Position Description and Request for Statements of Qualification: Public Outreach and Education Coordinator
• Position Description and Request for Statements of Qualification: Media Relations Liaison
• Request for Statements of Qualifications: North Central Coast Study Region
• Task Force Seeks Assistant Marine Planner
• Task Force Seeks Policy Analyst
• Ecotrust Port Liaison(s) for Commercial Fishing Study

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Position Description and Request for Statements of Qualification:
Public Outreach and Education Coordinator

(April 25, 2008)

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Statements of qualifications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2008.
Position may be filled prior to this date.

The Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative invites qualified parties to submit statements of qualifications for work in the MLPA South Coast Study Region through December 2009. Specifically, the MLPA Initiative is seeking a public outreach and education coordinator to plan, develop and implement an outreach and education plan, relying primarily on coordination with other organizations that are conducting stakeholder outreach and public education related to the MLPA Initiative. Typical duties require exercise of professional judgment in communicating complex public policies and effective stakeholder and scientific contributions in a situation of highly diverse views and experiences.

The primary objective in this phase of the MLPA Initiative is to ensure development of sound draft proposals for marine protected areas in the MLPA South Coast Study Region (Point Conception in Santa Barbara County to the border with Mexico in San Diego County, California). Work will be privately contracted, using non-state funds. The initiative seeks qualified candidates who are well known in their respective field and have a solid, proven track record of project performance. The statements of qualifications will be reviewed by individuals with related competencies.

Background

The MLPA was signed into law in 1999 and directs the state to redesign California's system of marine protected areas to increase its coherence and effectiveness in protecting the state's marine life and habitats, marine ecosystems, and marine natural heritage, as well as to improve recreational, educational and study opportunities provided by marine ecosystems subject to minimal human disturbance.

The MLPA Initiative is a public-private partnership among the California Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Game, and Resources Legacy Fund Foundation, designed to help the State of California implement the statutory objectives of the MLPA. Information about the MLPA Initiative is available at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa.

Scope of Work

The public outreach coordinator will support the MLPA Initiative in planning, developing and implementing an outreach and education plan, relying primarily on coordination with other organizations that are conducting stakeholder outreach and public education related to the MLPA Initiative. Specific tasks may include:

• Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with key local, regional and statewide stakeholder organizations, including groups representing a variety of cultural interests
• Create partnerships and coordinate with other organizations conducting stakeholder outreach and public education related to the MLPA Initiative
• Proactively assess day-to-day opportunities that are available for increased education and outreach to the public and key stakeholder groups
• Assist in identifying negative or threatening issues or inquiries and exhibit leadership in developing strategic and timely responses; may include monitoring online bulletin and discussion boards and websites
• Assist other staff in planning and implementing large meetings, including preparing and distributing materials, recording attendance, arranging services, delivering meeting supplies, and acting as the onsite contact for facility management
• Develop, write and edit outreach materials
• Assist in coaching target staff and project participants in effective communication with the public and to develop quality presentations
• Organize and deliver outreach presentations or exhibits to increase public awareness, understanding and involvement in the MLPA Initiative; exercise professional judgment in determining priorities for outreach and presentation requests
• If time permits, in consultation with other MLPA Initiative staff and contractors, help prepare and edit publications for internal and external audiences, including electronic newsletters

Education, Skills and Experience Required

This work requires organizational, planning, communication and outreach skills and an attention to detail generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program in education, communications, English, marketing or a related discipline, and at least four years professional experience in education and outreach.

Necessary for this work are the ability to meet tight deadlines with minimal supervision, write effectively for the general public, work directly and cooperatively with stakeholders, extract key information from conversations and documents, develop education and outreach materials for a diverse audience, work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines, move objects and materials weighing as much as 40 lbs with or without accommodation, and use a personal computer (advanced skills in MS Word, MS PowerPoint and Adobe PageMaker and intermediate skills in MS Excel are mandatory).

Knowledge of marine issues in California is valuable, but not required. Experience in public processes, conservation education, marine protected areas or public relations is a benefit, as are experience working in multi-disciplinary teams and with stakeholder groups.

