Technical Guidance Program Coordinator

NATURE OF WORK:

This position serves as a professional-level biologist within the Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). The Technical Guidance Program Coordinator will apply advanced biological or environmental policy principles to new and existing programs for the informed management and conservation of marine organisms and their associated habitats in the CNMI. The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Fisheries Research and Development section supervisor and/or the Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife.     

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review and improve marine project proposals affecting species and habitats, offering recommendations for improved conservation outcomes.
• Provide technical assistance, updates, and reports to the DFW Director and government agencies as needed.
• Evaluate and offer input on various documents submitted to DFW by federal and local agencies including Environmental Impact Statements and Defense Integrated Natural Resource Management Plans
• Manage conservation projects, report outcomes, and write grant proposals and progress reports.
• Analyze and interpret data, summarizing results in technical reports and publications.
• Participate in outreach to the public and government agencies, professionally representing DFW.
• Collaborate with DFW staff to make biological, ecological, and sociological information public.
• Evaluate potential project impacts in accordance with DFW regulations and guidelines.
• Work with clients to develop effective mitigation plans.
• Plan, manage, and develop environmental assessments and biological opinions.
• Design and implement marine environmental field studies for regulatory compliance.
• Collect, manage, and synthesize large volumes of environmental data efficiently.
• Plan, organize, facilitate, and present at public, stakeholder, and agency outreach meetings.
• Work flexible hours, including weekends, and travel as required for conferences and meetings.
• Maintain electronic file systems for project records and administrative records.
• Communicate effectively with co-workers, clients, and stakeholders.
• Assist project managers with daily activities, project coordination, and document completeness.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resources management, or equivalent is preferred with 2 years of experience.

OR a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental planning/policy, biological resources, or related discipline with 4 years of experience.

EXPERIENCE:

Two years’ experience (for Master’s degree and four years’ for Bachelor’s degree) with professional planning, using habitat conservation and management tools, implementing biological field techniques, environmental planning, and biological and habitat regulatory processes. Experience in analyzing and interpreting environmental assessments, resolving issues related to threatened and endangered species, essential fish habitat, and environmental liabilities. Experienced in preparing, examining, and analyzing natural resource impact assessments involving multiple entities to address environmental disputes. Proficient in conducting research and interpreting documents in situations with uncertainties or conflicts, ensuring the appropriate application to environmental and threatened and endangered species issues.

Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be organized and have analytical and problem-solving skills. Must be willing to commit a minimum of 3 years to DFW.

Benefits:

• Paid Holidays, Sick Leave, and Vacation Leave
• Group medical/life insurance
• Recruitment/Repatriation
• 401(a) retirement plan with matching contribution
• Pay increases

Eligibility:

United States citizens, national or United States legal residents ONLY