Senior Coral Reef Conservation Specialist

**Job Summary**

CSS, Inc. is seeking a Senior Coral Reef Conservation Specialist to support the implementation of coral reef conservation services in Puerto Rico. The successful candidate will deliver regionally relevant coral conservation services to Puerto Rico and its partners, while also supporting the implementation of Puerto Rico's coastal management program approved by NOAA under the Coastal Zone Management Act.

The Senior Coral Reef Conservation Specialist will provide technical assistance in coral reef conservation, planning, and management, as well as coordinate with federal partners to develop and implement initiatives in priority areas aligned with program goals and objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing technical assistance in coral reef conservation, planning, and management;
• Coordinating with jurisdictional coral reef points of contact and other agencies on NOAA activities;
• Supporting annual planning processes, including proposal reviews and implementation support;
• Developing and implementing coral reef action plans and local strategies;
• Conducting site visits or fieldwork to assist or assess programs;
• Negotiating and monitoring cooperative funding agreements and grants;
• Providing guidance on documentation and environmental compliance requirements.

**Requirements**

The ideal candidate will possess a Master's degree in coral reef conservation, marine science, coastal management, or a related field, along with six years of relevant experience. They should be fluent in Spanish and English, have strong written and verbal communication skills, and be able to build relationships with management, colleagues, and external partners.

Preferred qualifications include knowledge of the Coastal Zone Management Act and/or the Coral Reef Conservation Act, experience managing grants, and proficiency in project tracking and strategic planning.