Terms of Engagement

The public outreach coordinator will be an independent contractor to the MLPA Initiative, reporting to the MLPA Initiative program manager and executive director, but also coordinating and working closely with staff from the California Department of Fish and Game. Contractor is expected to provide the equipment necessary to conduct this work, including a vehicle, computer, wireless access, cell phone and facsimile.

• Contract Period: Will vary from 75-100% time from May 2008 to December 2009 with a contract extension possible.
• Location: Contractor to be located in southern California, but travel will be required within California.
• Compensation: Negotiable; no benefits. Compensation will depend on qualifications, past compensation history, and level of effort.

Application

Each statement of qualifications should include:

1. Name of interested party (firm or individual).
2. Key contact information, including mail and email addresses, and telephone numbers.
3. A statement of key competencies. Please be specific about the competencies offered.
4. A list of relevant experience (including description of work delivered, time frames, fees).
5. Succinct biographical information of the individuals most relevant to these competencies who would undertake any work requested.
6. A list of five references.

Statements of qualifications, including the identified six elements, should be no longer than ten pages. Statements should be submitted electronically no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 to:

Ken Wiseman, Executive Director
California Marine Life Protection Act Initiative
MLPA.SOQs@resources.ca.gov

Please include in the subject line of your email message your name and "POE Coordinator."

All work products will become property of the State of California. Academic and other publications based on the work are acceptable if acknowledgement is given to the funding support provided by the MLPA Initiative and the following statement is included in each publication: "The views expressed here are those of the author(s) and have not been reviewed by, nor are they approved by, the California Marine Life Protection Act Initiative or the State of California."

 

Position Description and Request for Statements of Qualification:
Media Relations Liaison

(April 25, 2008)

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Statements of qualifications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2008.
Position may be filled prior to this date.

The Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative invites qualified parties to submit statements of qualifications for work in the MLPA South Coast Study Region through December 2009. Specifically, the MLPA Initiative is seeking a media relations liaison to develop, implement and regularly analyze a strategic, comprehensive and diversified media relations program to support the objectives of the MLPA Initiative through local, regional and national news exposure. Typical duties require exercise of professional judgment in communicating complex public policies and effective stakeholder and scientific contributions in a situation of highly diverse views and experiences.

The primary objective in this phase of the MLPA Initiative is to ensure development of sound draft proposals for marine protected areas in the MLPA South Coast Study Region (Point Conception in Santa Barbara County to the border with Mexico in San Diego County, California). Work will be privately contracted, using non-state funds. The initiative seeks qualified candidates who are well known in their respective field and have a solid, proven track record of project performance. The statements of qualifications will be reviewed by individuals with related competencies.

Background

The MLPA was signed into law in 1999 and directs the state to redesign California's system of marine protected areas to increase its coherence and effectiveness in protecting the state's marine life and habitats, marine ecosystems, and marine natural heritage, as well as to improve recreational, educational and study opportunities provided by marine ecosystems subject to minimal human disturbance.

The MLPA Initiative is a public-private partnership among the California Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Game, and Resources Legacy Fund Foundation, designed to help the State of California implement the statutory objectives of the MLPA. Information about the MLPA Initiative is available at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa.

Scope of Work

The media relations liaison will support the MLPA Initiative in developing, implementing and regularly analyzing a strategic, comprehensive and diversified media relations program, and providing strategic communications advice to MLPA Initiative staff and project participants. Specific tasks may include:

• Analyze local, regional and national print, broadcast and online media coverage for trends that could influence media relations opportunities and challenges
• Proactively assess day-to-day media environment and utilize opportunities that are available for increased exposure, including identifying and utilizing free advertising space and time as available to promote the MLPA Initiative
• Identify negative or threatening media issues or inquiries and exhibit leadership in developing strategic and timely responses
• Develop and maintain mutually productive working relationships with key local, regional, statewide and national reporters and journalists, as well as representatives from new media/online sources and multi-cultural publications
• Create, develop and place MLPA Initiative updates in key target media from start to finish; this includes developing news releases, media advisories, news tips and other materials for the news media
• Exercise professional judgment in determining priorities for incoming media requests
• Provide strategic media relations counsel and preparation to MLPA Initiative leadership regarding interviews and potential interview opportunities
• Assist in coaching target staff and project participants in effective communication with the media and the public to improve the quality of presentations
• Prepare talking points and news releases for MLPA Initiative staff
• If time permits, in consultation with other MLPA Initiative staff and contractors, help prepare and edit publications for internal and external audiences, including electronic newsletters
• If time and funding permits, assess effectiveness of media plan in supporting MLPA Initiative objectives, by designing, administering and analyzing the results of various assessment tools (such as surveys, focus groups, and personal interviews)

Education, Skills and Experience Required

This work requires analytical, organizational and advanced communication skills generally acquired through completion of a master's degree program in journalism, communications, English or a related discipline, and at least five years experience in communications such as newspapers, radio, television and public relations.

