Marine Environmental Compliance Officer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of rising environmental concerns, the need for Marine Environmental Compliance Officers has never been more paramount.

As global focus shifts to marine conservation, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, implement, and uphold marine environmental regulations is rapidly increasing.

But let’s dive deeper: What’s truly expected from a Marine Environmental Compliance Officer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of marine environmental compliance,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Marine Environmental Compliance Officer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s plunge right into it.

Marine Environmental Compliance Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Marine Environmental Compliance Officers play a crucial role in safeguarding marine environments by ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and standards.

They carry out environmental audits, enforce regulations, and develop environmental policies and programs.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Ensuring compliance with national and international marine environmental regulations and standards
• Conducting regular environmental audits of marine activities and operations
• Investigating incidents of environmental pollution and taking corrective actions
• Developing and implementing environmental policies and programs to minimize harm to marine ecosystems
• Liaising and collaborating with various stakeholders such as local communities, government agencies, and marine operations teams
• Providing training and awareness programs to enhance environmental consciousness amongst staff and stakeholders
• Advising on the implementation of environmentally friendly practices in marine operations
• Preparing and presenting reports on environmental compliance and violations
• Keeping up-to-date with changes in environmental legislation and best practices
• Initiating and overseeing the cleanup and restoration of polluted marine sites

 

Marine Environmental Compliance Officer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Marine Environmental Compliance Officer to ensure our operations comply with environmental laws and regulations.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining policies and practices that minimize our environmental impact and ensure regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of marine environmental laws, regulations and best practices, possess excellent analytical skills, and be able to handle and respond to environmental incidents and emergencies.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage environmental compliance programs.
• Conduct regular environmental audits and inspections to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
• Identify potential environmental risks and develop preventive strategies and solutions.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external stakeholders to address environmental issues.
• Provide training and guidance to staff about environmental compliance and best practices.
• Prepare and maintain necessary compliance reports and documentation.
• Keep up-to-date with emerging environmental compliance trends and legislation.
• Respond to environmental incidents and emergencies as needed.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Environmental Compliance Officer or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of marine environmental laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Proficiency in conducting environmental audits and inspections.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and deliver training programs.
• BSc degree in Environmental Science, Marine Biology or a related field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Marine Environmental Compliance Officer
• Work Environment: Field work with occasional office work. Travel may be required for inspections or incident responses.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Environmental Compliance Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $60,000 minimum to $80,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Marine Environmental Compliance Officer Do?

Marine Environmental Compliance Officers, often employed by marine or environmental consulting firms, government bodies, or shipping companies, play a crucial role in ensuring that maritime operations abide by environmental regulations and standards.

They are tasked with the responsibility of monitoring and assessing the environmental impact of marine activities.

This includes evaluating waste management systems, discharge of ballast water, oil spill response, and the handling of hazardous materials.

They are also in charge of developing and implementing environmental policies and procedures that comply with local, national, and international environmental laws and regulations.

They ensure that all activities are carried out in accordance with these policies to minimize the environmental footprint of marine operations.

Marine Environmental Compliance Officers conduct regular inspections and audits of marine vessels and facilities to assess their compliance with environmental standards and policies.

They document and report any instances of non-compliance and work closely with management and crew members to rectify these issues.

They also provide training and awareness programs to staff and crew members to enhance their understanding of environmental regulations and to foster a culture of compliance within the organization.

In addition to these responsibilities, Marine Environmental Compliance Officers may also liaise with regulatory bodies, participate in environmental impact assessments, and contribute to the development of industry best practices and guidelines.

 

Marine Environmental Compliance Officer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Marine Environmental Compliance Officer should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of marine environmental laws, regulations, and guidelines to ensure adherence to all legal requirements.
• Strong analytical abilities to assess and monitor environmental impact of marine operations, and to develop and implement effective strategies for mitigating such impacts.
• Excellent observational skills to inspect and evaluate marine facilities and operations for compliance with environmental regulations.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to liaise with internal teams and external agencies, presenting findings and recommendations in a clear and effective manner.
• Problem-solving skills to address any environmental issues or non-compliance instances, ensuring corrective actions are taken promptly.
• Project management skills to manage environmental projects, including planning, budgeting, execution, and reporting.
• Physical stamina and resilience to work in various weather conditions and marine environments.
• Ability to conduct and interpret environmental audits, risk assessments, and impact studies.

