ESA Section 7 Consultation Support Scientist (Sacramento, CA)

ESA Section 7 Consultation Support Scientist

ESA Section 7 Consultation Support ScientistOcean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking a Scientist to provide support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in Sacramento CA. OAI supplies personnel support services on contract to government and industry clients for marine fisheries and protected species. This position will support the NMFS West Coast Region (WCR) California Central Valley Office (CCVO) and other programs as they pertain to conservation and management of federal fisheries protected species and their habitat. The incumbent will assist in salmon steelhead and green sturgeon conservation and recovery from the San Francisco Bay east including waters of the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta and its tributaries to their headwaters in the Sierras. They will independently provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of promoting the protection conservation and recovery of anadromous fish and their habitat. Primarily they will perform tasks that support implementing the statutes and mandates of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with particular emphasis on sections 7 and 10. Expected position start date Starting 10 1 20 Location Sacramento CA Salary and Benefits Full time schedule 40 hrs wk. Salary commensurate with experience. DutiesReview and evaluate proposed projects implementing Environmental Regulations including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA) Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Projects shall be evaluated to determine their impacts on ESA listed salmonids and green sturgeon. 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 ESA listed salmon steelhead green sturgeon 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 ESA listed salmon steelhead green sturgeon and their habitat providing recommendations on how these projects and programs may reduce environmental impacts. They will 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 in leading NMFS planning for the spring run Chinook salmon emergency action plan by gathering and synthesizing scientific data meeting with CCVO s partners at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center California Department of Fish and Wildlife Service water districts and other agencies and writing and implementing the plan. Participate in and or present protected species information at local and regional coordination meetings and participate in a California Central Valley Division workshop. 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 including memos to the file that show compliance with West Coast Region quality assurance process. Coordinate with partner agencies in implementation of steelhead life cycle monitoring to support development of a juvenile population estimate as identified in the Central Valley Project operations proposed action and biological opinion. They shall also participate in multi agency steelhead telemetry study efforts to further refine protections for Central Valley steelhead. For these efforts they shall develop monitoring analysis approaches and reporting protocols and assist in analysis interpretation provide scientific support for monitoring program design and deployment and assist in analysis interpretation. Coordinate with CCVO staff to identify discussion topics relevant to NMFS mission and advocate for NMFS needs within the steelhead life cycle modeling telemetry studies programs. Required Knowledge and ExperienceEducation Required-- Completed undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis on biological science conservation biology fisheries management wildlife management or related fields. Three years of experience in one of the above topics or a related field. A graduate degree may substitute for experience. Knowledge of the Endangered Species Act Magnuson Stevens Act and National Environmental Policy Act. Proficiency with actions under section 7 and 10 of the ESA. Knowledge of biology natural resource management and West Coast anadromous fish species. Basic computer skills (MS Office etc.) Excellent written and verbal communication skills Valid driver s license required for operation of government vehicles. If you are interested in being considered for this position you MUST APPLY THROUGH OAI s WEBSITE ONLY. Go to OCEANASSOC.COM click on Careers then click on Job Openings find the position you wish to apply for.Only qualified applicants that meet minimum experience or background requirements stated above need apply. When applying for this position you will be asked to upload your resume at the end of this online application.Applicants should submit a resume that includes the following Cover letter that briefly describes how you meet the required and preferred qualifications listed. Work history for past 10 years or since last full-time education. Education. Previous experience or training with similar requirements. Three professional references. Include your name in the document file name. Upload your resume in readable not scanned PDF or Word format (PDF is preferred). In compliance with federal law all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire and successfully complete a federal government background check. Ocean Associates Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. OAI is a government contractor and is required by law to invite applicants to self-identify their race gender national origin disability status and veteran status. OAI is required to use the information it collects as part of its future affirmative action efforts in hiring. The information is collected anonymously by computer and is not connected to your application. You will see a place to check certain boxes in OAI s online application. Even though the information is anonymous self-identification is voluntary. You can always check the box that says you decline to self-identify. Note If you are not selected your materials may be retained for present or future opportunities. We may use your resume in bidding on a project and if we are awarded the work we will contact you before seeking further applicants. If you do not wish us to retain or use your resume to seek work for you please let us know in the Notes section on the second page of the online application.