ESA/MMPA SUPPORT SERVICES
 
Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking a candidate to support the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources (OPR) Permits and Conservation Division in Silver Spring, MD. OAI conducts research, offers policy advice, and provides personnel support services to government and industry clients for marine fisheries and protected species.  
 
DUTIES:
 
  • Process and/or support the processing of incidental take authorizations (ITA) requests pursuant to Section 101(a)(5) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and in conformance with NMFS' policies, including: reviewing applications; coordinating with applicants; conducting analyses; responding to public comments; and drafting all necessary documents.
  • Evaluate, conduct, and draft (or assist with those actions) National Environmental Policy Act analyses.    
  • Critically analyze and/or support the critical analysis of scientific literature, agency documents, and other applicable information to assess impacts of human activities (including underwater noise) on marine mammals and develop/evaluate mitigation and monitoring to support agency findings under the MMPA and/or Endangered Species Act (ESA), and ensure compliance with Section 7 of the ESA, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the Administrative Procedures Act, and other applicable statutes.
  • Communicate and/or assist with communicating program policies, requirements, and issues to the public and other Federal Agencies, as well as to other NOAA programs and leadership.
  • Support program planning, monitoring, technical analyses, improvement, and policy development across Division, and assist with other Division actions as needed.  
  • As needed, process and/or support the processing of scientific research and enhancement permit (SREP) requests for protected species pursuant to Sections 104 of the MMPA and 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA and in conformance with NMFS' policies, including: reviewing applications; coordinating with applicants; conducting analyses; responding to public and internal comments; and drafting all necessary documents. 
Start Date: As soon as possible  
 
Location: Work may be performed offsite 
 
Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary commensurate with experience
 
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
 
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 2 years of relevant experience.
  • Subject matter expertise and knowledge of the ESA and MMPA for operational or research programs and activities in the coastal and marine environment is required.
  • Ability to work independently, reliable, self-starter, self-motivated and strong attention to detail
  • Ability to isolate and define critical conditions and problems within a program or part of a project in order to determine the environmental impact of various activities.
  • Skill in oral and written communication in order to develop and present scientific assessments and analyses.
  • Knowledge of NMFS regulatory, research and management activities
  • Knowledge of NOAA operational and research activities
If you are interested in being considered for this position, please apply to:
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=9a93435d-91d4-4a65-8a21-2de9187df1dd&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=404635&source=CC2&lang=en_