Ocean Associates Inc.
Remote
Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking a candidate to assist the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources (OPR) Permits and Conservation Division in Silver Spring, MD. OAI supplies personnel support services on contract to government and industry clients for marine fisheries and protected species/
NOTE: A cover letter that describes how your skills, experience and education meet the required qualifications of the position must be included with your resume when submitting the application and is mandatory.
DUTIES:
Process and/or support the processing of incidental take authorizations (ITA) requests pursuant to Section 101(a)(5) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and in conformance with NMFS' policies, including: reviewing applications; coordinating with applicants; conducting analyses; responding to public comments; and drafting all necessary documents.
Evaluate, conduct, and draft (or assist with those actions) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses.
Critically analyze and/or support the critical analysis of scientific literature, agency documents, and other applicable information to assess impacts of human activities (including underwater noise) on marine mammals and develop/evaluate mitigation and monitoring to support agency findings under the MMPA and/or Endangered Species Act (ESA), and ensure compliance with Section 7 of the ESA, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the Administrative Procedures Act, and other applicable statutes.
Communicate and/or assist with communicating program policies, requirements, and issues to the public and other Federal Agencies, as well as to other NOAA programs and leadership.
Support program planning, monitoring, technical analyses, improvement, and policy development across Division, and assist with other Division actions as needed.
As needed, process and/or support the processing of scientific research and enhancement permit (SREP) requests for protected species pursuant to Sections 104 of the MMPA and 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA and in conformance with NMFS' policies, including: reviewing applications; coordinating with applicants; conducting analyses; responding to public and internal comments; and drafting all necessary documents.
Travel may be necessary on a limited basis to attend meetings or workshops, in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations (FTR)
Location: Remote/Telework
Start Date: As soon as possible after completing a background investigation
Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. $34.00 to $38.00 per hour.
Required Knowledge and Experience:
Bachelor of Science degree or higher, from an accredited college or university with a major directly related in a field of study. Three (3) years of experience in related field to the stated duties, or combination of education and experience totaling seven (7) years. Education beyond Bachelor’s Degree can be substituted for experience; Master’s Degree and 2 years of relevant experience or a PHD and one year of relevant experience.
Experience in analyzing scientific literature and other applicable information to assess impacts of human activities (including underwater noise) on marine mammals and developing /evaluating mitigation and monitoring strategies.
Working knowledge of the ESA, MMPA, and NEPA.
Ability to work independently, reliable, self-starter, self-motivated and strong attention to detail.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking a candidate to assist the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources (OPR) Permits and Conservation Division in Silver Spring, MD. OAI supplies personnel support services on contract to government and industry clients for marine fisheries and protected species/
NOTE: A cover letter that describes how your skills, experience and education meet the required qualifications of the position must be included with your resume when submitting the application and is mandatory.
DUTIES:
Process and/or support the processing of incidental take authorizations (ITA) requests pursuant to Section 101(a)(5) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and in conformance with NMFS' policies, including: reviewing applications; coordinating with applicants; conducting analyses; responding to public comments; and drafting all necessary documents.
Evaluate, conduct, and draft (or assist with those actions) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses.
Critically analyze and/or support the critical analysis of scientific literature, agency documents, and other applicable information to assess impacts of human activities (including underwater noise) on marine mammals and develop/evaluate mitigation and monitoring to support agency findings under the MMPA and/or Endangered Species Act (ESA), and ensure compliance with Section 7 of the ESA, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the Administrative Procedures Act, and other applicable statutes.
Communicate and/or assist with communicating program policies, requirements, and issues to the public and other Federal Agencies, as well as to other NOAA programs and leadership.
Support program planning, monitoring, technical analyses, improvement, and policy development across Division, and assist with other Division actions as needed.
As needed, process and/or support the processing of scientific research and enhancement permit (SREP) requests for protected species pursuant to Sections 104 of the MMPA and 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA and in conformance with NMFS' policies, including: reviewing applications; coordinating with applicants; conducting analyses; responding to public and internal comments; and drafting all necessary documents.
Travel may be necessary on a limited basis to attend meetings or workshops, in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations (FTR)
Location: Remote/Telework
Start Date: As soon as possible after completing a background investigation
Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. $34.00 to $38.00 per hour.