 

Marine Environmental Compliance Officer Experience Requirements

Marine Environmental Compliance Officers typically require a significant amount of relevant experience, including a background in marine biology, ecology, environmental science, or a similar field.

They should have a thorough understanding of marine ecosystems and the potential impact of human activities on them.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, potentially gained through internships or part-time roles in environmental monitoring, compliance, or conservation.

These professionals may also have gained on-the-job experience in roles such as Marine Biologist, Ecologist, Environmental Scientist, or similar.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have specialized knowledge of specific marine ecosystems, environmental laws and regulations, and the techniques used to monitor and mitigate environmental impact.

They may have worked in roles such as Marine Conservationist, Environmental Compliance Specialist, or Oceanographer.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often considered experts in their field.

They may have leadership experience and have worked on significant projects related to marine environmental compliance.

They may be ready for managerial roles or positions that involve creating and implementing environmental compliance strategies.

In addition to their professional experience, Marine Environmental Compliance Officers may be required to have specific certifications or licenses, depending on the jurisdiction in which they work.

They must also stay up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the field.

 

Marine Environmental Compliance Officer Education and Training Requirements

Marine Environmental Compliance Officers typically require a bachelor’s degree in marine science, environmental science, or a related field.

Their coursework generally includes study in ecology, biology, chemistry, and physics, with a particular emphasis on marine biology and oceanography.

A strong understanding of laws and regulations related to marine environment and conservation is also crucial for this role.

Therefore, some individuals may also choose to pursue a law degree with a concentration in environmental law or policy.

Experience in marine fieldwork, research, or an internship in marine environmental compliance can also be beneficial and make a candidate more competitive.

Some roles may require Marine Environmental Compliance Officers to have a master’s degree or PhD, particularly for more specialized or senior positions.

Continuing education through advanced courses or certifications in marine environmental compliance and regulations may also be required or beneficial.

These officers should also have strong communication and problem-solving skills, as they often work in multidisciplinary teams and need to communicate complex regulations and concepts to various stakeholders.

 

Marine Environmental Compliance Officer Salary Expectations

A Marine Environmental Compliance Officer earns an average salary of $63,570 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate based on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, their educational qualifications, and the location of their employment.

 

Marine Environmental Compliance Officer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Marine Environmental Compliance Officer need?

A Marine Environmental Compliance Officer needs to have excellent knowledge about marine environmental laws and regulations, along with a good understanding of marine biology and marine ecosystems.

They should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address any environmental compliance issues.

Excellent communication skills are also necessary to effectively communicate with various stakeholders including government officials, marine operators, and the public.

 

Do Marine Environmental Compliance Officers need a degree?

Yes, Marine Environmental Compliance Officers typically need a degree in Environmental Science, Marine Biology, or a related field.

Some positions may also require a master’s degree or other advanced training in marine environmental management or law.

Further certifications in environmental compliance could prove beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Marine Environmental Compliance Officer resume?

Look for a degree in a relevant field and any additional certifications related to environmental compliance.

Experience in marine environmental management or compliance is also crucial.

Additionally, look for skills such as knowledge of marine environmental laws and regulations, report writing, data analysis, and strong communication skills.

 

What qualities make a good Marine Environmental Compliance Officer?

A good Marine Environmental Compliance Officer is detail-oriented, as they need to carefully monitor marine operations and ensure all activities comply with environmental regulations.

They should be passionate about marine conservation and possess strong problem-solving abilities to address any environmental issues that arise.

Moreover, they should have strong interpersonal skills to liaise with various stakeholders.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Marine Environmental Compliance Officer?

Hiring a Marine Environmental Compliance Officer can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

It requires a specific skill set including knowledge of marine environmental law, understanding of marine ecosystems, and familiarity with compliance procedures.

Therefore, finding candidates with the right mix of skills and experience can be a demanding task.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a deep dive into the vast waters of what it means to be a Marine Environmental Compliance Officer.

And guess what?

It’s not just about monitoring marine life.

It’s about safeguarding our precious seas and oceans, one compliance inspection at a time.

With our go-to Marine Environmental Compliance Officer job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to set sail.

But why anchor here?

Embark on a deeper exploration with our job description generator. It’s your navigation tool to precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to shipshape.

Remember:

Every compliance inspection is a step towards a healthier marine ecosystem.

Let’s protect our seas. Together.

How to Become a Marine Environmental Compliance Officer (Complete Guide)

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