Necessary for this work are the ability to meet tight deadlines with minimal supervision, write effectively in several different formats and styles, extract data and key information from conversations and documents, maintain confidentiality, understand the components of effective print and online communications, edit copy, and utilize Microsoft Office (advanced skills in Word and PowerPoint are mandatory, Excel helpful).

Knowledge of marine policy is valuable, but not required. Experience in public policy processes, conservation planning, marine protected areas or marine technology is a benefit, as are experience working in multi-disciplinary teams and with stakeholder groups.

Terms of Engagement

The media relations liaison will be an independent contractor to the MLPA Initiative, reporting to the MLPA Initiative program manager and executive director, but also coordinating and working closely with a public information officer from the California Department of Fish and Game. Contractor is expected to provide the equipment necessary to conduct this work, including a computer, wireless access, a cell phone and a facsimile.

• Contract Period: Will vary from 25-50% time from May 2008 to December 2009 with a contract extension possible. The time commitment is dependent upon a number of factors, including key decision points and the ultimate meeting schedule.
• Location: Contractor to be located in southern California, but travel will be expected within California.
• Compensation: Negotiable; no benefits. Compensation will depend on qualifications, past compensation history, and level of effort.

Application

Each statement of qualifications should include:

1. Name of interested party (firm or individual).
2. Key contact information, including mail and email addresses, and telephone numbers.
3. A statement of key competencies. Please be specific about the competencies offered.
4. A list of relevant experience (including description of work products, time frames, fees).
5. Succinct biographical information of the individuals most relevant to these competencies who would undertake any work requested.
6. A list of five references.

Statements of qualifications, including the identified six elements, should be no longer than ten pages. Statements should be submitted electronically no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 to:

Ken Wiseman, Executive Director
California Marine Life Protection Act Initiative
MLPA.SOQs@resources.ca.gov

Please include in the subject line of your email message your name and "MR Liaison."

All work products will become property of the State of California. Academic and other publications based on the work are acceptable if acknowledgement is given to the funding support provided by the MLPA Initiative and the following statement is included in each publication: "The views expressed here are those of the author(s) and have not been reviewed by, nor are they approved by, the California Marine Life Protection Act Initiative or the State of California."

 

Contract Position Description: Assistant Marine Planner

Posted August 2, 2007

Expressions of interest due no later than August 15, 2007

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Background

The MLPA Initiative is seeking an assistant marine planner to provide technical planning support to the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative to help ensure the development of sound draft proposals for marine protected areas in the MLPA North Central Coast Study Region (Pigeon Point in San Mateo County to Alder Creek in Mendocino County just north of Point Arena, California; see www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa for more details)

The Marine Life Protection Act was signed into law in 1999 and directs the state to redesign California's system of marine protected areas to increase its coherence and effectiveness in protecting the state's marine life and habitats, marine ecosystems, and marine natural heritage, as well as to improve recreational, educational and study opportunities provided by marine ecosystems. The MLPA Initiative is a public-private partnership among the California Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Game, and Resources Legacy Fund Foundation, to help the State of California implement the statutory objectives of the MLPA.

Job Description

The assistant marine planner will support the principal planner in providing (1) information and support to the MLPA North Central Coast Regional Stakeholder Group in developing alternative proposals for marine protected areas (MPAs) in state waters, and (2) support to the MLPA Master Plan Science Advisory Team in evaluating MPA proposals. The assistant marine planner will work directly with the principal planner in all aspects of the MLPA North Central Coast Project planning effort including:

Assisting with data collection - work with state and federal agencies, academic institutions, and stakeholder groups to assemble ecological, socioeconomic, and other baseline data in a regional profile and in GIS format for MPA planning.

