Benefits:

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Title - Scientific Service Client - NOAA Location - Remote

Background The candidate will assist the California Central Valley Office (CCVO) in salmon, steelhead, and green sturgeon conservation and recovery. Under this task order, the vendor will independently provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of promoting the protection, conservation, and recovery of anadromous fish and their habitat. The primary objective is to provide contractor services and deliverables implementing the statutes and mandates of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with particular emphasis on sections 7 and 10.

Tasks Key tasks include the following: ● Review and evaluate proposed projects, implementing Environmental Regulations, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA), Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the Federal Power Act, and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Projects shall be evaluated to determine their impacts on federally protected species under NMFS jurisdiction.

● Review and evaluate proposed projects and applications submitted to NMFS pursuant to section 7 of the ESA and the other NMFS authorities stated above, and analyze effects of proposed actions, conservation measures, and mitigation activities on MSA and ESA‐listed salmon, steelhead, green sturgeon, marine mammals, and their habitat.

● Meet with representatives from state and federal agencies, as well as NGOs, water districts, reclamation districts, section 7 applicants and other groups to discuss projects and programs that may impact listed species and their habitat, providing recommendations on how these projects and programs may reduce environmental impacts. The contractor shall coordinate with NMFS’ Science Center and other researchers in evaluating the status of species and impacts from actions.

● Write technically and legally sound concurrence letters and biological opinions consistent with NOAA/NMFS policies and procedures.

● Complete reviews of submitted section 10(a)(1)(A) Permit applications, reviewing and preparing comments, reviewing and/or overseeing ESA section 7 Consultations and NEPA documents for section 10(a)(1)(A) Permits, and perform coordination and information sharing with the NMFS West Coast Region’s Protected Resources Division's (PRD) CA Research Permitting leads.

● Assist NMFS with the development of action and recovery plans for protecting and recovery listed species.

● Participate in and/or present protected species information at local and regional coordination meetings.

● Meet with partners and tribes on issues related to listed species and their habitat. These meetings may include field visits involving habitat or snorkel surveys, or trapping and tagging to assess conditions related to the recovery of listed species.

● Prepare appropriate documentation for each consultation, listing, status review, or permit, including assembling and managing administrative records as necessary to provide adequate and proper evidence of agency business, timely response to requests for information, and compliance with NMFS internal directives. Assist with compiling responses to Freedom of Information Act requests.

● Participate in WCR cross-division teams involving topics that impact listed species.

● Assist in the development and implementation of mitigation banks.

● Assist NMFS WCR Engineering & Physical Sciences Branch staff in providing biological rationale and guidance for engineering technical assistance and solutions.

Qualification:

The candidate must have experience in the following: ● Knowledge of the Endangered Species Act, Magnuson‐Stevens Act, and National Environmental Policy Act. ● Knowledge of biology, natural resource management and West Coast anadromous fish species. The candidate must possess and maintain the following skills/certifications and/or credentials during the period of performance: ● Completed undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis on biological science, conservation biology, fisheries management, wildlife management or related fields. ● In addition to education, candidate should possess three years of experience in one of the above topics or a related field. A graduate degree may substitute for experience.

This is a remote position.