Marine Regulatory Specialist - Essential Fish Habitat Hawai’i

Jul 29

Written By Liz Tarquin

Location:

Honolulu, HI (Remote/hybrid)

Employment Type:

Full-Time Client: NOAA Fisheries (NMFS), Pacific Islands Region Office (PIRO)
Security Requirement:
Public Trust Eligibility Required (US Citizen)
Help Protect Essential Fish Habitat Across The Pacific IslandsCASE Consultants International is seeking an Essential Fish Habitat & Marine Regulatory Specialist to support the NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO).

In this role, you will help evaluate federal activities that may affect Essential Fish Habitat (EFH), support consultations under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), and develop scientifically sound recommendations that protect marine habitats and federally managed fisheries throughout the Pacific Islands Region.

You will work with NOAA specialists, federal action agencies, and other stakeholders to assess proposed projects, interpret scientific and regulatory information, and develop clear, defensible consultation documents. This is an excellent opportunity for a marine resource professional who enjoys applying science to complex environmental and regulatory decisions.

The Successful Candidate - The ideal candidate is scientifically curious, thoughtful, responsive, and comfortable working at the intersection of marine science and federal environmental policy. You can evaluate complex information, exercise sound professional judgment, and produce clear recommendations that withstand technical and regulatory review.

You also share the values that guide CASE:
integrity, tenacity, competence, and hustle
. These principles shape how we serve our clients, support one another, and approach every challenge.

Position Overview

• Review federal projects and technical-assistance requests involving potential effects on Essential Fish Habitat (EFH).
• Coordinate with federal agencies to determine whether EFH consultation is required and gather the information needed to evaluate proposed actions.
• Analyze potential effects on managed species, EFH, and Habitat Areas of Particular Concern.
• Apply the Magnuson-Stevens Act, Endangered Species Act, and related environmental statutes, regulations, and policies.
• Prepare scientifically supported effects assessments, consultation correspondence, and other technical documents.
• Help develop practical conservation recommendations to avoid, minimize, mitigate, or offset adverse habitat effects.
• Support coordination between EFH and ESA Section 7 consultations when appropriate.
• Review agency responses to NOAA Fisheries’ recommendations and assist with follow-up after consultations.
• Build productive working relationships with federal agencies, regional partners, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate project records and contribute to quality assurance, activity tracking, and monthly reporting.

Required Qualifications

• BS or MS in in marine science, fisheries science, environmental science, natural-resource management, environmental policy, regulatory affairs, or a related technical field.
• At least one year of professional experience in marine natural-resource management or a closely related field.
• At least one year of experience working with the Magnuson-Stevens Act, Endangered Species Act, or related environmental and natural-resource statutes.
• Ability to evaluate scientific and technical information and translate findings into clear written products.
• Strong research, analytical, technical-writing, and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple reviews, deadlines, and stakeholder requests.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively in a remote environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting NOAA Fisheries, another federal natural-resource agency, or a comparable regulatory organization.
• Direct experience with EFH consultations or marine habitat-impact assessments.
• Familiarity with MSA EFH requirements and federal-agency consultation processes.
• Experience evaluating effects on marine species, coral reef ecosystems, pelagic habitats, bottomfish habitat, crustacean habitat, or other Pacific Island marine resources.
• Knowledge of Habitat…