Azura is recruiting for an Environmental Specialist to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Greater Atlantic Regional Field Office (GARFO), Habitat and Ecosystem Services Division (HESD), which is responsible for regional coordination of the environmental review of offshore wind project plans. The Division also conducts essential fish habitat (EFH) consultations as required by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) for offshore wind and other federal projects.

This position is concerned with regulatory and analytical processes, rather than with field research.

Duties

The Environmental Specialist will take responsibility for these tasks:

• Provide assistance to HESD’s offshore wind coordinator to track tasks and milestones for the various actions required in the environmental review of offshore wind projects
• Develop letters of concurrence, assist with sections of EFH consultations, technical comment letters, and literature reviews
• Respond to requests for information from action agencies such as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and assist in providing technical assistance
• Review and prepare comments on Environmental Impact Statements, monitoring plans, survey activities, environmental assessments, and other documents prepared in association with environmental reviews of offshore wind energy projects
• Assist the regional wind team fisheries lead in the review and comment of socio-economic and fishery impact analyses of offshore wind projects

Place of Performance

• Work can be remote or on site at the GARFO in Gloucester, MA

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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Fisheries Science, Fish Ecology, or a closely related field
• Direct experience applying the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), including impact analyses, document drafting, and reviews
• Direct experience preparing EFH assessments and conducting EFH consultations
• Experience assessing the impacts of man-made activities on marine or aquatic resources (e.g., fishery resources, fishing communities, coastal and marine ecosystems and habitats)
• Experience developing recommendations to avoid, minimize, or compensate for adverse impacts to marine or aquatic resources
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, attention to detail, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and to meet appropriate project milestones
• U.S. citizenship and presence and ability to comply with EO 14042

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_OSW Env Specialist-HESD
• Send the PDF to anna@azuraco.com with “OSW Env Specialist-HESD” in the subject line
• Please email anna@azuraco.com with questions

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

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.