Assisting in the analysis and presentation of information to various project participants - work with principal planner and other project staff to analyze and present information to the MLPA North Central Coast Regional Stakeholder Group, Master Plan Science Advisory Team, and Blue Ribbon Task Force.

Supporting the development and evaluation of alternative MPA proposals - work with the principal planner and other staff to support (1) the regional stakeholder group in developing alternative MPA proposals and (2) the science team in the scientific evaluation of alternative proposals.

Assisting in the production of documents for public review - work with other MLPA staff in developing planning documents such as a regional profile, evaluation of existing MPAs, and presentation and evaluation of alternative MPA proposals.

Qualifications

B.S. plus three years work experience or M.S. in marine science or geography. Experience in public policy processes, conservation planning, marine protected areas, or marine GIS a benefit. Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams and with stakeholder groups also a benefit. Strong written/oral communication and computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are essential.

Contract Period

Will vary from 75-100% time from August 15, 2007 to April 30, 2008, with contract extension possible

Location

Position to be located in Monterey, Santa Cruz, or the San Francisco Bay Area

Compensation

Negotiable, plus expenses; no benefits. The assistant planner will be an independent contractor to the MLPA Initiative.

Send CV (or resume) and cover letter no later 5:00 p.m. on August 15, 2007 to:
Mary Gleason, Principal Planner
California MLPA Initiative
mgleason@tnc.org

 

Request for Statements of Qualifications:
North Central Coast Study Region

April 27, 2007

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The Marine Life Protection Act Initiative invites interested parties to submit brief statements of qualifications for work to be undertaken in the MLPA North Central Coast Study Region through December 2008. Such work will be privately contracted, using non-state funds. The initiative seeks qualified candidates who are well known in their respective fields and have a solid, proven track record of project performance. The statements of qualifications will be reviewed by individuals with related competences who will make recommendations to the initiative staff.

Unless otherwise noted, all research will focus on California. In several areas listed, the initiative could be seeking both (a) assembling existing data and synthesizing existing analyses to provide baseline information and (b) targeted collection and analyses of original data. Any research projects will require quick completion.

The areas where contracted assistance is anticipated include:

1. All aspects of meeting and workshop planning, including locating and negotiating with meeting facilities throughout the study region, arranging meal functions, and arranging audio-visual equipment. Will require up to seven days of travel within the study region each month.
2. Document editing, formatting, design and preparation, which may include overseeing duplication and distribution.
3. Gathering social and economic information on human uses of marine resources, possibly including recreational fishing, consumptive and non-consumptive diving, and other non-consumptive recreation.
4. Gathering or analyzing information on marine resources within the waters of the State of California, including populations of fish, invertebrates, marine mammals, and seabirds and their habitats.
5. Identifying and assessing marine habitats, including use of information from sources as varied as fishermen to advanced technologies, such as side-scan sonar and multibeam bathymetry.
6. Assistance in improving collaboration and coordination among federal, state and local agencies with marine and coastal resource management programs.
7. Improving public involvement processes, including meeting facilitation and public outreach.

Each statement of qualifications should include:

1. Name of interested party (firm or individual).
2. Key contact information, including mail and email addresses, and telephone numbers.
3. A statement of key competencies related to the research identified above. Please be specific about the competencies offered. For example, the competencies in #3 might be (a) analysis of available aggregate data maintained in federal government data sets or (b) small scale semi-structured interviews of users of marine resources at or near the places of use. Similarly, a competency relevant to #5 might be interpretation of information from fishing logs augmented by targeted interviews with captains of fishing vessels.
4. A list of relevant projects completed, including clear description of work delivered, time frames and fees.
5. Succinct biographical information of the individuals most relevant to these competencies who would undertake any work requested.
6. A list of five references.

Statements of qualifications, including the identified six elements, should be no longer than ten pages. Statements should be submitted electronically to:

Ken Wiseman, Executive Director
Marine Life Protection Act Initiative
MLPA.SOQs@resources.ca.gov

All analyses and data will become property of the State of California upon completion of the research. Academic and other publications based on the analyses and data are acceptable if acknowledgement is given to the funding support provided by the MLPA Initiative and the following statement is included in each publication: "The views expressed here are those of the author(s) and have not been reviewed by, nor are they approved by, the California Marine Life Protection Act Initiative or the State of California."

