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: Technical assistance is needed to support the Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon recovery program carried out pursuant to sections 4, 7, and 10 of the ESA.

Tasks

• Support development of a recovery plan for the Gulf of Maine, New York Bight, and Chesapeake Bay distinct population segments of Atlantic sturgeon. This will include conducting literature reviews and developing white papers containing background information as well as drafting sections of a recovery plan to include supporting the development of recovery criteria and recovery actions.
• Support one or more virtual or in-person workshops related to recovery plan development. To support ESA section 7 consultations for sturgeon, this includes identifying priority threats to shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon, researching potential actions to address those threats, and developing white papers or other documentation to support assessment and management of those threats, including development of best management practices. This work may involve coordination and meetings with sturgeon researchers, academics, stakeholders, and federal and state partners.
• Participation and/or presentations at public and/or scientific meetings or conferences may be required in addition to providing support to NMFS staff in attendance at these meetings.
• Assist with implementation of programs carried out under section 10 of the ESA, including preparation of documents to support the development and issuance of Incidental Take Permits for ESA-listed sturgeon.
• Assistance is also needed to ensure that materials developed to support the Students Collaborating to Undertake Tracking Efforts for Sturgeon (SCUTES) educational program are based on the best available scientific information and incorporate current technologies. This may involve cooperating with researchers and/or educators and participating in appropriate conferences, trainings, or meetings, to advance the SCUTES program.

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)