Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking applicants for multiple full-time Environmental Specialist III positions to support the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO), including the Protected Resources Division (PRD) and Habitat Ecosystems Services Division (HESD). 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: Provide assistance in the technical and environmental review of BOEM actions under the OCS Lands Act of 1953 and the Energy Policy Act of 2005, including lease sales and site development for offshore wind energy. The technical and environmental reviews are conducted under the authority of the National Environmental Policy Act as well as the Essential Fish Habitat provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. These reviews will then form the basis for NMFS recommendations to BOEM on how best to avoid, minimize or compensate for impacts to fishery resources and their habitats.

Tasks: Identify, evaluate, and work to mitigate adverse impacts of energy development projects on fishery habitats, as well as avoidance of use conflicts with the fishing industry. Be responsible for reviewing study designs, Environmental Impact Statements, Site Assessment Plans, Construction and Operations Plans, and monitoring plans and providing recommendations on how to avoid, minimize or compensate for adverse impacts to habitats and fisheries resources. Analyze complex data and identify trends and provide conclusions to HESD. Make recommendations to HESD for guidance and criteria for assessing OCS energy development projects. Write reports and make oral presentations before audiences of professional and varied interests.

• Review BOEM public notices when published in the Federal Register and provides technical review of all leasing and project development information related to conservation of living marine resources.
• Conduct literature reviews to obtain background information.
• Collect, compile, and analyze data.
• Draft responses, reports and reviews.
• Conduct and document site visits.
• Enters data and conducts quality control reviews.
• Attend meetings, conferences, conference calls and site visits.
• Copy documents, compile records, organize and maintain filing systems (including electronic filing).
• Prepare maps and other geographical displays and analysis.
• Provide recommendations to HESD on issues associated with conservation of living marine resources.

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

Location: Gloucester, MA; Annapolis, MD; Highlands, NJ; 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.

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.

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.

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).