ESA Section 7 Consultant

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 an ESA Section 7 Consultant to support the Aquaculture and Protected Resources divisions to fulfil a range of duties. Responsibilities include supporting implementation of the directives of the Executive Order on Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth; conducting ESA section 7 consultations; reviewing and commenting on actions that may take marine mammals pursuant to the MMPA; and reviewing and drafting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents as needed. 

This will be a full-time position, and work will be performed remotely or on-site either at the AKRO Protected Resources Division in Juneau – 709 W. 9th St., Juneau AK, 99802; or in Anchorage – 222 W. 7th St., Anchorage, AK, 99513 with some travel required. The contract has a one-year base period and will have up to three (3) 12-month option periods.  

Duties:

• Conduct and complete formal and informal consultations under Section 7 of the ESA according to AKRO’s policies and practices. These include consultations on aquaculture facilities, operations, and permits, but may also include consultations on other Federal activities within the jurisdiction of the Region.
• Aid in regulatory efficiency through the development of an aquaculture programmatic consultation with the US Army Corps of Engineers.
• Participate in working groups, internal and external discussions, and assist in the preparation of environmental reviews for aquaculture projects for which AKRO plays a significant role.
• Assist in the preparation of programmatic Environmental Impact Statements or Environmental Assessments under NEPA.
  • Participate as necessary and in coordination with Regional staff and the National Ocean Service in data compilation, synthesis, and analysis to inform identification of such geographic areas.
• Review other NEPA documents and provide comments on protected resources and listed species sections.
• Review other proposed activities and provide comments on impacts to marine mammals and the requirements of the MMPA or the requirements of the FWCA for all marine species.
• Participate in meetings with action agencies, applicants or permittees, special interest groups, state officials, and tribal representatives, as necessary.
  • Coordinate with researchers in evaluating the status of species and impacts from actions.
• Respond to inquiries from action agencies, applicants, and AKRO staff, provide pre-consultation technical assistance to action agencies, applicants, or their representatives during regular business hours.
• Prepare appropriate documentation for each consultation, including assembling and managing administrative records as necessary to provide proper evidence of agency business, timely response to requests for information, and compliance with NMFS internal directives, including memos to the file that show compliance with Regional quality assurance processes, and 508 compliance.
• Provide timely response to data requests and assignments with appropriate attention to detail.
• Attend and/or present protected species information at local and regional coordination meetings and participate in a PRD workshop, if one is scheduled during their tenure.
• Attend and/or present protected species information at the NOAA Aquaculture Workshop, if one is scheduled during the Period of Performance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completed undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis on biological science, conservation biology, wildlife management or related fields.
• Computer skills including basic word processing, spreadsheet creation and manipulation.
• Current MS Office and corresponding Google applications skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and National Environmental Policy Act.
• Proficiency with consultations under section 7 of the ESA
• Ability to review and comment on NEPA analyses in accordance with the requirements of NEPA.
• Knowledge of marine natural resource management issues including marine aquaculture and other ocean uses such as fishing and oil and gas is strongly desired
• Knowledge of the biology of Alaska marine species.

Salary range is dependent upon experience. 

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. 

Only qualified applicants with the requisite experience need to apply.  

We will honor all requests for application confidentiality.

Apply Here

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