Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Specialist

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.

About the role

We are currently recruiting for one Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Specialist to work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Pacific Island Regional Office (PIRO) Protected Resources Division (PRD), headquartered in Honolulu, HI, providing EFH support. This position will provide technical guidance and conduct EFH and support coordination and consolidation with Endangered Species Act (ESA) section 7 consultations, as appropriate, on proposed federal activities with action agencies.

This is a full-time, remote position. The contract has a one-year base period beginning 09/29/2026 with a potential of two option periods.

Responsibilities

• Build and foster strong working relationships with federal agencies and other stakeholders.
• Provide information and materials in a timely and responsive manner.
• Conduct reviews of technical assistance requests from federal agencies and other stakeholders on actions that may affect EFH in the Pacific Islands Region.
• Coordinate with federal agencies to determine whether EFH consultation is required.
  • For those actions for which consultation is required, work with the federal agency to gather appropriate information with which to properly evaluate the action.
• Analyze proposed activities by assessing federal actions for potential adverse effects to MUSs and HAPCs.
• Assess the federal agency’s written response to conservation recommendations by Fisheries, including:
  • Any explanation as to the federal agency’s reasons for not following the recommendations, including the scientific justification for any disagreements with Fisheries over the anticipated effects of the proposed action and the measures needed to minimize, mitigate, or offset such effects.
• Provide a written assessment of the effects of the action on EFH using the best scientifically available information and provide EFH conservation recommendations to a federal action agency for its action that may adversely affect EFH.
  • These assessments and recommendations may be combined with ESA consultation documents on the same activities when appropriate, and the contractor shall also assist in this process.
• Answer questions and follow-up on activities with federal agencies once consultations are complete.
• Participate in work groups and contribute to activities and other EFH initiatives as they develop.

Requirements

• Baccalaureate or equivalent level knowledge of the theories, principles, and methods of a technical or regulatory professional field, or commensurate skills and abilities acquired through high academic achievement or at least one (1) year of professional experience in such a field.
• One (1) year of experience in marine natural resource management or other commensurate experience.
• One (1) year of experience working on MSA, ESA, or related statutes.

Pay

Salary range is $35–$45 per hour, dependent upon experience.