WCR Fisheries Science - Analytical And Compliance Support - Remote Eligible

Fisheries Science And Compliance Support

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking a full-time employee to provide Fisheries Science and Compliance support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Protected Resources Division (PRD), West Coast Region.

The Protected Resources Division (PRD) works to conserve and restore marine resources on the West Coast. Guided by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) the government requires support to fulfill duties including actions under these laws such as reviewing species' status to determine if listing is warranted; developing protective regulations to conserve protected species; designating critical habitat; conducting section 7 consultations; reviewing and drafting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents; and issuing permits. The Long Beach Branch of PRD leads regulatory and conservation activities for numerous species of marine mammals, sea turtles, and marine fish, and their associated habitats, that are protected under the ESA and/or MMPA. The area of this responsibility spans the entire U.S. West Coast, working in coordination with national, regional, and local authorities and interests. In addition, the Long Beach Branch implements EFH provisions of the MSA throughout Southern California. Specifically, PRD works with the Office of Protected Resources (OPR) on implementing key provisions of the MMPA outlined in sections 118 and 101(a)(5)(e) to minimize the mortality and serious injury of marine mammals in West Coast commercial fisheries. PRD also is working with OPR on the authorization of the take of ESA-listed marine mammals and sea turtles in West Coast state-managed fisheries.

Tasks include the following:

• Facilitate and/or complete formal and informal consultations on fisheries-related actions under section 7 of the ESA according to West Coast region policies and practices. The contractor shall review documents associated with proposed or final fishery actions and provide comments on protected resources and listed species sections.
• Coordinate with the West Coast States and the Office of Protected Resources on the development and evaluation of Conservation Plans in support of applications for permits under ESA section 10. The Contractor shall provide technical support to NMFS in the review of Conservation Plans and assist with the completion of the associated ESA section 10 and section 7 documentation, as well as MMPA and NEPA compliance, as needed.
• Assist NMFS with the development and implementation of any fishery management activity associated with compliance with MMPA section 118 for West Coast fisheries, including any Take Reduction Teams or Plans for West Coast fisheries that are or become active, and the MMPA List of Fisheries. The Contractor shall lead or support technical and analytical work that is needed to support these activities, as needed.
• Lead, coordinate, or participate in fisheries bycatch science initiatives with internal and external partners and stakeholders including NMFS Science Centers and the Office of Protected Resources, as well as industry, academic, NGO, and other agency representatives. Lead completion of analysis and technical reports as needed to advance the state of science on West Coast fishery bycatch issues in support of improved assessment of impacts to protected species, and the consideration of impact/effectiveness of any management measures that may be implemented to minimize bycatch.
• Participate in meetings with action agencies, applicants or permittees, special interest groups, state officials, and tribal representatives, as necessary, and provide responses to data requests and other inquiries with appropriate attention to detail.
• Prepare appropriate documentation for each consultation and analytical report prepared, including assembling, and managing administrative records as necessary to provide adequate and proper evidence of agency business, timely response to requests for information, and compliance with NMFS internal directives, including memos to the file that show compliance with West Coast Region quality assurance process.
• Assist with other MMPA and ESA matters related to ESA-listed species, critical habitat, and EFH.
• Present protected species information at local and regional coordination meetings and participate in a Protected Resources Division workshop.
• Assist the WCR Take Reduction Team Coordinator in working with NMFS scientists in support of TRT meetings, including maintaining regular contact with key NMFS staff on progress of their work, and facilitating the review of materials to be included in TRT meetings by the NMFS TRT planning team.

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Salary: This is a full-time position. Wage range is $32.50 to $36.50 per hour. A comprehensive benefits package is included.

Location: Fully remote.

Travel is anticipated for this order. The employee will need to travel to multiple local meetings or site visits; up to five NMFS-protected resources and fisheries science and policy coordination meetings in the region; one or two national meetings or conferences on fisheries bycatch issues, and one PRD workshop.

Qualifications and Requirements include a graduate degree from an accredited college or university with an emphasis on biological or fisheries science, conservation biology, wildlife or natural resource management, or related fields of science or policy. Knowledge of the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Magnuson Stevens Act, and National Environmental Policy Act is required. Proficiency with regulatory and conservation actions under species-protected sections 7, and 10 of the ESA, and management of fisheries under section 118 of the MMPA is also required. Experience and proficiency with an assessment of the impacts of human activities on protected species and/or evaluation of measures to reduce those impacts is necessary. Experience with the production of scientific, technical, or other professional reports is required. Knowledge of biology, natural resource management, and West Coast marine species ecology is required. Knowledge of West Coast fisheries and State/Federal fishery management schemes is required. A valid driver’s license is required. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Ability to work effectively both individually and as part of a team.