Job Description

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking applicants to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), California Central Valley Office (CCVO) in salmon, steelhead, and green sturgeon conservation and recovery. The geographic region of the work covers from the San Francisco Bay east, including waters of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and its tributaries to their headwaters in the Sierras. 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

The employee will provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of promoting the protection, conservation, and recovery of anadromous fish and their habitat. The primary objective is to provide services and deliverables implementing the statutes and mandates of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with particular emphasis on sections 7 and 10.

Tasks

Key tasks include the following:

• Review and evaluate proposed projects, implementing Environmental Regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA), Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Projects shall be evaluated to determine their impacts on ESA-listed salmonids and green sturgeon.
• Review and evaluate proposed projects and applications submitted to NMFS pursuant to section 7 of the ESA and the other NMFS authorities stated above, and analyze effects of proposed actions, conservation measures, and mitigation activities on ESA-listed salmon, steelhead, green sturgeon, and their habitat.
• Meet with representatives from state and federal agencies, as well as NGOs, water districts, reclamation districts, section 7 applicants and other groups to discuss projects and programs that may impact ESA-listed salmon, steelhead, green sturgeon, and their habitat, providing recommendations on how these projects and programs may reduce environmental impacts. The employee shall coordinate with NMFS’ Science Center and other researchers in evaluating the status of species and impacts from actions.
• Write technically and legally sound concurrence letters and biological opinions consistent with NOAA/NMFS policies and procedures.
• Complete reviews of submitted section 10(a)(1)(A) Permit applications, reviewing and preparing comments, reviewing and/or overseeing ESA section 7 Consultations and NEPA documents for section 10(a)(1)(A) Permits, and perform coordination and information sharing with the NMFS West Coast Region’s Protected Resources Division’s (PRD) CA Research Permitting leads.
• Assist in leading NMFS planning for the spring-run Chinook salmon emergency action plan by: gathering and synthesizing scientific data; meeting with CCVO’s partners at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Service, water districts and other agencies; and writing and implementing the plan.
• Participate in and/or present protected species information at local and regional coordination meetings and participate in a California Central Valley Division workshop.
• Prepare appropriate documentation for each consultation, listing, status review, or permit, including assembling and managing administrative records as necessary to provide adequate and proper evidence of agency business, timely response to requests for information, and compliance with NMFS internal directives, including memos to the file that show compliance with West Coast Region quality assurance process.
• Coordinate with partner agencies in implementation of steelhead life cycle monitoring to support development of a juvenile population estimate, as identified in the Central Valley Project operations proposed action and biological opinion. The employee shall also participate in multi-agency steelhead telemetry study efforts to further refine protections for Central Valley steelhead. For these efforts, the employee shall develop monitoring analysis approaches and reporting protocols and assist in analysis interpretation; provide scientific support for monitoring program design and deployment; and assist in analysis interpretation.
• Coordinate with CCVO staff to identify discussion topics relevant to NMFS mission and advocate for NMFS’ needs within the steelhead life cycle modeling/telemetry studies programs.

Start Date: As soon as possible

Salary: This is a full-time position with a generous benefit package. Salary commensurate with experience.

Location: Sacramento, CA

Travel: Travel is expected

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis on biological science, conservation biology, fisheries management, wildlife management or related fields and three years of experience in one of the above topics or a related field. A graduate degree may substitute for experience.
• Valid driver’s license required for operation of government vehicles.
• Knowledge of the Endangered Species Act, Magnuson-Stevens Act, and National Environmental Policy Act.
• Proficiency with actions under section 7 and 10 of the ESA.
• Knowledge of biology, natural resource management and West Coast anadromous fish species.
• Basic computer skills (MS Office, etc.).
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively in a team/group setting.
• Ability to receive constructive feedback and implement appropriate action.

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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