Environmental Specialist - Aquaculture Needed
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Integrated Statistics is looking for an Environmental Specialist to work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), which administers NOAA's programs in the Northeastern United States to manage living marine resources for optimum use.
The Protected Resources Division (PRD) is dedicated to managing, conserving, and rebuilding populations of marine mammals and endangered and threatened marine and anadromous species in rivers, bays, estuaries and marine waters of the Northeast.
The Environmental Specialist will work closely with the Endangered Species Act Section 7 group within PRD, which reviews projects proposed, funded or authorized by federal agencies, assessing whether these projects may adversely affect protected species and their critical habitat. The Environmental Specialist will also work closely with NMFS Office of Aquaculture. This position is concerned with regulatory and analytical processes, not with field research.
Duties
The Environmental Specialist will:
- Develop an analytical framework document to determine the effects marine aquaculture practices have on ESA-listed species (e.g., whales, sea turtles, sturgeon and Atlantic salmon). This document will be used to guide and supplement effects analyses prepared internally and by other federal action agencies.
- Research, develop, and present a detailed understanding of gear configurations and techniques currently used in the marine aquaculture industry.
- Gather data on protected species behavior and how these species interact with aquaculture gear and determine the effects the growing marine aquaculture industry will have on protected species.
- Compile information and develop recommended Best Management Practices that the aquaculture industry can implement to reduce interactions with protected species including recommendations such as siting locations, ocean-engineering designs etc. to avoid and minimize effects to protected species and their habitats.
The products created by the Environmental Specialist will form the basis for NMFS recommendations to the aquaculture industry on how best to avoid or minimize impacts to protected resources and their habitats. The Environmental Specialist may also be expected to respond to incoming ESA section 7 requests for aquaculture consultations and guidance including the development and finalization of technical assistance letters, informal consultations and formal Biological Opinions.
The specific tasks include:
- Producing an analytical framework document to determine the effects of aquaculture practices on ESA-listed species.
- Developing a report with a detailed understanding of gear configurations and techniques currently used in the marine aquaculture industry.
- Developing Best Management Practices that can be recommended for use in the aquaculture industry.
- Participating in staff meetings and providing updates on work products.
- Responding to incoming ESA section 7 requests for aquaculture consultations.
- Occasional travel to Aquaculture conferences and outreach events.
- Conducting literature reviews to obtain background information.
- Collecting, compiling, and analyzing data.
- Drafting responses, reports and reviews.
- Conducting and documenting site visits.
- Attending meetings, conferences, conference calls and site visits.
- Copying documents, compiling records, organizing and maintaining filing systems (both electronic and hard copy).
- Providing recommendations to PRD on issues associated with conservation of living marine resources.
Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s or higher degree in marine science, fisheries science, natural resource management, marine policy, ecology, ocean engineering or a related field.
- Demonstrated understanding of policies and regulations for marine species listed under the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act and application of ESA, MMPA and NEPA
- Experience-based understanding of ocean engineering and ESA-listed species habitat use and behavior in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
- Excellent communication skills. A writing sample may be requested.
- Ability to work independently, and to meet appropriate project milestones.
The position has an expected duration of 18 months. The rate of pay is $29-31/hr and the position is eligible for the benefits described on the Integrated Statistics website.
Integrated Statistics is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Consistent with its obligations under federal law, Integrated Statistics is committed to taking affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified women, minorities, disabled individuals, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, and other eligible veterans. For assistance with accessibility of applications, posters, forms, and/or documents, please email the Integrated Statistics office.
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