Environmental Specialist III - Protected Resources Division

*US Citizenship Required *Remote Position in the United States with occasional travel required *Position is Subject to Contract Award Position Overview ThinkTank Inc. is seeking five (5) Environmental Specialist III candidates to provide cross-program technical assistance to NOAA Fisheries GARFO's Protected Resources Division (PRD). These positions support implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) through Section 7 consultations, stranding and disentanglement response, NEPA document preparation and review, and species recovery and conservation planning. These are fully remote positions. Key Responsibilities ESA Section 7 Consultation Support Provide technical assistance and pre-consultation review supporting development of biological assessments for federal actions affecting GARFO-listed species and critical habitat. Support development and documentation of formal consultations including biological opinions and programmatic consultations; maintain records in the ECO database. Contribute to informal consultations; complete letters of concurrence and programmatic consultation documents. Monitor existing consultations to track implementation, compliance with Incidental Take Statements, and RPMs/T&Cs assist in assessing need for reinitiation. Develop white papers on effects analyses topics including acoustic stressor models, aquaculture, and climate change. Conduct literature reviews and provide summaries for division staff. Assist in identifying efficiencies in the ESA consultation process and support discussions with federal action agencies. Stranding and Disentanglement Program Support Provide recommendations and analytical support for reducing marine mammal entanglements through take reduction plan amendments. Conduct data entry, audits, and QC of marine mammal and sea turtle stranding and disentanglement data including large whale UMEs and sea turtle cold stun events. Provide coverage on regional stranding and disentanglement response hotlines as needed. Compile and deliver monthly reports to inform NEFSC serious injury/mortality determinations. As needed, respond to animals in distress, attend/support necropsy events, support disentanglement operations, and provide assistance with cold-stun coordination and transportation events. Prepare reports summarizing data from stranding or entanglement events including marine mammal UMEs and sea turtle cold stun events. NEPA Document Preparation and Review Coordinate analyses on effects of fishing activities on ESA-listed species and critical habitat with attention to North Atlantic right whales and harbor porpoise. Assist the take reduction team coordinator in development, assessment, and implementation of regulatory amendments to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP). Assist in review and development of NEPA documents and preparation of analyses under NEPA and ESA. Review applications for Exempted Fishing Permits and provide guidance on minimizing effects on right whales and other protected species. Recovery and Conservation Planning Support recovery efforts and take reduction team in planning and executing meetings and workshops. Develop meeting materials, conduct literature reviews, take notes, draft key outcome reports, and maintain research and management priority lists. Assist in drafting technical reports, stakeholder engagement documents, taskers, and briefing materials. Review right whale serious injury and mortality data; coordinate and support gear analysis and curation. General PRD Administrative Support Track incoming review requests for PRD Grant and Scientific Permit Review Programs. Provide administrative support including ordering supplies, organizing documents, answering phones, arranging meetings, and setting up webinars. Prepare administrative records or FOIA responses including compiling, organizing, reviewing, and redacting electronic records. Complete a set of training courses and maintain up-to-date training annually Minimum Qualifications (Required) Education Bachelor's degree or master's degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, fisheries biology, marine biology, natural resource management, conservation biology, landscape ecology, restoration ecology, or a closely related field. A relevant degree may be substituted by two (2) additional years of relevant work experience. Must meet or exceed ProTech Labor Category Level 2 – Associate minimum qualifications. Experience 3+ years of experience in ESA Section 7 consultation, MMPA compliance, stranding response, NEPA preparation, or a combination of related disciplines. Demonstrated knowledge of ESA Sections 4, 7, and 10; MMPA Sections 401-404 and 118; and NEPA requirements. Skills Strong technical writing, analytical, and oral communication skills. Ability to work across multiple program areas and manage competing deadlines. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and electronic database systems. Preferred Qualifications (Desired) Master's degree or higher in marine science, biology, or a related field. Experience with NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic regional programs. Knowledge of North Atlantic right whale, marine mammal, sea turtle, and sturgeon populations and management. Experience with Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan and associated rulemaking processes.