Tuesday, September 16, 5:30 P.M. – “Tuesday Night Talk” with the PWSRCAC & the Prince William Sound Science Center – The topic is Policy in Practice: How OPA 90 Shapes Science in the Sound. Learn about the Council’s latest research, long-term monitoring, and how the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) continues to shape science in the Sound 35 years after it was signed into law.
Wednesday, September 17, 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. – “Master of Disaster” educational event at Mt. Eccles Elementary School – All ages are invited to learn about oil spill response, tankers, and related ocean science through interactive stations!
Thursday, September 18, 5:30 – 7:30 P.M. – Public reception at the Reluctant Fisherman. Co-sponsored by Repsol. Hors d’oeuvres provided—cash bar. Visit with us, learn more about the Council, and share ideas!
Additional details will be published as they are available.
The Council is seeking skilled and experienced applicants for the Project Management Assistant (PMA) position in Anchorage!
This position is located in Anchorage, AK.
We are looking for a highly organized and detail-oriented professional with expertise in project coordination, documentation, and administrative support. This role will assist project managers in coordinating project tasks, tracking milestones, maintaining project documentation, and providing general office coordination and administrative support. The position will contribute to our mission of promoting the environmentally safe operation of the Valdez Marine Terminal and associated tankers.
The PMA responsibilities include:
Assisting project managers in coordinating and tracking project tasks, timelines, and milestones.
Scheduling, organizing, and facilitating project team meetings, including the preparation and distribution of meeting materials and meeting minutes.
Monitoring project progress to ensure deadlines are met and tasks are completed on schedule.
Maintaining project documentation, including contracts, proposals, reports, and meeting notes.
Communicating with project teams, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure clear and effective collaboration.
Assisting in budget tracking to help project managers ensure resources are allocated appropriately and expenses are monitored.
Providing general administrative support, including travel arrangements, office coordination, and logistical support for project-related events.
Organizing and digitizing project documentation, ensuring proper archiving and accessibility.
Supporting the development and updating of project contingency plans and related documentation.
Qualifications:
An associate degree or a minimum of two years of completed undergraduate coursework in business administration, project management, or a related field. A minimum of two years of experience in project coordination or administrative support roles, or lesser experience if an approved training and education program is in place.
This is a non-exempt position with a starting base hourly wage of $33.80/hr. After 60 days of successful employment, an additional 25% of base pay is added for optional benefits, bringing total compensation to $42.25/hr.
The Council was formed in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez oil spill with the mission of promoting the environmentally safe operation of the Valdez Marine Terminal and the associated tankers. The Council has an annual operating budget around $4.2M with a total staff of 18 and over 50 volunteers.
Cover letter describing why your education, work experience, and career goals are a good match for this position and why you want to work for the PWSRCAC.
List of at least three professional references with contact information.
Finalists may be subject to criminal and credit background checks, and verification of education and past employment.
Open until filled – first review of PMA applicants: September 22, 2025.
The Council is seeking a skilled and motivated professional to serve as our Terminal Operations Program Manager in Valdez!
We are looking for a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional with expertise in terminal systems, regulatory engagement, and technical project management. This position leads the Council’s work related to the safe, transparent, and environmentally sound operation of the Valdez Marine Terminal. The role supports the Terminal Operations and Environmental Monitoring (TOEM) Committee and works closely with staff, industry representatives, regulators, and local stakeholders.
The Terminal Operations Program Manager responsibilities include:
Managing technical projects, contracts, and consultants related to Valdez Marine Terminal systems such as mechanical integrity, storage tanks, vapor controls, and spill prevention.
Coordinating the development and execution of the TOEM Committee’s annual work plan, and supporting the committee in meeting its strategic goals.
Reviewing proposed operational or regulatory changes and preparing technical analyses, summaries, and responses.
Preparing clear and effective written materials including reports, presentations, committee packets, and public communications.
Facilitating TOEM Committee meetings, including scheduling, agenda preparation, and follow-up documentation.
Collaborating with industry, regulatory agencies, and local partners to gather input and share Council perspectives.
