Federal Position Descriptions
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Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs

Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Department of State
Responsibility
Management Scope

The Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs had an actual budget for fiscal 2015 of $12.154 million.

Primary Responsibilities

• Oversees matters relating to ocean, environmental, scientific, fishery, wildlife and conservation affairs, and carries out other related duties that the secretary may designate from time to time (22 U.S.C. 2655a)
• Advances U.S. strategic interests through policy aimed at ensuring that economic growth and a healthy planet go hand in hand
• Builds international consensus around issues such as fighting infectious diseases, combating wildlife trafficking and illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing
• Promotes water security; peaceful cooperation on polar issues; sustainable ocean policy; science and technology cooperation; nature conservation; and climate and space policy, among other vital topics3

Strategic Goals and Priorities
[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration.]
Requirements

• Extensive experience working on environmental issues and policy
• Extensive management and government experience
• Relationships with relevant stakeholders, or ability to form them

Competencies

• Strong communication, interpersonal and diplomatic skills
• Strong leader
• Excellent negotiation skills

Past Appointments
  • Kerri-Ann Jones (2009 to 2014): Independent Consultant specializing in Strategic Planning and the Development of Research and Education Portfolios; Director of the National Science Foundation’s Office of International Science and Engineering; Director for the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research for the State of Maine4
  • Claudia A. McMurray (2006 to 2009): Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Environment; Associate Deputy Administrator and Chief of Staff to the Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; Vice President at Van Scoyoc Associates, Inc.5
  • John F. Turner (2001 to 2005): President and Chief Executive Officer, The Conservation Fund; Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, George H.W. Bush Administration; President of the Senate, Wyoming Senate6
AGENCY

Department of State

Mission: The Department of State is the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy.

COMPENSATION

Level IV $155,500 (5 U.S.C. § 5315)1

REPORTS TO

Undersecretary for Economic Growth, Energy and Environment2

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Footnote
  1. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31, May 5, 2017), contains a provision that continues the freeze on the payable pay rates for certain senior political officials at 2013 levels during calendar year 2017.
  2. https://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/rls/dos/99484.htm
  3. https://www.state.gov/e/oes/
  4. http://www.allgov.com/officials/jones-kerri-ann?officialid=29242
  5. https://2001-2009.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/62184.htm
  6. Leadership Directories
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