ESA Consultation Scientist (REMOTE in FL)
The Protected Resources Division implements the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the conservation, protection, and recovery of marine mammals and endangered and threatened species. This requirement will help evaluate the status of species protected under ESA, support consultations to ensure compliance with federal regulations, and provide overall support for fishery management, resource protection, habitat conservation, and other specific scientific research projects.
ESA Consultation Scientist Tasks and Deliverables
Meetings
Attend meetings, conferences and conference calls and conduct necessary site visits
Attend Section 7 quality control/quality assurance meetings and prepares necessary sections (i.e., baseline, climate change) of biological opinions for PRD
Coordinate and communicate, both orally and in writing, with agency staff and other non-governmental organizations
Provide summary of meeting/site visit
Research
Conduct scientific literature reviews to obtain background information necessary to conduct and write up credible, legally and biologically defensible, project-effect analyses for Section 7 consultation documents (i.e., LOCs and BOs)
Data Management and Analysis
Enter data into NMFS's tracking systems (e.g., Environmental Consultation Organizer (ECO)) and conduct quality control reviews
Collect, compile, and analyzes data
Use Microsoft Office software programs, electronic file management system, and maintain the electronic calendar
Copy documents, compile records, organize and maintain filing systems (including electronic filing) of administrative records for consultations
Conduct data analysis and prepare summary reports, graphs, maps, and interpreted information products for a variety of audiences
Work to maintain PRD O-drive for the Interagency Cooperation Branch consistent with PRD standard practices
Comply with document retention and IT security requirements
Use Endnote software program to maintain, update, troubleshoot, and serve as the point of contact for the SERO-PRD Reference Library
ESA Consultations
Ensure that informational requirements for completing Section 7 consultation are met for incoming consultation requests
Collaborate with other consulting biologists, species recovery coordinators, reviewers in PRD, and the Office of General Counsel to ensure that consultations are consistent, biologically accurate and defensible, legally sufficient, achieve conservation goals,
Discuss project methodologies and designs with applicants and federal agencies and recommend reasonable approaches, alternatives, and/or modifications to the proposed action, to reduce impacts to listed species and their habitats and to streamline the consultation process
Draft agency response documents using Microsoft programs, including requests for additional information letters (RAIs), LOCs, and Bos
Delivery Schedule:
Within 30 days of receipt of complete consultation request (i.e., has all necessary information to complete consultation) for concurrence letters
Within 90 days of complete consultation request for biological opinions
One Federal Decision (OFD) Reporting
Track and report applicable project specific costs per EO 13807 One Federal Decision implementation guidelines
Required:
Bachelor's Degree in an associated discipline (biology, ecology, fisheries biology, or marine biology, including biological and aquatic sciences, natural resource management, fisheries biology, conservation biology, marine biology, landscape ecology, or restoration ecology
Two (2) to four (4) years specialized experience directly related to the position
Understanding and/or knowledge of the ESA, including Section 7 consultation requirements; experience with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, is also acceptable
Knowledge of SERO species-related habitats (ocean, nearshore marine, estuarine, or rivers where SERO species occur)
Two (2) years of experience in the field of marine science
Strong organizational skills
Strong communication skills
Strong professional writing skills in a variety of styles including scientific and plain language and for internal and external customers
Job Details:
Daily work hours may range between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday, but the contractor must be available between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm (normal business hours). Work hours may deviate from normal business hours to accommodate attendance at meetings, workshops, or conferences.
The place of performance will be offsite but located within the State of Florida. The Contractor shall be responsible for selection and provision of any office space. Periodic onsite meetings in SERO's Bayboro office and/or regional site visits in the Southeast U.S. region may be required for this position.
Travel may be needed
About Lynker
Lynker is a growing, Hub-zone certified small business specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.
We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities creatively and effectively.
Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, competitive salaries and benefits, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled and diverse professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions.
Lynker is an E-Verify employer.
Lynker is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.