Job Description

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking applicants for a full-time Environmental Specialist III position to support the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO) Protected Resources Division (PRD). OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts.

Description: Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office implements the Atlantic Large Whale and Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Plans in collaboration with Take Reduction Teams that make recommendations to prevent interactions between commercial fisheries and Atlantic large whales, including the North Atlantic right whales. Under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office consults with federal agencies to ensure that actions authorized or carried out do not jeopardize endangered species.

Tasks: Provide regulatory and analytical support for the implementation of these statutes by preparing regulatory documents to amend the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP) and Harbor Porpoise Plan (HPTRP) and accompanying analyses and NEPA documents. This work shall include coordination with staff carrying out analyses on the effects of fishing activities on ESA listed species and critical habitat, with particular attention to North Atlantic right whales and if needed, harbor porpoise. Completion of this task will also involve collaboration with the take reduction team coordinator, as needed, to ensure that relevant information regarding the rulemaking and NEPA process are available for Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team meetings (and the HPTRT if needed). Also, assist the take reduction team coordinator, as needed, in the development, assessment, and implementation of a regulatory amendment to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan, including performing duties pursuant to the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and other applicable statutes and policies. The primary deliverables of this task are (1) rulemaking amending the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan pursuant to Section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act and (2) associated NEPA documents and analyses of the potential impacts of rulemaking pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act.

Start Date: Contingent on receiving the award for this contract.

Location: Gloucester, MA; or a mutually agreed upon remote work site.

Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position, overtime is not anticipated. Salary is commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package.

Required Knowledge and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in an environmental science or associated discipline (e.g., biology, ecology, fisheries biology, marine biology, natural resource management, conservation biology, landscape ecology, or restoration ecology)
• Level 1: Minimum one (1) year of relevant experience, with up to seven years total relevant experience.
• Level 2: Minimum seven (7) years of relevant experience, with up to 14 years total relevant experience.

If you are interested in being considered for this position, please APPLY THROUGH OUR ADP WEB PORTAL, AT THE LINK AT THE TOP RIGHT OF THIS PAGE.

Only qualified applicants that meet minimum experience or background requirements stated above need apply. When applying for this position you will be asked to upload your resume at the end of this online application.

Applicants should submit a resume that includes the following:

• Cover letter that briefly describes how you meet the required and preferred qualifications listed.
• Work history for past 10 years or since last full-time education.
• Education.
• Previous experience or training with similar requirements.
• Three professional references.
• Include your name in the document file name.
• Upload your resume in readable, not scanned, PDF or Word format (PDF is preferred).

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: Not Disclosed.

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