At Saltwater Inc. we believe that high-quality data is vital to the health of our fisheries and oceans: our mission is to provide that data. We are a Women-Owned Small Business and are constantly seeking new team members who share our passion for innovation and environmental wellness. We are currently recruiting for Aquaculture Support to assist in the development of an Aquaculture Opportunity Area (AOA) in southern California and associated NEPA Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS); assist in coordinating various NEPA responsibilities with the AOA Core Team and NEPA writer, including but not limited to associated ESA section 7 and Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) consultations pursuant to the ESA and MSA respectively; coordinating between the WCR NEPA program, Protected Resources and Sustainable Fisheries divisions and General Counsel regarding writing, reviewing and commenting on draft sections of the NEPA programmatic EIS that address effects and interactions between marine aquaculture and marine resources in the Southern California Bight.

Do you have knowledge of the ESA, MMPA. MSA, and NEPA? Are you looking to further your exposure to these Acts and their associated processes? If so, this job may be for you. Work will be performed remotely. The contract has a one-year base period and will have up to four (4) 12-month option periods.

Duties

Schedule meetings, prepare team meeting agendas, take meeting notes, tracke action items, maintain the associated Google docs file for the Team, assist in meeting facilitation and ensure meeting notes and other communications comply with administrative record guidance.
Participate as necessary and in coordination with the RAC, Protected Resources Division, Sustainable Fisheries Division, WCR and Office of Aquaculture Communications teams, WCR tribal liaison, and the National Ocean Service to compile, synthesize, analyze and manage data that informs development of the AOA PEIS.
Contribute to internal and external outreach and overall AOA process messaging throughout the AOA process, including assisting with webinars, public comment periods, drafting rollout plans, coordinating with WCR OAQ Communications to execute rollout plans, and development of FAQs.
Respond to aquaculture-related inquiries and action items from the AOA NEPA writer such as the review of text, tables, and figures for the PEIS.
Provide support to the RAC for other WCR aquaculture projects by working with facilitators to develop agendas, scheduling Working Group meetings, note-taking, and potential facilitation assistance during meetings.
Coordinate with WCR Area Office staff to provide assistance in support of their consultations on aquaculture actions.
Participate in working groups, internal and external discussions, assist in the preparation of discussion materials, track action items and track environmental reviews related to NEPA and/or permitting.
Participate in biweekly Office of Aquaculture staff meetings and similar meetings, and represent the Regional Aquaculture Coordinator as needed.
Assist in review of other aquaculture-related NEPA documents beyond the AOA PEIS, and provide comments as needed.
Assist in review of other proposed aquaculture activities and provide comments.
Participate in meetings with action agencies, applicants or permittees, special interest groups, state officials, and tribal representatives, as necessary.
Coordinate with science center and other researchers regarding aquaculture activities in Southern California.
Respond to aquaculture-related inquiries from action agencies, applicants, and their representatives and staff from WCR Area Offices.
Provide timely response to data requests and assignments with appropriate attention to detail.
Assist in providing Aquaculture Education and Outreach for the West Coast Region requested by the RAC and the Branch Chief.
Assist in developing aquaculture outreach and education tools, including assisting with a quarterly aquaculture newsletter.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with emphasis on biological science, conservation biology, wildlife management or related fields.
Knowledge of the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Magnuson Stevens Act, and National Environmental Policy Act.
General understanding of the consultation process under section 7 of the ESA and the EFH provisions of the MSA.
General understanding of NEPA to review and comment on NEPA analyses in accordance with the requirements of NEPA.
Knowledge of marine natural resource management issues especially marine aquaculture and other ocean uses such as fishing and offshore energy is strongly desired
Knowledge of the marine aquaculture industry and associated species for culture, gear types, biology of West Coast marine species of whales, sea turtles, abalone, sharks, and sturgeon.
Computer skills including basic word processing, spreadsheet creation and manipulation.
Valid driver’s license required for operation of government vehicles.
Current MS Office and corresponding Google applications skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Salary range is dependent upon experience.

Saltwater Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace culture to attract the best talent and allow each member of our team to achieve their full potential and maximum productivity. Furthermore, Saltwater Inc. highly encourages qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply for positions for which they are qualified and to notify us if there are any needs for accommodation throughout the application process and/or upon hire.

Only qualified applicants with the requisite experience need to apply.

Saltwater’s mandatory employee COVID-19 policy requires proof of Covid-19 vaccination to safeguard the health of our employees and their families.

We will honor all requests for application confidentiality.

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Saltwater Inc.

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Aquaculture Support Specialist