ECO Magazine
Ocean Career: CBEC Estuary Program Executive Director
ECO Magazine, Florida, New York, United States
Ocean Career: CBEC Estuary Program Executive Director
2 October 2025 The Estuary Program Executive Director manages and directs preservation and restoration activities for the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition (CBEC) by providing oversight, vision, and direction for activities which support CBEC’s mission to implement programs and initiatives for the protection and stewardship of natural resources and water quality throughout the Choctawhatchee Bay watershed. Provides significant community outreach to strengthen community resiliency and provide environmental education to maintain a vibrant economy and high quality of life around the Bay and within our region. Oversees implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) including the specific management of projects developed identified by the CCMP. Responsible for the identification and securing of grants, revenue sources and funding opportunities to support the CBEC, its activities and projects identified in the CCMP, and the long-term operation and sustainability of the Estuary Program. EXAMPLES OF WORK
Develops, implements, and administers an Annual Work Plan and Budget each year in compliance with EPA standards for a National Estuary Program, to ensure cost control and monitoring of revenues and expenditures to be reviewed by the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition and submittal to Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners. Will pursue National Estuary Program (NEP) designation with the Environmental Protection Agency and provide appropriate reporting according to future designation requirements. Solicits strategic opportunities and collaborations for funding through grant and other funding sources (i.e. fundraising, membership, sponsorships, etc.) to support and implement the goals of the CCMP for the Choctawhatchee Bay Watershed. Provides grant writing and management and directs staff regarding grants and cooperative funding agreements to leverage and take advantage of strategic opportunities, collaborative efforts, and funding sources; works with local, state and federal officials to secure sustainable funding. Develops a long-term funding plan to sustain the Estuary Program. Develops, implements, and administers the CCMP and associated strategic plans for delivering programs and services related to the preservation and restoration of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in Choctawhatchee Bay and its watershed. Guides, establishes, and encourages participation in high-level advisory committees supporting the work of the program, ultimately bringing together citizens, government agencies, business and industry, conservation and environmental organizations, and academic institutions. Oversees management functions to ensure the program’s schedules, goals, and objectives are met; allocates appropriate resources to personnel to ensure essential job functions are performed properly, and reporting requirements are met. Acts as liaison between the CBEC Board of Directors and stakeholders; develops and implements projects and programs which support the mission of the organization and are identified in the CCMP; evaluates inclusion of future goals in the CCMP to ensure the Estuary Program is addressing pertinent issues. Establishes a team of professionals and external partners to direct and promote watershed restoration, recovery and economic impact measurement strategies; integrates environmental activities within the area. Administers contracts, Memorandum of Understanding/Agreements, and other projects associated with implementation of the CCMP. Manages and supervises personnel and staffing functions such as assignment, scheduling, interviewing/hiring, training/development, and discipline as the team grows, to ensure a focused, cohesive, and positive team-oriented workforce, enhanced productivity of personnel, and achieve program objectives within budget. Oversees and assists with implementation of a public communication platform and education and outreach program to promote wise stewardship of the estuarine system and associated watershed; provides access to educational, professional, and scientific tools and resources. Prepares a variety of written and visual materials (i.e., bid specifications, correspondence, memos, reports, policy/procedures, budget, presentations, etc.); reviews and coordinates the development of plans, projects, documents and reports created by staff. Performs other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree in environmental or natural sciences, public/business administration, urban and regional planning, or closely related field; supplemented by five (5) years progressively responsible experience in environmental, natural sciences or conservation programs, public/business administration, planning, or closely related field; three (3) years of which were acquired in a supervisory/management capacity; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must demonstrate knowledge of natural resources sciences, strong organizational management, excellent interpersonal and technical skills to include developing and maintaining local support, securing funds, and facilitating partner, committee, and consultant interaction. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, are essential. Experience in public presentation including the use of electronic and computer aids required. Experience directing environmental and natural resource programs with high visibility and developing successful diverse and stable funding sources for those programs, preferred. Salary range : $93,017.60 – $96,000.00 Location:
Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary – Fort Walton Beach, FL
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2 October 2025 The Estuary Program Executive Director manages and directs preservation and restoration activities for the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition (CBEC) by providing oversight, vision, and direction for activities which support CBEC’s mission to implement programs and initiatives for the protection and stewardship of natural resources and water quality throughout the Choctawhatchee Bay watershed. Provides significant community outreach to strengthen community resiliency and provide environmental education to maintain a vibrant economy and high quality of life around the Bay and within our region. Oversees implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) including the specific management of projects developed identified by the CCMP. Responsible for the identification and securing of grants, revenue sources and funding opportunities to support the CBEC, its activities and projects identified in the CCMP, and the long-term operation and sustainability of the Estuary Program. EXAMPLES OF WORK
Develops, implements, and administers an Annual Work Plan and Budget each year in compliance with EPA standards for a National Estuary Program, to ensure cost control and monitoring of revenues and expenditures to be reviewed by the Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary Coalition and submittal to Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners. Will pursue National Estuary Program (NEP) designation with the Environmental Protection Agency and provide appropriate reporting according to future designation requirements. Solicits strategic opportunities and collaborations for funding through grant and other funding sources (i.e. fundraising, membership, sponsorships, etc.) to support and implement the goals of the CCMP for the Choctawhatchee Bay Watershed. Provides grant writing and management and directs staff regarding grants and cooperative funding agreements to leverage and take advantage of strategic opportunities, collaborative efforts, and funding sources; works with local, state and federal officials to secure sustainable funding. Develops a long-term funding plan to sustain the Estuary Program. Develops, implements, and administers the CCMP and associated strategic plans for delivering programs and services related to the preservation and restoration of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in Choctawhatchee Bay and its watershed. Guides, establishes, and encourages participation in high-level advisory committees supporting the work of the program, ultimately bringing together citizens, government agencies, business and industry, conservation and environmental organizations, and academic institutions. Oversees management functions to ensure the program’s schedules, goals, and objectives are met; allocates appropriate resources to personnel to ensure essential job functions are performed properly, and reporting requirements are met. Acts as liaison between the CBEC Board of Directors and stakeholders; develops and implements projects and programs which support the mission of the organization and are identified in the CCMP; evaluates inclusion of future goals in the CCMP to ensure the Estuary Program is addressing pertinent issues. Establishes a team of professionals and external partners to direct and promote watershed restoration, recovery and economic impact measurement strategies; integrates environmental activities within the area. Administers contracts, Memorandum of Understanding/Agreements, and other projects associated with implementation of the CCMP. Manages and supervises personnel and staffing functions such as assignment, scheduling, interviewing/hiring, training/development, and discipline as the team grows, to ensure a focused, cohesive, and positive team-oriented workforce, enhanced productivity of personnel, and achieve program objectives within budget. Oversees and assists with implementation of a public communication platform and education and outreach program to promote wise stewardship of the estuarine system and associated watershed; provides access to educational, professional, and scientific tools and resources. Prepares a variety of written and visual materials (i.e., bid specifications, correspondence, memos, reports, policy/procedures, budget, presentations, etc.); reviews and coordinates the development of plans, projects, documents and reports created by staff. Performs other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree in environmental or natural sciences, public/business administration, urban and regional planning, or closely related field; supplemented by five (5) years progressively responsible experience in environmental, natural sciences or conservation programs, public/business administration, planning, or closely related field; three (3) years of which were acquired in a supervisory/management capacity; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must demonstrate knowledge of natural resources sciences, strong organizational management, excellent interpersonal and technical skills to include developing and maintaining local support, securing funds, and facilitating partner, committee, and consultant interaction. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, are essential. Experience in public presentation including the use of electronic and computer aids required. Experience directing environmental and natural resource programs with high visibility and developing successful diverse and stable funding sources for those programs, preferred. Salary range : $93,017.60 – $96,000.00 Location:
Choctawhatchee Bay Estuary – Fort Walton Beach, FL
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