Tracking project budgets, processing invoices, and ensuring compliance with procurement and contract policies.
Representing the Council at relevant meetings, drills, conferences, and trainings.
Monitoring developments at the terminal and recommending actions or areas of focus for the Council.
Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, marine transportation, environmental science, or a related field. At least three years of relevant professional experience in oil and gas, maritime operations, terminal systems, environmental monitoring, or regulatory compliance. Strong written and verbal communication skills, project management experience, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are essential.
This is a full-time, exempt position with a starting annual salary of $113,400+ DOE. An additional 10% of base salary is provided for Valdez cost of living adjustment. After 60 days of successful employment, an additional 25% of base salary is added for optional benefits, bringing total compensation to $153,090.
The Council was formed in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez oil spill with the mission of promoting the environmentally safe operation of the Valdez Marine Terminal and the associated tankers. The Council has an annual operating budget around $4.2M with a total staff of 18 and over 50 volunteers.
Cover letter describing why your education, work experience, and career goals are a good match for this position and why you want to work for the PWSRCAC
List of at least three professional references with contact information
Finalists may be subject to criminal and credit background checks, and verification of education and past employment.
Open until filled – first review of Terminal Operations applicants: September 22, 2025.
Many of the drills and exercises conducted by the industry last year went well, according to the latest drill summary released by the Council. During the 14 drills and exercises observed in 2024, responders were generally well-practiced and activities went smoothly. The summary report also contains suggestions for future exercises.
Tanker spill exercise
In October, Marathon Petroleum conducted a large exercise, simulating a spill of almost 3 million gallons of crude oil from a tanker into central Prince William Sound.
One goal of the exercise was to test how well responders transitioned command of the response from Alyeska’s Ship Escort Response Vessel System, or SERVS, to Marathon. Part of SERVS’ role in an oil spill is to initiate and manage the response activities until the company that owns the tanker arrives on the scene.
“The transition from Alyeska to Marathon was very well done,” says Roy Robertson, drill monitor for the Council. “The Marathon team members took the time to shadow SERVS’ team before the transition to learn the system and processes that are unique to our region.”
“Marathon also kept most of SERVS’ team around to provide support which has not always been done in the past,” Robertson added.
A wildlife expert teaches Council staff members Donna Schantz and Joe Lally how to clean crude oil from an otter. A stuffed toy otter is used in these training sessions.
Terminal spill exercises
In 2024, Alyeska conducted several exercises that simulated a spill from the terminal. During one of these, Alyeska set up its new units for treating oiled wildlife such as otters and birds. These units contain state of the art equipment and can be set up quickly in the event of a spill.
Polar Tankers led the pack in tanker towing exercises. The industry is required to perform one each quarter, although a total of five were conducted in 2024. The Council observed two of the five. Polar Tankers volunteered to conduct three.
“These exercises do add time to the tanker’s trip,” says Robertson. “But they provide valuable training for the crews.”
The report recommends rotating the exercises between the various shipping companies.
Protecting sensitive areas
Several exercises focused on tactics to keep oil away from shorelines or other areas that are particularly susceptible to damage from oil contamination.
This type of exercise is often held during the annual spill response training for fishing vessel crews. The small vessels that participate in these trainings would mostly be used in this capacity in a real incident.
Fishing vessels pull boom in a U-shape formation (two vessels are parallel to each other). U-shapes are more often used in combination with a skimmer to collect oil.
Fishing vessels pull boom in a J-shape formation (one vessel ahead of the other). J-shapes guide oil in a certain direction and are often used to deflect oil away from a shoreline or sensitive habitat. J-shapes are now usually performed by tugs.
Some areas to improve
The report included suggestions for improving future exercises, including:
More deployments of the new oil spill response barge, the Allison Creek, which replaced an older barge of the same name last year. The new barge is an improvement, but does have more equipment on its deck.
Practice response operations during reduced visibility. More than 5 years have elapsed since the last exercise was conducted in low visibility. The escort tugs have special equipment on board that improves responders’ ability to spot oil in these conditions.
