Regulatory Scientist

Overview

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking a Regulatory and Harvest Management Support Scientist to provide support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), West Coast Regional Office. 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.

We are seeking applicants for this position prospectively, which is dependent on award of contract.

• Scientific analyses of harvest management and related tasks as directed by NMFS’s Sustainable Fisheries Division (SFD) associated with: evaluation and assessment of fishery and hatchery management frameworks under ESA sections 7(a)(2), 10(a)(1), Limits 4, 5, 6 of the ESA 4(d) Rule, or the ESA Tribal 4(d) Rule; description and assessment of harvest and hatchery related impacts to ESA-listed Puget Sound, Columbia River and California salmon stocks depending on the plan under evaluation.
• Completion of NEPA documents associated with these projects or in coordination with other contractors.
• Assisting NMFS staff on work related to implementation of provisions of the  US v Oregon Agreement and the  Pacific Salmon Treaty Agreement and successor agreements.
• Performing statistical analyses (e.g., trend analysis and risk assessment) and developing management strategy evaluations, including alternatives as required in NEPA assessments.
• Coordinating with SFD staff, general counsel, and NEPA staff in NMFS WCR regional offices and with project leaders via email and phone.

Applicants must have the following minimum requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of laws pertaining to management of the fishing industry, including the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NEPA, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
• Knowledge of the Endangered Species Act regarding activities affecting Pacific salmon and steelhead, and their habitat.
• Knowledge of NEPA and experience in preparing NEPA analytical documents (CEs/FONSIs, EAs, EISs).
• Experience in preparing hatchery and fishery management analytical documents supported by the best available science.
• Experience conducting technical analyses and assessments for anadromous salmonids, particularly related to hatchery and harvest management actions on Pacific salmon and steelhead.
• Technical writing experience with analyses and concise reports addressing Pacific Northwest anadromous salmon and their habitat.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Ability to work independently and be solution oriented.
• Experience performing ESA Section 7, 10, or 4(d) consultations.
• Knowledge of the fisheries management frameworks in the Pacific Northwest Region is preferred.

Start Date:

Contingent upon award of contract.

Location:

Remote / Telework

Travel:
Twelve (12) single-day trips (one day per month) to Seattle or Lacey, WA NMFS offices for technical collaboration and check-ins.

Salary and Benefits:
This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $28.00 - $48.00 per hour.

Applicants should apply through our ADP web portal. If you are not selected, your materials may be retained for present or future opportunities. The information is collected to track disability and veteran hiring progress and to meet obligations under relevant laws. OAI is a government contractor and complies with federal law regarding identity verification and background checks. OAI does not discriminate on the basis of protected status.

• Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.
• Work history for the 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 preferred).

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, complete the required employment eligibility verification, and successfully complete a federal background check. OAI is an equal opportunity employer. OAI may invite applicants to self-identify disability and veteran status as part of the process, collected anonymously and used to meet legal obligations.

Note:

Materials may be retained for future opportunities. Resumes may be used in bidding on a project; if selected, we will contact you before seeking further applicants. If you do not wish your resume to be retained, indicate so in the notes section of the online application.