Senior Maritime Specialist; On Call

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee‑owned environmental consulting firm. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore for projects across our communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands. With 50 years of experience in 21 offices across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the southeastern United States.

ESA is looking for a Senior Maritime Permitting & Compliance Specialist to join our Pacific Northwest team on a part‑time, on‑call basis
. The selected individual will manage complex federal and state marine permitting, regulatory strategy, and construction compliance for offshore and coastal infrastructure projects. They will support offshore wind, subsea linear infrastructure, port development and operations, dredging, and marine construction projects while ensuring compliance with U.S. federal regulations, marine resource protections, and stakeholder engagement requirements. The role will be based out of the Seattle, WA office and be onsite a few days per week.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Marine Biology, Oceanography, Maritime Affairs, Environmental Science, Coastal Engineering, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in marine permitting, offshore construction compliance, or maritime environmental management
• Demonstrated experience working with BOEM, NOAA, BSEE, and U.S. Coast Guard regulatory processes
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Marine protected areas, sanctuaries, and reserves
  • ESA, MMPA, NEPA, and CWA frameworks
  • Vessel operations and environmental compliance (including VGP)
• Experience supporting offshore construction projects such as offshore wind, subsea cable, ports, and dredging
• Proven stakeholder engagement experience with fisheries and coastal communities
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to operate in fast‑paced construction environments
• High attention to detail and compliance rigor
• Ability to work in office and in the field traveling to coastal and offshore project sites
• Ability to participate in vessel‑based operations and offshore inspections
• Able to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams

• Experience supporting offshore wind (OSW) projects and COP/SAP development
• Familiarity with fisheries compensation programs and liaison roles
• Certifications such as:
  • Certified Environmental Professional (CEP)
  • OSHA HAZWOPER (40‑hour)
• Experience with GIS, marine spatial planning, or habitat mapping
• Regulatory strategy and problem‑solving in complex, multi‑agency environments

This position will lead and serve as a subject‑matter expert for permitting and compliance efforts under both state and federal frameworks including:

• Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) leasing and approvals (BOEM)
• Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) consultations and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) compliance (NOAA);
  Federal and State Endangered Species Act;
  Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404/401; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA), Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and marine reserves
• Offshore safety and operational compliance (BSEE)
• Navigation, safety, and Marine Transportation System coordination

The individual will prepare and manage permit applications, technical studies, and regulatory submittals (e.g., COPs, SAPs, NEPA documents).

• Coordinate multi‑agency reviews and ensure alignment with federal, state, and local requirements
• Develop and implement mitigation measures and monitoring programs for sensitive marine habitats and species
• Support environmental compliance audits and reporting throughout the project lifecycle
• Provide strategic guidance to project managers and clients on permitting risks, schedules, and regulatory pathways

The role will oversee vessel compliance with the Vessel General Permit (VGP) and applicable discharge requirements.

• Conduct or oversee vessel inspections, audits, and documentation reviews
• Ensure contractor and subcontractor vessel operations meet environmental and safety standards
• Coordinate with marine contractors on best management practices (BMPs) and pollution prevention