ESA Section 7 Consultation Specialist

This position will support the NOAA Fisheries Alaska Regional Office (AKR). This role focuses on conducting Section 7 consultations to assess the effects of federal projects on threatened and endangered species and their critical habitats in Alaska. The ideal candidate will work independently to provide technical assistance, manage complex consultation requests, and draft critical regulatory documents such as Biological Opinions and Letters of Concurrence.

Responsibilities:

Technical Assistance & Coordination

• Provide early guidance to federal agencies regarding ESA Section 7 requirements, effects determinations, and mitigation measures to avoid the "taking" of listed species.

Consultation Management

• Establish contact with Action Agencies within two days of assignment
• Evaluate project descriptions for sufficiency and request additional information within 14–25 days of receipt.

Informal & Expedited Consultations

• Review and assess information to determine if actions are "not likely to adversely affect" listed resources.
• Draft Letters of Concurrence (LOC) and rationale statements explaining concurrence with agency determinations.

Formal Consultations

• Review Biological Assessments and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) Incidental Harassment Authorization applications.
• Draft comprehensive Biological Opinions and Incidental Take Statements (ITS).

Administrative Record & Data Entry

• Maintain thorough administrative records for all consultations.
• Accurately enter and track data in the NMFS ECO database and internal spreadsheets within 2–5 days of key milestones.

Reporting

• Prepare monthly progress reports detailing the status of all consultations, interactions with agencies, and recommendations for recovery actions.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Marine Biology, or a related discipline. (Master’s or Ph.D. is preferred for Senior Level role) .
• Regulatory Expertise: Demonstrated experience preparing ESA Section 7 consultations or similar regulatory reviews (e.g., MMPA, NEPA, CWA).
• Domain Knowledge: Strong understanding of ESA-listed species and habitats in Alaska. Familiarity with NMFS Acoustic Criteria for underwater and airborne sound exposure.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to assess potential effects from activities such as oil and gas development, pile driving, dredging, and harbor construction.
• Writing & Communication: Professional writing skills with the ability to translate complex biological and regulatory concepts into plain language.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in Google Workspace (Gmail/Docs), Microsoft Excel, and reference management software like EndNote.

Other Requirements:

• Citizenship: US Citizen or Green Card holder
• Clearance: Must be able to pass a background check for a public trust.
• Work Environment: Work may be performed onsite in Juneau, AK or Anchorage, AK, or remotely.

We offer competitive compensation packages, including benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. If you are passionate about education and have the skills required for this role, we encourage you to apply.

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• ESA-listed species and habitats in Alaska: 3 years (Required)
• ESA Section 7 consultations: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: Remote