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Aquaculture, Endangered Species Act (ESA), and Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Consultation and Coordination Specialist
Saltwater Inc.
Contractor
Anchorage, AK, USA
Posted on Thursday, August 10, 2023
altwater is currently recruiting for an Aquaculture, Endangered Species Act (ESA), and Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Consultation and Coordination Specialist to provide expert support to federal agencies. The Protected Resources Division (PRD) works to conserve and restore marine resources on the West Coast. Guided by the ESA, Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA) the government requires support to fulfill duties including actions under these laws such as supporting implementation of the directives of the Executive Order on Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth; conducting ESA section 7 consultations; conducting EFH consultations pursuant to the MSA; reviewing and commenting on actions that may take marine mammals pursuant to the MMPA; and, reviewing and drafting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents as needed.
This position is to be filled immediately and is part of an ongoing contract in its second option year that extends through October, 2023. There are likely two more one-year option periods to follow. This position can be filled remotely / off-site.
Duties:
- Conduct and complete formal and informal consultations under section 7 of the ESA and the EFH provisions of the MSA according to West Coast Region (WCR) policies and practices.
- Participate in working groups, internal and external discussions, and assist in the preparation of environmental reviews for aquaculture projects.
- Assist in the preparation of programmatic Environmental Impact Statements under the NEPA.
- Participate in coordination with the WCR Aquaculture Coordinators, PRD staff, and the National Ocean Service in data compilation, synthesis, and analysis to inform identification of such geographic areas.
- Review other NEPA documents and provide comments on protected resources and listed species sections.
- Review other proposed activities and provide comments on impacts to marine mammals and the requirements of the MMPA or the requirements of the FWCA for all marine species.
- Coordinate with Area Office staff to provide background information, effects analysis and conclusions for protected resources under PRD jurisdiction. Review drafted formal and informal consultation sections for these protected resources.
- Participate in meetings with action agencies, applicants or permittees, special interest groups, state officials, and tribal representatives, as necessary.
- Coordinate with science center and other researchers in evaluating the status of species and impacts from actions.
- Respond to inquiries from action agencies, applicants, and their representatives and staff from WCR Area Offices, provide pre-consultation technical assistance to action agencies, applicants, or their representatives.
- Prepare appropriate documentation for each consultation, including assembling and managing administrative records as necessary to provide proper evidence of agency business, timely response to requests for information, and compliance with NMFS internal directives.
- Provide timely responses to data requests and assignments with appropriate attention to detail.
- Attend and/or present protected species information at local and regional coordination meetings and participate in a PRD workshop as needed.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and four (4) years’ experience, or Master’s degree, from an accredited college or university in biological science, conservation biology, wildlife management or related fields.
- Knowledge of the ESA, MMPA, MSA, and NEPA.
- Proficiency with consultations under section 7 of the ESA and the EFH provisions of the MSA.
- Ability to review and comment on NEPA analyses in accordance with the requirements of NEPA.
- Knowledge of marine natural resource management issues including marine aquaculture and other ocean uses such as fishing and offshore energy.
- Knowledge of the biology of West Coast marine species of whales, sea turtles, abalone, sharks, and sturgeon.
- Computer skills including basic word processing, spreadsheet creation and manipulation.
- Valid driver’s license required for operation of government vehicles.
- Current MS Office and corresponding Google applications skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Saltwater’s mandatory employee COVID-19 policy requires proof of Covid-19 vaccination to safeguard the health of our employees and their families.
Compensation
Salary commensurate with experience.
Inclusive Culture
Saltwater Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace culture to attract the best talent and allow each member of our team to achieve their full potential and maximum productivity.
Furthermore, Saltwater Inc. highly encourages qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply for positions for which they are qualified and to notify us if there are any needs for accommodation throughout the application process and/or upon hire.
How to Apply
Only qualified applicants with the requisite experience need to apply. If interested, applicants should submit a resume and cover letter that briefly describes how you meet the qualifications listed above and why you would be the best candidate for the job, through the Apply Today button below.
We will honor all requests for application confidentiality.
About Saltwater Inc.
At Saltwater Inc., we believe that high-quality data is vital to the health of our fisheries and oceans: our mission is to provide that data. We are a Women-Owned Small Business and are constantly seeking new team members who share our passion for innovation and environmental wellness.
Saltwater Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.