Deepwater Horizon; DWH Restoration and Monitoring Biologist

Overview/ Job Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly motivated Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Restoration and Monitoring Biologist to support NOAA restoration planning, science and monitoring coordination, environmental compliance activities, and restoration project implementation efforts associated with the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) program.

This position will provide technical, scientific, and programmatic support to NOAA’s Restoration Center and Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program (DARRP), with a focus on restoration planning, monitoring strategy development, regulatory coordination, and project implementation management throughout the Gulf of America region.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with NOAA leadership, federal and state partners, Trustee Implementation Groups, scientists, and restoration stakeholders to support restoration and monitoring activities tied to large-scale coastal and marine resource management initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Restoration Planning and Environmental Compliance

• Support the development and review of Deepwater Horizon restoration plans, environmental assessments, and implementation documents.
• Assist with drafting technical sections of restoration planning documents and coordinating interdisciplinary review efforts.
• Support compliance activities associated with NEPA, ESA, EFH, NHPA Section 106, and other applicable environmental regulations.
• Coordinate with NOAA staff, co-trustees, and project teams to advance restoration planning and implementation activities.

Project Management and Implementation Support

• Support planning, coordination, tracking, and implementation of NOAA-led restoration and monitoring projects.
• Review project deliverables, technical reports, presentations, and restoration documentation.
• Track project schedules, milestones, budgets, and implementation progress.
• Assist with development of scopes of work, project planning materials, and status reports.
• Maintain project documentation and records using systems such as SharePoint and other collaboration platforms.

Science and Monitoring Support

• Participate in technical discussions related to restoration science, ecological monitoring, and adaptive management strategies.
• Support development of monitoring standards, data management approaches, and scientifically defensible monitoring frameworks used to evaluate restoration progress.
• Assist with development of monitoring guidance and restoration evaluation approaches that satisfy statutory and case‑specific requirements.

Coordination and Program Support

• Coordinate with NOAA leadership, Trustee Implementation Groups, federal and state agencies, technical experts, and restoration partners.
• Provide technical and policy support for broader Restoration Center and DARRP activities, including other Gulf restoration initiatives and related casework.
• Support preparation of monthly progress reports, technical documentation, and project updates.

Work Environment:

This position operates in a collaborative professional environment supporting NOAA restoration and environmental stewardship initiatives. Work is primarily remote with periodic travel for coordination meetings, workshops, trainings, and regional restoration activities.

Location:

Remote work acceptable with periodic on‑site meetings in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and regional site visits throughout the Gulf of America region. Travel may be required for meetings, workshops, trainings, conferences, and restoration‑related activities.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, marine science, fisheries science, natural resource management, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum of 6 to 8 years of specialized experience supporting environmental restoration, ecological monitoring, marine or coastal resource management, or related scientific programs.
• Knowledge of ecological principles related to habitat restoration, marine and coastal ecosystems, fisheries resources, and invasive species management.
• Familiarity with habitats, resources, and restoration challenges within the Gulf of America region.
• Knowledge of…