ESA Section Consultation Support - Alaska Region

ESA Section 7 Consultation Services

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking an applicant to provide ESA Section 7 Consultation to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries), Alaska Regional Office (AKR), Protected Resources Division (PRD) in Juneau, AK.

OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services, and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts.

The NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region (AKR) Protected Resources Division (PRD) administers the Region's responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The AKR PRD regularly consults on the effects of federal projects and authorizations upon threatened and endangered species and their designated critical habitat under Section 7 of the ESA. It is also responsible for implementing recovery actions directed towards conservation of threatened and endangered species under the ESA.

In Alaska, PRD administers Section 7 of the ESA through consultation with federal agencies to conserve listed species and critical habitat during project development and implementation. Section 7 consultation is required when an action authorized, funded, or carried out by a federal action agency and may affect a listed species or its designated critical habitat. Informal consultation can be completed if the action may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect, listed species and/or critical habitat.

If an action is likely to adversely affect listed species or critical habitat, formal consultation is required.

Tasks include:

• Technical assistance for ESA Section 7 consultation requirements
• Managing consultation requests
• Expedited consultations
• Informal consultations
• Formal consultations

Start Date:

As soon as possible.

Location:

Remote/telework, or Regional Office in Juneau, AK, or Regional office in Anchorage, AK. (If remote, to the greatest extent practicable, be available during the core hours of the Alaska Region, which are 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM AKT, Tuesday through Thursday)

Travel:
Travel is not anticipated.

Salary and Benefits:
This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $33.00 - $38.00 per hour.

Requirements:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in an environmental science or associated discipline
• Experience preparing Section 7 consultations as required under the ESA or similar environmental regulatory law
• Knowledge of ESA-listed species and their habitats
• Knowledge of NMFS Acoustic Criteria for exposure to underwater and airborne sound
• Knowledge of the coastal and marine ecology of Alaska
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills
• Proficient with common databases and office productivity programs
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to follow complex directions and guidance
• Strong communication skills
• Strong professional writing skills

If you are interested in being considered for this position, please apply through our ADP web portal.