Required Knowledge and Experience:
Bachelor of Science degree or higher, from an accredited college or university with a major directly related in a field of study. Three (3) years of experience in related field to the stated duties, or combination of education and experience totaling seven (7) years. Education beyond Bachelor’s Degree can be substituted for experience; Master’s Degree and 2 years of relevant experience or a PHD and one year of relevant experience.
Experience in analyzing scientific literature and other applicable information to assess impacts of human activities (including underwater noise) on marine mammals and developing /evaluating mitigation and monitoring strategies.
Working knowledge of the ESA, MMPA, and NEPA.
Ability to work independently, reliable, self-starter, self-motivated and strong attention to detail.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Ocean Associates Inc.
Remote
Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking experienced Project Managers (PMs) to lead and manage contracts supporting NOAA National Ocean Service (NOS) and NOAA Fisheries also known as National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on the East Coast. Since 2003 OAI has provided consulting and technical services to the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts.
These positions will work with the Business Development team to secure NOS and NMFS opportunities and upon award serve as primary contact with NOS and NMFS customers and OAI employees on contract. The PM is responsible for all aspects of project performance. These positions are cross trained with other PMs (NOS, NMFS, DOI) to provide backup or surge support. The ideal candidate has a track record in managing federal contracts with staff in multiple locations, thrives in a small team environment, has experience and/or knowledge in coastal and ocean research or fisheries science and/or operational programs (NOAA background preferable), and has excellent judgment, people skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Duties
Manage all aspects of assigned NOS or NMFS contracts (administrative, technical, financial, and contractual) including scheduling, staffing and technical performance.
Cross Train with other PMs (NOS, NMFS, DOI, IT) to provide backup or surge support.
Serve as the main client Point of Contact.
Ensure all customer deliverables meet or exceed requirements.
Responsible for the reporting of contract status, program risks or concerns, customer priorities and personnel performance and budgetary details.
Serve as the main point of contact for NOS or NMFS customers and OAI employees/subcontractors.
Regularly communicate with employees and customers to solicit feedback about current contracts/task orders (in person site visits when permitted).
Educate customers about OAI contract vehicles (i.e., NOAA ProTech, NOAA Mission Information Technology Services, GSA etc.) and how to use them.
Recruit, interview and select contract staff.
Make recommendations on options to reduce costs.
Process monthly reports to review progress on deliverables.
Communicate regularly with employees to check on work progress, address any issues or respond to questions. Approve employee travel requests.
Provide support to new recruits during the hiring process, including explaining OAI’s and the customer’s on-boarding process, tracking security processing, and generally shepherding them through until their start date.
Review required training and certifications for each task order and confirm that OAI personnel consistently meet all requirements.
Provide for appropriate and innovative staff training, professional development, morale, and retention. Most importantly, show employees that OAI cares about their well-being.
Ensure clear and direct communications with the customer and with OAI management.
Support company business development efforts including participating in proposal preparation and providing technical expertise.
Maintain internal OAI contract summaries for assigned NOS or NMFS contracts/task orders.
Track kudos/awards/news/photos/trip or conference attendance from employees and report to OAI marketing contact for publication on social media/website and include on contract summaries.
Salary
Part-time and full-time opportunities available. Pay commensurate with experience, $25 - $80 per hour. Generous employee benefits.
Location
Remote/telework only in Eastern Time Zone
Required Knowledge and Experience
Bachelor's degree, or higher, from an accredited college or university.
Minimum 3 years Project Management experience.
NOAA familiarity or experience.
Experience with federal contract management.
Demonstrated ability to organize and lead teams.
Excellent personnel and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Ability to multitask, prioritize with attention to detail and respond to tasks on short notice and within tight deadlines.
Ability to understand topics in environmental, ocean, and fisheries sciences, and information technology concepts.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat (PDF), Google Workspace and collaboration tools.
Preferred Knowledge and Experience
Background in coastal and ocean research or fisheries science or regulatory programs with NOS or NMFS.
Masters in management or law (Masters of Public Administration (MPA); Master of Business Administration (MBA); Master of Science in Management (MSM) or law) or Masters in Fisheries or Ocean Science
PMP Certification
Prior experience supporting federal government agencies with science missions (NOAA, EPA, DOI etc.).
Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking experienced Project Managers (PMs) to lead and manage contracts supporting NOAA National Ocean Service (NOS) and NOAA Fisheries also known as National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on the East Coast. Since 2003 OAI has provided consulting and technical services to the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts.
These positions will work with the Business Development team to secure NOS and NMFS opportunities and upon award serve as primary contact with NOS and NMFS customers and OAI employees on contract. The PM is responsible for all aspects of project performance. These positions are cross trained with other PMs (NOS, NMFS, DOI) to provide backup or surge support. The ideal candidate has a track record in managing federal contracts with staff in multiple locations, thrives in a small team environment, has experience and/or knowledge in coastal and ocean research or fisheries science and/or operational programs (NOAA background preferable), and has excellent judgment, people skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Duties
Manage all aspects of assigned NOS or NMFS contracts (administrative, technical, financial, and contractual) including scheduling, staffing and technical performance.
Cross Train with other PMs (NOS, NMFS, DOI, IT) to provide backup or surge support.
Serve as the main client Point of Contact.
Ensure all customer deliverables meet or exceed requirements.
Responsible for the reporting of contract status, program risks or concerns, customer priorities and personnel performance and budgetary details.
Serve as the main point of contact for NOS or NMFS customers and OAI employees/subcontractors.
Regularly communicate with employees and customers to solicit feedback about current contracts/task orders (in person site visits when permitted).
Educate customers about OAI contract vehicles (i.e., NOAA ProTech, NOAA Mission Information Technology Services, GSA etc.) and how to use them.
Recruit, interview and select contract staff.
Make recommendations on options to reduce costs.
Process monthly reports to review progress on deliverables.
Communicate regularly with employees to check on work progress, address any issues or respond to questions. Approve employee travel requests.
Provide support to new recruits during the hiring process, including explaining OAI’s and the customer’s on-boarding process, tracking security processing, and generally shepherding them through until their start date.
Review required training and certifications for each task order and confirm that OAI personnel consistently meet all requirements.
Provide for appropriate and innovative staff training, professional development, morale, and retention. Most importantly, show employees that OAI cares about their well-being.
Ensure clear and direct communications with the customer and with OAI management.
Support company business development efforts including participating in proposal preparation and providing technical expertise.
Maintain internal OAI contract summaries for assigned NOS or NMFS contracts/task orders.
Track kudos/awards/news/photos/trip or conference attendance from employees and report to OAI marketing contact for publication on social media/website and include on contract summaries.
Salary
Part-time and full-time opportunities available. Pay commensurate with experience, $25 - $80 per hour. Generous employee benefits.
Location
Remote/telework only in Eastern Time Zone
Required Knowledge and Experience
Bachelor's degree, or higher, from an accredited college or university.
Minimum 3 years Project Management experience.
NOAA familiarity or experience.
Experience with federal contract management.
Demonstrated ability to organize and lead teams.
Excellent personnel and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Ability to multitask, prioritize with attention to detail and respond to tasks on short notice and within tight deadlines.
Ability to understand topics in environmental, ocean, and fisheries sciences, and information technology concepts.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat (PDF), Google Workspace and collaboration tools.
Preferred Knowledge and Experience
Background in coastal and ocean research or fisheries science or regulatory programs with NOS or NMFS.
Masters in management or law (Masters of Public Administration (MPA); Master of Business Administration (MBA); Master of Science in Management (MSM) or law) or Masters in Fisheries or Ocean Science
PMP Certification
Prior experience supporting federal government agencies with science missions (NOAA, EPA, DOI etc.).
Ocean Associates Inc.
Lacey, WA
Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking an applicant to provide Fisheries Biology and Aquaculture support to the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) West Coast Region (WCR) Oregon-Washington Coastal Office (OWCO) in Lacey, WA. OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services, and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts.
Background
The NMFS OWCO is responsible for implementing the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation Act (MSA). Through programs conducted under each of these statutes, NMFS seeks to protect and preserve our nation's living marine resources through scientific research, fisheries management, enforcement, and habitat conservation. NMFS WCR works closely with tribes, local, state, and Federal agencies, and our stakeholders and partners (e.g., corporations, farmers and ranchers, aquaculture operations, homeowners, non-profit organizations, trade groups) to find science-based solutions to complex ecological issues.