 

Contract Position Description: Professional Support for MLPA Initiative Core Staff (Policy Analyst)

Expressions of interest due May 14, 2007 by 5:00 p.m.

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Scope of Work

This position will support the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative core staff (executive director, operations & communications manager and north central coast project manager). Typical duties require exercise of professional judgment regarding complex public policies and effective stakeholder and scientific contributions in a situation of conflicting interests.

Specific tasks may include the following: (1) finding, assembling, assessing and organizing information used in decision making by the core staff or the MLPA Blue Ribbon Task Force (BRTF); (2) organizing and preparing for formal and informal meetings, including preparing agendas, developing materials related to an agenda, participating in meetings, and recording decisions and action items; (3) undertaking follow up required to implement decisions and action items of the core staff or BRTF, including drafting follow up communications regarding decisions, establishing personal contacts required to assemble requested information, and organizing efforts to move forward specific action items; and (4) independently undertaking and completing research on topics of use to the MLPA Initiative, including providing reports usable by decision makers.

Information about the MLPA Initiative is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/mlpa.

Education, Skills and Experience Required

Graduate study in ecology, public policy, public administration, planning or a related field is required. Master's degree desired and Ph.D. preferred. Highly developed abilities to analyze complex public policies expected. Knowledge of marine policy and marine protected areas is valuable, but not required. Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, meet tight deadlines, and work with minimal supervision is required. Previous work experience related to these areas of competence is expected.

Terms of Engagement

This is a contract position through December 30, 2008. There are no benefits associated with the position. This position reports to the executive director of the MLPA Initiative.

Level of Effort and Place of Work

Applicants desiring half time or more will be considered. The primary location of work will be Sacramento, California, but travel will be expected within California.

Compensation

Compensation will depend on qualifications, past compensation history, and level of effort, but is expected to range from $60-85,000 annually for full time work.

Application

Email submission of a letter of application, a curriculum vita or resume, and names and full contact information (mailing address, email, and telephone number) for three references should be addressed to Executive Director Ken Wiseman, Marine Life Protection Act Initiative at MLPA.SOQs@resources.ca.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 14, 2007.

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Ecotrust Job Opportunity:
Port Liaison(s) for Commercial Fishing Study

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Ecotrust is under contract with the California Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA) Initiative to compile expert knowledge from fishermen to create a comprehensive dataset of commercial fishing use patterns in the north central coast of California, from Pigeon Point (north of Santa Cruz) to Alder Creek (north of Point Arena).

Ecotrust was previously contracted by the MLPA Initiative to compile expert knowledge from fishermen to create a comprehensive dataset of commercial fishing use patterns along the central coast of California. The project greatly benefited from working closely with members of the fishing community who assisted Ecotrust staff in identifying fishermen, arranging interviews, and providing meeting space. This work constituted an innovative and vital contribution to the understanding of the extent and economic importance of fisheries in the region, and involved fishermen in participatory research. Ecotrust has been retained to conduct similar research in the next study region of the MLPA Initiative.

Job Description: Port Liaison(s)

Ecotrust is currently looking for commercial fishermen or members of the fishing community, who are willing to participate as port liaisons in support of this work in the north central coast study region. Port liaisons will work with Ecotrust staff and field teams to:

• arrange introductory meetings;
• identify and contact commercial fishermen;
• help arrange interviews;
• help gather and update existing port\community profile database; and
• arrange meetings to verify results.

This work is in support of the MLPA Initiative, a statewide private-public effort to design and manage an improved network of marine protected areas in California. Desired skills or experience:

• experience or interest in collaborative research,
• ability to work with wide variety of people, and
• knowledge of fishing industry and port operations

Port liaisons will be compensated for their services. For more information, please contact Charles Steinback, charles@ecotrust.org, or Astrid Scholz, ajscholz@ecotrust.org.

Ecotrust (www.ecotrust.org) is a conservation and economic development organization that works to strengthen communities and the environment from Alaska to California and is committed to the notion that every transaction should enrich people and place. Ecotrust works with native peoples and in the fisheries, forestry and farming sectors to build a regional economy that is based on social and ecological opportunities.