Bachelor's degree with 10+ years relevant experience
Expertise in anadromous salmonid biology and ecology specific to the Klamath River
In-depth knowledge of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA)
Proficient in word processing for document development
Experience in technical writing and managing complex impact analyses (preferred)
Responsibilities
Assist NMFS with review and technical comments on biological assessments
Evaluate effects of actions and conservation measures on ESA-listed species and habitats
Develop recommendations to minimize adverse effects on listed fish and habitat
Participate in meetings supporting consultation purposes
Assist in preparing and reviewing consultation letters, biological opinions, and environmental documents
Monitor compliance with ESA documents and evaluate effectiveness
Maintain administrative records following CCO procedures
Benefits
Flexible work environment with potential for remote work
Opportunity to work on environmentally significant projects
Engagement with a team of experts in a niche field
Involvement in impactful conservation initiatives
Regular travel opportunities for meetings and project planning
Full Job Description
Endangered Species Act & Magnuson-Stevens Act Support
to join our growing team. This role is contingent upon contract award, and pricing may be subject to change based on final bid. Anticipated start date is September 30, 2026.
Responsibilities
Your role is to provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of promoting the protection, conservation, and recovery of anadromous fish, marine fish, invertebrates and their habitat. The primary objective is to assist the Government in meeting its authorities under the statutes and mandates of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) with particular emphasis on the reinitiation of the ESA Section 7(a)(2) Biological Opinion, and MSA Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Response for Klamath Project Operations from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2029 (Biological Opinion).
The necessary work will occur in the area influenced by and influencing the Bureau of Reclamation's (Reclamation) Klamath Project Operations, which generally includes the watershed upstream and downstream of Upper Klamath Lake, OR and the Lost River watershed. Work will focus on assisting and advising NMFS on the complex administrative record for the Klamath Project, assisting NMFS with meeting its statutory requirements and mandates in developing and implementing the Biological Opinion, and assisting NMFS with its review of draft biological assessments, and advising NMFS on sufficiency and accuracy of technical documents.
Key Tasks Include:
Assist NMFS with the review and technical comments of biological assessments
Evaluate and analyze effects of proposed actions, conservation measures, and mitigation activities on ESA-listed salmon, steelhead, southern resident killer whales, green sturgeon, eulachon and their critical habitat, and EFH
Develop recommendations on ways to minimize adverse effects to ESA-listed fish and their habitat, and EFH associated with proposed Bureau of Reclamation activities
Participate in internal and external meetings that support the purpose of the consultation.
Assist NMFS in preparing and reviewing section 7 consultation letters, biological opinions, incidental take permits, transmittal memos, briefing documents, national environmental policy act documents, and other written documents, as needed
Assist NMFS monitoring compliance with ESA documents and effectiveness of terms and conditions.
Maintain administrative records in accordance with CCO filing procedures
Travel
The candidate may need to travel to one or two planning meetings for each of the program planning tasks; one or two annual meetings to Ashland, OR or Klamath Falls, OR. The candidate is expected to use their personal vehicle.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree with 10 years or more relevant experience.
Additional required qualifications include:
Expertise with anadromous salmonid biology and ecology in the Klamath River, with particular emphasis on ESA conservation programs
Expertise and procedural knowledge with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA)
Efficiency in using word-processing programs to develop written documents
Additional preferred qualifications include:
Demonstrated experience of strong technical writing skills
Experience managing complex impact analyses related to controversial water operations.
The candidate shall provide interdisciplinary expertise related to program and project management, business processes, best practices and procedures, database management, and meeting facilitation. The candidate shall have knowledge and expertise of NOAA Fisheries policies and programs, as well as experience with planning, and Federal financial management and operations.
