
Protected Resources and Aquaculture Environmental Analyst
- Anchorage, AK
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Conducting Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 formal and informal consultations in accordance with AKRO policies and practices, including for aquaculture facilities, operations, and permits.
- Assisting in the development of programmatic consultations and environmental reviews for aquaculture projects in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and internal NOAA staff.
- Participating in working groups, stakeholder meetings, and interagency discussions related to aquaculture and protected resources decision-making.
- Preparing or reviewing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents, including drafting and commenting on Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Assessments, and related project documents.
- Reviewing and commenting on projects that may affect marine mammals pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA).
- Compiling, synthesizing, and analyzing regulatory and scientific data to inform the designation of Aquaculture Opportunity Areas under NOAA direction.
- Participating as needed in workshops, training sessions, or regional/national meetings relevant to aquaculture or protected species.
- Providing prompt technical assistance and guidance to action agencies, applicants, and NOAA staff, including coordination of pre-consultation support and timely responses to information requests.
- Preparing high-quality records for all consultations, maintaining complete administrative files, and ensuring compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards and NMFS internal QA processes.
- Preparing monthly progress reports and contributing to project invoicing in accordance with contract requirements.
- Completed undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university in biological science, conservation biology, wildlife management, environmental policy, or related field.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the ESA, MMPA, and NEPA.
- Experience conducting or supporting Section 7 ESA consultations and providing technical review of environmental compliance documents.
- Ability to evaluate, review, and comment on NEPA analyses and supporting documentation.
- Knowledge of marine resource management issues, especially regarding aquaculture and ocean uses (fishing, oil and gas, etc.).
- Familiarity with the biology and conservation of Alaska marine species.
- Strong Microsoft Office and Google Suite skills, including word processing and spreadsheets.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing for regulatory and scientific audiences.
- Strong organizational skills and a proven ability to deliver quality work within fixed deadlines.
- Advanced degree (Master’s or above) in environmental science or policy, marine biology, or related field.
- Experience in the Alaska marine region or with NOAA/NMFS projects.
- Experience working with Tribal entities, special interest groups, or in federal/state regulatory environments.
- Prior involvement in the preparation of NEPA/ESA documents specific to aquaculture activities.
- Experience managing or filing regulatory administrative records.
- Familiarity with Section 508 requirements for electronic document accessibility.
- Ability to travel (1-2 trips/year, as required) and participate in on-site and remote meetings.
- U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a public trust security clearance.
- Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
- Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
- Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
- Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
- 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
- Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners!
- Flexible spending accounts
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Short- and long-term disability insurance
- Life and accident insurance
- Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
- Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
- Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
- Employee Referral Program
- Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
- Personalized career growth plans for every employee