Fisheries Fellow

Full-time staff

Remote

Why FAS?  

Does FAS sound like an organization that you would be energized to join?  Is it aligned to your values?

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) takes quite seriously our role as a beacon and voice for the science community.  

FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a group of atomic researchers – deeply concerned about the use of science for malice – created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity.  

The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world.  

Today, we are a group of entrepreneurial, intrepid changemakers, forging a better future for all through the nexus of science, technology and talent. As a collective, we are building an organization focused on being impact-driven, customer-focused, and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world.

The FAS Impact Fellowship is a selective fellowship program that supports the development and placement of emerging scientific and technical talent within high-impact roles across federal and state governments. From education to immigration, wildfire resilience, national security, and housing, Impact Fellows are serving across a variety of federal and state agencies in roles that augment existing government teams as they confront some of the greatest scientific and social challenges of our time.

Skills and Expertise: Must Haves

What skills do you need to show proficiency (or higher) in order to be a strong candidate?

The ideal candidate will possess many of the experiences and qualifications described below but need not possess them all for consideration:

• Graduate degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to marine policy, marine sciences, or fisheries is strongly preferred.
• Interest in and passion for policy and legislation related to marine conservation and protection, with an understanding of its importance on the state level.
• Strong grasp of federal fishery management legislation, and the intersection between state and federal authorities and regulations.
• Experience translating complex scientific information into an engaging and abbreviated format.
• Strong equity mindset and ability to communicate the impact and importance of sustainable fishery initiatives by and for diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Proven relationship-building skills, with an ability to work effectively alongside diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be skilled in Google applications, and basic database management.
• Ability to work independently and within a team setting is essential.
• Ability to work remotely and collaborate with colleagues in other states.
• Creative problem-solving, enthusiasm, and initiative is preferred.
• Familiarity with policy development and engaging lawmakers at the state, federal, or local level in nonprofit or public sector leadership roles is preferred.
• Experience working with Tribal communities and/or Native serving nonprofits is preferred.

To Sum It Up…

What’s the “elevator pitch” for the role?

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) Talent Hub is seeking a fellow to be detailed for a 15-month term at the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) with specific work exploring new opportunities to research and advance sound fishery management policies in coastal states and regions. This position will provide an important linkage between NCEL and FAS to ensure state lawmakers are connected with the vast network of research experts across the country and have the policy tools needed to facilitate systems-changing conversations in their state.

The Fisheries Fellow will help advance NCEL’s state policy work in fisheries management, aquaculture, and the impacts of offshore energy on fisheries. The Fellow will also analyze the current federal fisheries landscape to strengthen the nexus between state and federal fishery policies and identify opportunities for intergovernmental collaboration. The position will help educate lawmakers about innovative policy best practices across the country and how fisheries science can address state policy challenges and advance innovative solutions that benefit marine habitats, the blue economy, and coastal communities. The position will also collaborate with national, state, and community-level partners and build new relationships with academia and the ocean technology industry to support state-level efforts. This position will report to NCEL’s Oceans Program Manager.

The ideal candidate will be passionate and knowledgeable about fisheries management and policy across levels of government. They will also have experience working on environmental policy issues, particularly marine conservation, aquaculture, and offshore energy. They will be a motivated team player and network-builder who enjoys outreach and collaboration with diverse stakeholders. They will be highly skilled at policy analysis and written communications. They will enjoy issue-based research, policy tracking, network building, organizing strategy sessions, and resource development to translate scientific research into actionable solutions for state legislators.

What will some of your responsibilities entail?  

Policy Tracking & Analysis

• Track and analyze state policies and legislative trends.
• Create policy memos on new and emerging state policy options.
• Assist the NCEL team with research about federal fishery policy changes and impacts on existing state regulations.
• Conduct research and landscape analyses on identified fisheries science and management policy projects.
• Translate and summarize complex, related scientific research and resources to help educate and inform state legislators.

Research and Material Development

• Develop materials, including fact sheets and briefing books, on specific fisheries topics.
• Create website content including legislative spotlights and blog posts related to current and emerging policy developments.
• Connect with researchers and practitioners in the field to learn about innovative approaches and develop case studies. 
• Draft federal and regulatory comment letters as needed to circulate amongst legislators.

Education, Network Building, & Outreach

• Support multi-state meetings with groups of state lawmakers, on topics such as sustainable fisheries and country of origin labeling, while being responsive to legislator feedback and requests.
• Work with the program team to cultivate and strengthen relationships with legislators, partners, academics, federal agencies, and other key organizational stakeholders.
• Co-develop networks of state legislators and agencies at the state level to strengthen communication and collaboration and leverage the full power of state government.
• Organize a variety of events to educate legislators about fishery topics, including webinars and in-person workshops, as well as hosting some events in coordination with key partners.
• Attend policy and coalition meetings to coordinate efforts between NCEL and partner organizations.
• Provide communications support to the NCEL communications team that highlights and uplifts the voices of a diverse group of legislators and stakeholders through social media and press opportunities.
• Phone, email, and in-person outreach to state legislators.

Work Environment 

This position is fully remote and full-time at 40 hours/week, and will require up to 20% travel for meetings and events. Occasionally longer days that can include travel and working into the evening to attend or host events can also be expected and the candidate will work with their supervisor to modify their schedule accordingly.

Salary Range

This fellowship will provide a salary for the entirety of the fellowship duration at an annual rate of $119,435.

The application window for this position will close on October 3, 2025.

Hiring Statement

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Federation of American Scientists prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.  Employment is contingent on successful verification of eligibility to work in the United States.