Job Title: Environmental Specialist- Stranding and Disentanglement
Location: Remote
Clearance Required: Public Trust Eligible
Salary Range: $75K - $90K
Application Deadline: July 31, 2026
To apply, please follow these steps:
- Visit https://ibsscorp.com/careers/
- Select the position you are interested in
- Review the job details, then click Apply Now
- Complete and submit your application
DescriptionIBSS is looking for an Environmental Specialist to provide cross-program assistance to GARFO PRD in implementing mandates under Section 4, 7, and 10 of the ESA, under Section 401-404 and 118 of the MMPA, as well as under NEPA.
The NMFS GARFO Protected Resources Division (PRD) is responsible for implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) covering the geographic range from Maine to Virginia. Protected species within this range include marine mammals, sea turtles, Atlantic salmon, Atlantic sturgeon and shortnose sturgeon. Occasionally, GARFO PRD also supports work in different regions nationally.
Key Responsibilities:- Provide recommendations and analytical support for the development of recommendations to reduce entanglements of marine mammals through the amendment of take reduction plans;
- Conduct data entry of various marine mammal and sea turtle stranding and disentanglement data and perform audits and quality control to ensure accuracy. This includes data on large whale unusual mortality events (UME) and sea turtle cold stun and entanglement events. Also, obtain large whale data from the network, and compile and deliver reports to inform Northeast Fisheries Science Center serious injury/mortality determinations on a monthly basis;
- Provide coverage, as needed, to sea turtle and marine mammal stranding and disentanglement coordinators on regional stranding and disentanglement response hotlines;
- Provide assistance in conducting stakeholder engagement pertaining to the MMPA and ESA;
- Prepare reports summarizing data generated from stranding or entanglement events including marine mammal UMEs and sea turtle cold stun events, if triggered;
- As needed, coordinate and support analysis of gear that has been removed from marine mammals and sea turtles; and
- As needed, respond to animals in distress, attend/support necropsy events, support disentanglement operations, and provide assistance and support to cold-stun coordination/transportation events.
- As needed, provide administrative assistance to PRD Grant and Scientific Permit Review Programs by tracking incoming review requests for permits and projects;
- Provide administrative support including providing support for ordering supplies and equipment; organizing, indexing and numbering all relevant documents; answering phones, note taking, arranging meetings, setting up and providing technical support for webinars, and preparing reference documents; and
- Prepare administrative records or FOIA response for actions including compiling, organizing, reviewing, and, as necessary, redacting electronic records
Required Skills /Education/ Certifications & Qualifications:- Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in an environmental science or associated discipline (e.g., biology, ecology, fisheries biology, marine biology, natural resource management, conservation biology, landscape ecology, or restoration ecology).
- 3 years of relevant experience.
- Experience providing biological, economic, or social analyses to support recommendations for natural resource conservation measures.
- Critical thinking and the ability to assess potential impacts to living marine resources.
- Proficient with common databases and office productivity programs, such as Word, Excel, Gmail, Google docs, and Endnote.
- Strong organizational skills with ability to work independently and comply with project deadlines.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work well with others, including a diverse array of federal action agencies.
- Strong professional writing skills and the ability to express both biological and regulatory concepts in plain language
