Environmental Specialist Offshore Energy / ESA (21-355)

Job Title: Environmental Specialist Offshore Energy / ESA

Location: Gloucester, MA or Remote

Clearance Required: Public Trust Eligible

Description

IBSS is seeking a Full Time Environmental Specialist to provide technical assistance to support the Protected Resource Division (PRD) in carrying out tasks associated with the consideration of the effects of offshore wind energy and other related resource development projects on ESA listed species, designated critical habitat, and the ecosystems on which these species depend. The Specialist will assist with the assessment of ongoing and new federal activities on listed species and critical habitat, focusing on energy development including offshore wind and hydropower and associated transmission systems. This work will largely be guided by requirements of the ESA, the MMPA, and NEPA and may involve collaboration and coordination with other NMFS staff, federal and state partners, researchers, and others.

The Specialist will also provide technical assistance to support the PRD in carrying out tasks associated with consultations under section 7 of the ESA. All Federal agencies must consult with NMFS when their action may affect a listed species or its designated critical habitat. The contractor will assess the effects of ongoing and new federal activities on listed species and critical habitat in the Greater Atlantic Region.

Key Responsibilities:

Offshore Support-

Develop white papers on particular topics determined to be necessary by the program to support analyses of effects of existing, emerging, and new technologies.
Assist in project review and preparation of documents to support required environmental analyses, including participation and support in meetings, conferences, and workshops as necessary.
Research best management practices designed to minimize and monitor effects of Federal actions on ESA listed species and critical habitat and develop white papers and recommendations for implementing those practices in the context of section 7 consultations.
Assist in the development of comments on NEPA documents and preparation of analyses under NEPA and the ESA; this may include letters providing technical assistance, letters of concurrence, and sections of biological opinions.
Assist in reviewing the effects of hydropower licenses under the requirements of the Federal Power Act.
Assist in compliance with regulatory and statutory deadlines and timelines including those dictated by the One Federal Decision and FAST-41 and related mandates frameworks.

Section 7 Support-

Support implementation of existing ESA programmatic consultations through the processing of verification forms throughout the region.
Develop white papers on particular topics determined to be necessary by the program to support effects analyses, such as acoustic stressor models, aquaculture, climate change, and researching best management practices designed to minimize and monitor effects of Federal actions on ESA listed species and critical habitat.
Review incoming requests for ESA consultation and prepare responses for review by PRD staff providing technical assistance via written letter, as well as drafting letters of concurrence and sections of biological opinions.
Conduct literature reviews on topics necessary to support the division's duties under section 7 and shall provide summaries of that literature for division staff.
Assist in discussions with other federal action agencies to identify potential means of efficiencies in the ESA consultation process, such as establishing programmatic consultations.
As needed, review implementation reports to confirm that federal partners are meeting regulatory compliance demands outlined in existing biological opinions and coordinating with NMFS staff (from the region and headquarters) to identify areas where this information may feed into and improve future consultation efforts.
As needed, review applications for Exempted Fishing Permits and provide guidance on measures and best management practices designed to minimize and monitor effects on right whales and other protected species.
As needed, assist other NMFS divisions in identifying actions that may trigger reinitiation of biological opinions. This may include reviewing fishery or other actions and supporting staff in documenting their analyses of these actions.
As needed, assist in the review and development of comments on NEPA documents and preparation of analyses under NEPA and the ESA.

Required Skills /Education/ Certifications & Qualifications:

Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in an environmental science or associated discipline (e.g., biology, ecology, fisheries biology, marine biology, natural resource management, conservation biology, landscape ecology, or restoration ecology).
Experience providing biological, economic, or social analyses to support recommendations for natural resource conservation measures.
Critical thinking and the ability to assess potential impacts to living marine resources.
Proficient with common databases and office productivity programs, such as Word, Excel, Gmail, Google docs, and Endnote.
Strong organizational skills with ability to work independently and comply with project deadlines.
Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with others, including a diverse array of federal action agencies.
Strong professional writing skills and the ability to express both biological and regulatory concepts in plain language.

Desired Skills:

Knowledge of marine ESA-listed species and their habitats, particularly those found along the east coast

Knowledge and/or experience with Section 7 consultations requirements of the ESA

About IBSS Corp.

IBSS is a Woman-Owned business. Since 1992, IBSS has provided specialized professional, scientific, technical, cybersecurity, IT, and software engineering solutions to the Federal sector. Our clients include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Department of Justice (DOJ). We are committed to serving our clients and employees by delivering service excellence, creating value through technology, and continually improving our skills, services, and processes. Moreover, we maintain an ISO 9001:2015 certification which allows us to optimize current industry best practices to enhance delivery outcomes for our clients.

IBSS offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage with company-paid deductible, paid time off, federal holidays, matching 401K plan, tuition/professional development reimbursement, and Flex-Spending (FSA)/Dependent Care Account (DCA) options.

IBSS is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.