EFH/ESA Support Specialist

*Position is Subject to Contract Award

*Full time, Remote Position in the US

Position Description:

Provide technical guidance and support Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) consultations, including coordination and consolidation with Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 consultations, on proposed federal activities with action agencies in the Pacific Islands Region.

Key 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 stakeholders on actions that may affect EFH
• Coordinate with federal agencies to determine whether EFH consultation is required, and gather appropriate information to evaluate the action
• Analyze proposed federal actions for potential adverse effects to Management Unit Species (MUS) and Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPCs)
• Assess federal agencies' written responses to conservation recommendations, including scientific justification for any disagreements
• Provide written assessments of the effects of actions on EFH using the best scientifically available information, and provide EFH conservation recommendations
• Combine assessments and recommendations with ESA consultation documents when appropriate
• Answer questions and follow up on activities with federal agencies once consultations are complete
• Participate in work groups and contribute to other EFH activities as they develop
• Prepare monthly status/activity reports summarizing work completed

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent knowledge of theories, principles, and methods of a technical or regulatory professional field), or commensurate skills/abilities from high academic achievement or at least 1 year of professional experience in such a field
• 1 year of experience in marine natural resource management or commensurate experience
• 1 year of experience working on MSA, ESA, or related statutes
• Interdisciplinary expertise in program/project management, business processes, best practices, and records management
• Knowledge of federal natural resources statutes, regulations, policies, and programs

Required Training (post-hire):

• NOAA IT Security
• NOAA Artificial Intelligence (AI) Training
• Sexual Assault/Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response Training
• Records Management 101

Additional Requirements:

• Must be suitable for Public Trust classification; background investigation required prior to starting work (project is considered low risk)
• May require access to Privacy Information; may be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
• Must meet Department of Commerce and NOAA IT security policies
• Travel is not anticipated for this position
• Overtime is not pre-authorized; unauthorized overtime is at the employee's own risk/expense