Description
The objective of this position is to provide program support in conducting interagency consultations under ESA section 7(a)(2), MMPA section 101(a)(5)(D), and MSA section 104-297, including document preparation activities in the North Puget Sound, Central Puget Sound, or Lower Columbia River/Washington Coast Branch.
Tasks
Key tasks include:
Respond to inquiries from action agencies, applicants, and their representatives, and provide pre-consultation technical assistance to action agencies, applicants, or their representatives during regular business hours. Examples of technical assistance likely to be provided include:
Initial contact with consulting agency, applicant, or non-federal representative,
Explanation of consultation process and information requirements, if necessary,
Preparation or review of species lists,
Recommendation of conservation measures to minimize adverse effects to listed species,
Feedback on draft documents submitted by action agencies,
Review of designs or coordination with engineer review of designs, and
Site visits to potential project areas.
Review consultation initiation packages for accuracy and completeness, and develop requests for further information sufficient to support initiating consultation, as needed.
Consult with action agencies and their representatives or applicants as required to ensure action agency compliance with each statute, as needed. Communicate with Geographic Branch Chief to coordinate NMFS response to each consultation.
Prepare appropriate documentation for each consultation and follow WCR protocol for quality assurance.
Work cooperatively with North Puget Sound, Central Puget Sound, and Lower Columbia River/Washington Coast Branches and OWCO Division members as necessary to ensure efficient completion of work and consistency across the Division.
Completion of technical assistance, documentary review, site visits with and for action agencies (or representatives or applicants) and associated documentation. Attendance at regional shellfish growers meetings for partner, applicant, or action agency representative communication and engagement to accomplish key tasks including pre-consultation technical assistance; Washington SeaGrant Conference for Shellfish Growers; Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association Annual Conference.
Preparation of appropriate consultation documentation including, but not limited to, ESA letters of concurrence, ESA biological opinions, MSA essential fish habitat consultations, programmatic responses, and MMPA incidental harassment authorization letters.
Preparation of related documentation, including assembling and managing administrative records as necessary to provide adequate and proper evidence of agency business, timely response to requests for information, and NMFS internal process documents as needed to comply with NMFS internal directives, including memos to the file that show compliance with West Coast Region quality assurance process.
Start Date: As soon as possible
Location: OWCO’s offices in Lacey, WA and occasionally at approved off-site locations
Travel: Travel is anticipated. The employee will need to travel to four mandatory Division meetings annually, and other meetings or site visits occasionally
Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $27.75 and $32.00 per hour.
Requirements
Applicants must have the following minimum requirements:
Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in biological sciences, engineering, or natural resource management, and an emphasis in fisheries, oceanography, social science, natural science, mathematics, or hydrology, plus five (5) years of experience in a related field or combination of such totaling nine (9) years combined education/experience. Master’s Degree in related field plus one (1) year experience or Ph.D. may be substituted for experience.
Experience with or knowledge of the requirements of ESA section 7(a)(2), MMPA section 101(a)(5)(D), or MSA section 104-297 and their respective consultation processes.
Excellent writing and editing skills for English-language composition.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Computer skills in the most common software applications, including Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Suite, and email.
Experience with, or knowledge of, the requirements of the ESA, MMPA, NEPA and/or MSA and the consultation processes described above.
Experience with, or knowledge of, shellfish, netpen and seaweed aquaculture.
Valid driver’s license.
Additional preferred qualifications include:
Experience providing biological, economic, or social analyses to support recommendations for natural resource conservation measures.
Experience assessing the impacts of human activities on marine, estuarine, or anadromous species and their habitats as part of a regulatory program.
Experience developing policy or procedures for the management and conservation of protected species including marine fish, mammals, or sea turtles.
Background in biology, natural resource management, and salmonid and/or marine mammal species.
Endangered Species Act Section 7 experience, including programmatic consultations
Experience working with tribal governments
Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking an applicant to provide Fisheries Biology and Aquaculture support to the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) West Coast Region (WCR) Oregon-Washington Coastal Office (OWCO) in Lacey, WA. OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services, and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts.
