Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Restoration and Monitoring Biologist

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and review of Deepwater Horizon restoration plans, environmental assessments, and implementation documents.
• Aid in 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.
• Collaborate with NOAA staff, co-trustees, and project teams to advance restoration planning and implementation activities.
• Manage 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.
• Develop scopes of work, project planning materials, and status reports.
• Maintain project documentation and records using systems such as SharePoint and other collaboration platforms.
• Engage in technical discussions related to restoration science, ecological monitoring, and adaptive management strategies.
• Support the development of monitoring standards, data management approaches, and scientifically defensible monitoring frameworks used to evaluate restoration progress.
• Collaborate 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.
• Prepare monthly progress reports, technical documentation, and project updates.

Requirements

• 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.
• Experience supporting project coordination, technical review, regulatory compliance, or restoration planning activities.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively across interdisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel periodically in support of project and program activities.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship or Permanent Resident.
• Pass a background investigation to obtain a security badge to enter the applicable government facility.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience supporting restoration projects associated with NRDA, CERCLA, Oil Pollution Act (OPA), or related environmental restoration programs.
• Familiarity with NOAA Restoration Center or DARRP operations and processes.
• Experience supporting restoration project implementation, adaptive management, or ecological monitoring programs.
• Prior experience working within a federal agency or government contracting environment.
• Experience with CWPPRA programs, Gulf restoration initiatives, or Trustee Implementation Groups.
• Experience with technical writing, public presentations, and facilitation of interdisciplinary coordination efforts.
• Familiarity with SharePoint, collaborative document management systems, and remote team coordination tools.