Azura is seeking an organized Fishery Management Specialist to support the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Management Division of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Sustainable Fisheries (OSF). The Atlantic HMS Management Division manages HMS fisheries in the U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean waters. The Division develops fishery management plan amendments and regulatory amendments, implements HMS regulations, ensures the public is aware of the regulations and how to comply, and collects and reviews landings and other fisheries data in support of management.

The HMS Fishery Management Specialist will provide support including compiling data and text and coordinating reviews of management documents, such as the annual HMS Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) Report. The Specialist will also help to maintain Division day-to-day operations, including issuing exempted fishing permits, managing the Atlantic Tournament Registration and Reporting (ATR) system, developing outreach materials, and responding to constituent questions.

Having high attention to detail and the ability to manage short project timelines are critical skills for this position. Potential candidates must also possess the curiosity and ability to find solutions and resolve issues based on available resources and also have strong client and team communication skills. Applicants must be able to operate independently, manage their own work schedule, and dedicate blocks of time for uninterrupted focus.

Place of Performance and Work Schedule

Work is anticipated to be remote and full-time (40 hours per week, Monday through Friday). During workdays, candidates must be able to respond to all communications within 24 hours and conduct calls and meetings as necessary during normal business hours. Some travel to in-person meetings may be required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Competitive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance and life and disability insurance. You will be eligible for a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match and will receive paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.

Duties

The employee will perform a variety of tasks related to HMS support. Specific tasks are expected to include the following:

• Edit and coordinate drafting of the Atlantic HMS SAFE Report:
  • Develop timelines for HMS and agency staff to submit sections of the report for review and working with HMS staff to compile SAFE Report sections.
  • Move document through the internal review process and incorporate edits where necessary.
  • Work with OSF Communications staff to edit and format document to create final version in a timely manner for public distribution.
  • Work with staff to improve document format and processes for compiling information for the document. 

• Assist in the development of other documents as may be needed to describe or summarize regulatory or operational actions.
• Assist with the management and monitoring of the data submitted to the ATR and operations of the HMS workshops program.
• Assist with the issuance of permits in the HMS Exempted Fishing Permit program that authorizes the collection of HMS for public display, research, and other activities generally prohibited under the regulations at 50 CFR 635. This work requires an understanding of the permits and reports to maintain consistency and uniformity, the ability to establish working relationships with the individuals who are permit holders, and an understanding of permit and applicant history. 
• Assist with HMS Advisory Panel meetings and coordination, as requested.
• Assist in the development and distribution of HMS outreach materials, including compliance guides.
• Assist HMS staff on agency-wide initiatives and projects.
• Coordinate update meetings between the HMS Management Division and the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement.
• Answer phones and respond to constituent questions and requests, as necessary.
• Attend public hearings and outreach events as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1-3 years of experience with marine fisheries issues, coordination to develop large documents, synthesis of technical material into plain language, and data monitoring.
• Ability to maintain high standards of organization and prioritization. 
• Process-oriented and attentive to detail. 
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with staff. 
• Excellent reading comprehension and writing skills. 
• Ability to multitask and work with short deadlines.
• Must have strong skills with MS Office and Google Suite applications. 
• Ability to address ambiguities.
• Candidate must be able to obtain a Public Trust Clearance which requires passing a thorough background check.

How to Apply

• Prepare a single PDF document that includes:
• A 1-page cover letter that specifies the position to which you are applying; your earliest available start date; and your level of knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as they pertain to the key responsibilities and desired strengths of this position
• A resume (no more than 3 pages) targeted specifically towards the duties and qualifications of this position
• Phone and email contact information for 2 to 4 professional references who can provide a knowledgeable assessment of your job-specific qualifications
• Name the PDF in the format of Lastname‐Firstname_Application_Fish Mgt Specialist
• Send the PDF to anna@azuraco.com with “Fish Mgt Specialist” in the subject line
• Please email anna@azuraco.com with questions

Azura Consulting LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. We strongly encourage all qualified persons to apply for this position.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Azura Consulting LLC is an economically disadvantaged woman-owned small business specializing in protected species conservation, management, and research.