Facilitator - PRD, Nisqually River Pinniped Task Force

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Salary Range: $30.00 To $55.00 Hourly

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking an applicant to provide Facilitation Services to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) West Coast Region. 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 commissioning of a Nisqually River Pinniped‑Fishery Interaction Task Force is required by subsection 120(c) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) as part of the process when considering an application from an eligible state government requesting to lethally remove those sea lions that are having a significant negative impact on at‑risk populations of salmon and steelhead. NOAA’s NMFS requires a professional, impartial facilitation team to help manage the Task Force due to the controversial nature of the subject and the discussions.

The MMPA requires that the Task Force be convened to review the application, review the public comments, and provide NMFS with a recommendation to either approve or deny an application requesting authority for lethal removal of sea lions. NMFS is preparing to establish and convene a Task Force in 2027, with sessions limited to no more than three days and held off‑site.

Key tasks include the following:

• Advise and assist NMFS in convening the Task Force and plan approach to Task Force meetings
• Review preparatory information and materials
• Prepare draft agenda and supporting documents for the Task Force meetings
• Conduct pre‑meeting calls with Task Force members to assess needs
• Reserve and purchase meeting space and equipment for up to 55 participants
• Project manage meeting logistics
• Facilitate meetings and discussions, using mediation techniques to work with polarized views
• Document Task Force deliberations and manage public involvement
• Compile and write a detailed report capturing final agreements and recommendations
• Provide NMFS with draft and final reports for review and approval

Contingent upon award of contract.

Remote / Telework

Consultant(s) will need to travel to Olympia, WA for multiple 4‑day, 3‑night trips in 2027 to prepare for and facilitate the Task Force meeting.

This is a full‑time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $30.00 - $55.00 per hour.

• The Professional Facilitator shall have demonstrated experience as a lead facilitator and mediator with state, local, and federal agencies and the public, and has led complex, multi‑party, multi‑state natural resource management related to salmon and steelhead in the Pacific Northwest.
• Master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, and a minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible facilitation, management, and conflict resolution experience in a professional environment dealing specifically with controversial issues related to Pacific salmon and steelhead in the Pacific Northwest.
• A local candidate in Washington state / Western Washington state is strongly preferred.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire, and successfully complete a federal government background check. OAI does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law.

OAI is a government contractor and is required by law to invite applicants to voluntarily self‑identify their disability status and veteran status. OAI's online application includes check boxes to either voluntarily self‑identify or decline to self‑identify. While the information is collected through your application, it is collected anonymously and is not connected to your application. OAI uses the information it collects to track its disability and veteran hiring progress, and to meet its obligations under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and under VEVRAA.