Hatchery and Genetics Management Plan Support

At Saltwater Inc. we believe that high-quality data is vital to the health of our fisheries and oceans: our mission is to provide that data. We are a Women-Owned Small Business and are constantly seeking new team members who share our passion for innovation and environmental wellness. We are currently recruiting for a Hatchery Genetic Management Plan (HGMP)Specialist. This individual will work with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) West Coast Region (WCR) California Coastal Office (CCO) as well as the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), and others that participate in Hatchery Technical Teams (HTTs) to assemble, organize and apply the best available scientific information in providing guidance and recommendations to improve anadromous hatchery operations, reduce hatchery impacts to natural populations, and support commercial, recreational, and tribal fisheries. This position will assist with creating HGMPs under the ESA with review and approval by NMFS to ensure their effects (“takes”) do not jeopardize the continued existence and recovery of listed salmon and steelhead.

This work will be conducted is a PART TIME position (~ half time) and will be off-site. This work is anticipated to begin mid-September, or no more than 10 days after the work has been awarded. The period of performance is one base year plus four option years.

We are looking for someone who is self-motivated, has experience working on and reviewing documents related to NEPA and the ESA, and familiarity working with HGMPs is a huge benefit. Candidate requirements are listed below.

Tasks:

• Attend regular Hatchery Technical Team (HCT) and Advisory Team (TAC) meetings with co-managers to incorporate recommendations in developing/revising/editing planning documents for Salmonid hatchery programs. Take and submit notes to project officer regarding comments, edits, additions and modifications to be made
• Assist with the drafting/revising of Hatchery Genetic Management Plans (HGMP’s), and Fishery Management Plans (FMP’s) documents, and to perform technical editing, update and revisions of existing documents to ensure they are well- written and legally defensible, for co-manager (e.g. CDFW, US Corps, Tribes and others) to review prior to the responsible agencies submitting to NMFS.
• Work with NMFS and co-managers in drafting/modifying of HGMP/FMP chapters utilizing the NMFS template for HGMP’s/FMP’s describing the program objectives, operations, purpose, and effects, performance standards and indicators, broodstock origin, identity, collection and mating protocols, incubation, rearing and release mechanisms and monitoring/research.
• Under the guidance of (HCT’s and TAC’s independently write and edit ESA HGMP and FMP documents for California Coastal Office (CCO) area hatchery programs and associated fisheries. Review and edit draft ESA HGMP and FMP documents to create clarity and logical flow of analysis, and incorporate model write-ups and alternatives into Appendices. Address and incorporate comments from NMFS, HCT’s, States, Tribes, responsible agencies and the general public to complete final versions of the documents.
• The contractor shall incorporate recommendations from the HCT/TAC in revising draft versions of the documents and submit for co-manager review and approval, prior to the finalization of draft documents.
• Revise HGMP’s to develop and draft alternatives and recommendations to resolve specific fishery/hatchery management issues, research and recommend solutions to address invasive/nuisance species treatment/exclusion plans, and recommend revision to operations (e.g. release/collection protocols) to improve progress towards performance standards, and adaptively manage operations based on monitoring results in accordance with Co-manager and NMFS and WCR policies, procedures, and priorities.
• Review reports, draft comments, and write technically and legally-sound ESA and NEPA documents that meet the standards of scientific journals, NMFS and DOC policies, and government plain language requirements; This includes reviewing HGMP’s/FMP’s, biological survey and monitoring data and reports, and other scientific documents to determine the severity and duration of chemical, physical, and biological effects anticipated to occur as a result of the action
• Coordinate with applicants and internal and external experts to develop strategies to effectively minimize impacts and resolve regulatory and ecological issues with applicants;
• Additional support may be required on section 7 consultations, recovery planning, habitat conservation plans, monitoring strategies, conservation banking, and safe harbor agreements

Deliverables:

• Prepare/revise draft Hatchery Genetic Management Plans (HGMP’s), and Fishery Management Plans (FMP’s) using NMFS Template documents each quarter based on co-manager and technical team input
• Prepare or revise up to four draft HGMP’s/FMP’s for co-manager review and approval, in preparation for co-manager final document submittal to NMFS.
• No later than 14 days following completion of a NEPA or ESA assessment, compile, organize and provide all electronic and hardcopy records to the Project Officer that comprise the official record in accordance with the relevant laws and NMFS policies.

Minimum Qualifications:

The proposed candidate must have the following minimum qualifications:

• At a minimum, the contractor shall have a Bachelor’s degree. in a related field (e.g. fisheries, oceanography), plus four (4) years of relevant experience Master’s degree in related field of Ph.D.
• Experience in policy and analysis related to fisheries or other renewable natural resources.
• Ability to articulate both in the written word and orally biological and policy information to technical audiences.
• Ability to work independently, and be solution-oriented and a self-starter.
• Knowledge of salmon and steelhead hatchery and harvest fishery programs, their objectives, and their effects on natural-origin fish populations.
• Experience working with the National Environmental Policy Act.

Saltwater Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace culture to attract the best talent and allow each member of our team to achieve their full potential and maximum productivity. Furthermore, Saltwater Inc. highly encourages qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply for positions for which they are qualified and to notify us if there are any needs for accommodation throughout the application process and/or upon hire.

We will honor all requests for application confidentiality.