ESA-MSA Klamath Project Support

About the role

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking an applicant to provide Endangered Species Act & Magnuson-Stevens Act support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) West Coast Region. The position is contingent upon award of contract.

Responsibilities

• Assist NMFS with the review and technical comments of biological assessments
• Analyze effects of proposed actions, conservation measures, and mitigation activities on ESA-listed fish and their habitat, and EFH
• Develop recommendations on minimizing adverse effects to ESA-listed fish and their habitat, and EFH associated with proposed Bureau of Reclamation activities
• Participate in internal and external meetings that support the purpose of the consultation
• Aid in preparing and reviewing section 7 consultation letters, biological opinions, incidental take permits, transmittal memos, briefing documents, national environmental policy act documents, and other written documents, as needed
• Maintain administrative records in accordance with CCO filing procedures

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with 10 years or more relevant experience
• Expertise with anadromous salmonid biology and ecology in the Klamath River, with particular emphasis on ESA conservation programs
• Procedural knowledge with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA)
• Efficiency in using word-processing programs to develop written documents
• Interdisciplinary expertise related to program and project management, business processes, best practices and procedures, database management, and meeting facilitation
• Knowledge and expertise of NOAA Fisheries policies and programs, as well as experience with planning, and Federal financial management and operations

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience of strong technical writing skills
• Experience managing complex impact analyses related to controversial water operations

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $30.00 - $55.00 per hour.

Start Date

Contingent upon award of contract.

Location

Remote/Telework

Work Travel

• Travel to one or two planning meetings for each of the program planning tasks will be required
• One or two annual meetings to Ashland, OR or Klamath Falls, OR

Background

The successful candidate will provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of promoting the protection, conservation, and recovery of anadromous fish, marine fish, invertebrates and their habitat. The primary objective is to assist the Government in meeting its authorities under the statutes and mandates of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) with particular emphasis on the reinitiation of the ESA Section 7(a)(2) Biological Opinion, and MSA Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Response for Klamath Project Operations from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2029 (Biological Opinion).

Contact Information

To apply, please APPLY THROUGH OUR ADP WEB PORTAL, AT THE LINK AT THE TOP RIGHT OF THIS PAGE. For questions, contact Ocean Associates at 703-388-9548.