MMPA Conservation Services Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking candidates 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. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact Ocean Associates at 703-388-9548 to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process. DUTIES: * Process and/or support the processing of Incidental Take Authorization requests pursuant to Section 101(a)(5) (A&D) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) in conformance with the statute, regulations, and NMFS' policies, including: reviewing applications; coordinating with applicants; conducting impact analyses; responding to public comments; and drafting all necessary supporting documents. * Evaluate, conduct, and draft (or assist with those actions) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 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 and/or evaluate mitigation and monitoring to support agency findings under the MMPA, and ensure compliance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), 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 Directed Take Permit 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 a Start Date: Immediate 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 * Excellent written and verbal 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: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html... 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). In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire, and successfully complete a federal government background check. Ocean Associates Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. OAI is a government contractor and is required by law to invite applicants to self-identify their race, gender, national origin, disability status and veteran status. OAI is required to use the information it collects as part of its future affirmative action efforts in hiring. The information is collected anonymously by computer and is not connected to your application. You will see a place to check certain boxes in OAI's online application. Even though the information is anonymous, self-identification is voluntary. You can always check the box that says you decline to self-identify. Note: If you are not selected, your materials may be retained for present or future opportunities. We may use your resume in bidding on a project and if we are awarded the work we will contact you before seeking further applicants. If you do not wish us to retain or use your resume to seek work for you, please let us know in the "Notes" section on the second page of the o