Position Description
Director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs
Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) believes in responsible environmental stewardship of the Great Lakes. As such, environmental projects and initiatives in response to regulatory requirements from the eight Great Lakes states, U.S. federal government, Canada, international and some bi-national mandates are a key component of LCA’s mission. These projects deal with the waters of the Great Lakes, land as it impacts the waters, and air from engine emissions. LCA works with regulators and legislators to develop reasonable regulations which balance member needs with those of other stakeholders.
To meet the needs and goals of these projects, LCA engages with many Great Lakes organizations with environmental missions, including governmental, industry, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the public. LCA has formed partnerships, sits on panels, committees and boards, and actively works for sound resolutions that are dynamic, consequential, and meet the needs, goals, and capabilities of our members. Proactive engagement is a hallmark of LCA and is critical to our mission.
Position description:
This position requires that the successful candidate be able to identify environmental, among others, issues important to our operating members, be able to clearly define the issues to LCA staff and members, plot an appropriate way forward, and seek positive resolution on behalf of the members.
LCA has a small and nimble staff. We work with each other on a myriad of projects and must be able to support each other and their work. As such, the successful candidate should be able to assist fellow staff, LCA members, and external organizations and individuals understand the complex issues and their importance to our U.S.-flag vessel fleet for a broad range of issues, including the impacts related to the environment, maritime infrastructure, statutes and regulations, the maritime economy, and coalition building. Communicating these critical issues at internal and external meetings, public fora, testimony, and in writing will be a part of the job. Preparing daily briefings for members by reviewing Federal Register notices, news articles, and summarizing icebreaking discussions and operational plans for distribution in rotation with other LCA staff is a key component of the position.
This position requires development, maintenance, updates, and distribution to members and other external groups on a regular basis materials that address the environment and regulatory impacts and certain management plans, documents, and reports where LCA is a regulatory agent for the members.
The successful candidate will report directly to the President and will work in tandem with the Director of Operations and Communications and Office Manager to meet members’ needs.
Critical skills and job requirements:
The ability to efficiently and effectively communicate verbally and in writing with fellow staff, LCA’s operating members, members of the public, elected officials, governmental staff, NGOs, and key partner organizations.
Public speaking to diverse audiences on diverse subjects of importance to LCA’s operating members.
Understand the statutory and regulatory process, its review, comment, and implementation. Submit written comments on proposed rules and legislation. Prepare Congressional testimony for LCA President and be able to present the testimony in his absence.
Write response plans and grant requests.
Provide support to LCA member committees including Operations, Fleet Engineers, Captains, and the Board of Directors. Specific knowledge of ballast water or vessel air emission regulations will serve the candidate well.
Some travel that may vary from 10 percent of the time to 40 percent each month depending upon the demands of the issue(s), members’ needs, and time criticality to mission success. Generally, travel is with the eight Great Lakes states but will also include Washington D.C., Canada, and other locations, as necessary.
Must have familiarity and comfort working in a Microsoft Windows environment and able to produce and manipulate spreadsheets, develop professional quality presentations, and produce studies, reports, and other internal and external publications. Website maintenance knowledge is helpful.
Experience and education:
Applicants should have at least a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering or related field.
Having at least five years of experience working with projects and organizations in the Great Lakes is important. Maritime, related industry, government, non-profit, and/or consulting experience is preferred.
About Lake Carriers’:
For over 140 years, Lake Carriers’ Association has represented the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet. Our members move the iron ore that is the backbone of America’s manufacturing economy; stone and cement that build America’s infrastructure; grain that feeds the world; and cargos that support the energy needs and economy essential to American prosperity.