Background
The NMFS OWCO is responsible for implementing the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation Act (MSA). Through programs conducted under each of these statutes, NMFS seeks to protect and preserve our nation's living marine resources through scientific research, fisheries management, enforcement, and habitat conservation. NMFS WCR works closely with tribes, local, state, and Federal agencies, and our stakeholders and partners (e.g., corporations, farmers and ranchers, aquaculture operations, homeowners, non-profit organizations, trade groups) to find science-based solutions to complex ecological issues.
Description
The objective of this position is to provide program support in conducting interagency consultations under ESA section 7(a)(2), MMPA section 101(a)(5)(D), and MSA section 104-297, including document preparation activities in the North Puget Sound, Central Puget Sound, or Lower Columbia River/Washington Coast Branch.
Tasks
Key tasks include:
Respond to inquiries from action agencies, applicants, and their representatives, and provide pre-consultation technical assistance to action agencies, applicants, or their representatives during regular business hours. Examples of technical assistance likely to be provided include:
Initial contact with consulting agency, applicant, or non-federal representative,
Explanation of consultation process and information requirements, if necessary,
Preparation or review of species lists,
Recommendation of conservation measures to minimize adverse effects to listed species,
Feedback on draft documents submitted by action agencies,
Review of designs or coordination with engineer review of designs, and
Site visits to potential project areas.
Review consultation initiation packages for accuracy and completeness, and develop requests for further information sufficient to support initiating consultation, as needed.
Consult with action agencies and their representatives or applicants as required to ensure action agency compliance with each statute, as needed. Communicate with Geographic Branch Chief to coordinate NMFS response to each consultation.
Prepare appropriate documentation for each consultation and follow WCR protocol for quality assurance.
Work cooperatively with North Puget Sound, Central Puget Sound, and Lower Columbia River/Washington Coast Branches and OWCO Division members as necessary to ensure efficient completion of work and consistency across the Division.
Completion of technical assistance, documentary review, site visits with and for action agencies (or representatives or applicants) and associated documentation. Attendance at regional shellfish growers meetings for partner, applicant, or action agency representative communication and engagement to accomplish key tasks including pre-consultation technical assistance; Washington SeaGrant Conference for Shellfish Growers; Pacific Coast Shellfish Growers Association Annual Conference.
Preparation of appropriate consultation documentation including, but not limited to, ESA letters of concurrence, ESA biological opinions, MSA essential fish habitat consultations, programmatic responses, and MMPA incidental harassment authorization letters.
Preparation of related documentation, including assembling and managing administrative records as necessary to provide adequate and proper evidence of agency business, timely response to requests for information, and NMFS internal process documents as needed to comply with NMFS internal directives, including memos to the file that show compliance with West Coast Region quality assurance process.
Start Date: As soon as possible
Location: OWCO’s offices in Lacey, WA and occasionally at approved off-site locations
Travel: Travel is anticipated. The employee will need to travel to four mandatory Division meetings annually, and other meetings or site visits occasionally
Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $27.75 and $32.00 per hour.
Requirements
Applicants must have the following minimum requirements:
Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in biological sciences, engineering, or natural resource management, and an emphasis in fisheries, oceanography, social science, natural science, mathematics, or hydrology, plus five (5) years of experience in a related field or combination of such totaling nine (9) years combined education/experience. Master’s Degree in related field plus one (1) year experience or Ph.D. may be substituted for experience.
Experience with or knowledge of the requirements of ESA section 7(a)(2), MMPA section 101(a)(5)(D), or MSA section 104-297 and their respective consultation processes.
Excellent writing and editing skills for English-language composition.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Computer skills in the most common software applications, including Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Suite, and email.
Experience with, or knowledge of, the requirements of the ESA, MMPA, NEPA and/or MSA and the consultation processes described above.
Experience with, or knowledge of, shellfish, netpen and seaweed aquaculture.
Valid driver’s license.
Additional preferred qualifications include:
Experience providing biological, economic, or social analyses to support recommendations for natural resource conservation measures.
Experience assessing the impacts of human activities on marine, estuarine, or anadromous species and their habitats as part of a regulatory program.
Experience developing policy or procedures for the management and conservation of protected species including marine fish, mammals, or sea turtles.
Background in biology, natural resource management, and salmonid and/or marine mammal species.
Endangered Species Act Section 7 experience, including programmatic consultations
Experience working with tribal governments
