Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking candidates with experience in consultations under ESA and MMPA, oil spill response planning, analysis of genetics data, statistical analysis of study designs for environmental research and monitoring, and engineering analyses of projects such as construction and operations of dams, wind turbines, wave turbines, and oil and gas development.

Background

The Fisheries and Ecological Services Division (FES) in Region 7 of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) consists of a diverse group of cross-cutting programs that have varied responsibilities to understand and address complex issues such as fisheries management, endangered and threatened species, environmental contaminants, habitat protection and restoration, and marine mammal conservation and recovery. These programs and associated products are delivered through Fish and Wildlife Field Offices located across the state of Alaska, as well as through numerous partnerships with state agencies, universities, tribes, non-profits, private land owners and other stakeholders. The program objective is to assist the R7 Service FES Program in carrying out its stewardship responsibilities for protected species, birds, fish, marine mammals and habitats. Collectively, the services provided will facilitate implementation of agency mandates and assist in achieving the objectives of conservation of trust species and their associated habitats.

Duties

The duties described below include the full scope of work for the office, with specific tasks to be allocated to each given position at a later date.

Document Preparation and Presentation to prepare responses to inquiries, white papers, reports and other documents.

• Prepare responses to requests for information on the presence of species and habitats, and analysis of potential impact to these from proposed projects and activities.
• Compile and analyze biological information on species, habitats or threats.
• Prepare PowerPoint presentations, fact sheets, reports, letters, and other documents.
• Develop content for a variety of print and electronic publications.
• Prepare materials for meetings.

Technical Writing and Editing to prepare scientific and policy documents and review and edit written documents.

 

• Prepare documents which include technical scientific information.
• Edit documents to ensure accurate scientific information.
• Edit documents to correct grammatical errors.
• Edit documents to ensure consistency with agency guidance, format and policy.

 

Information Collection, Review, Compilation and Analysis to collect information on species distribution and abundance, habitat quantity and quality and other information on natural resources, verify the accuracy of this data, and analyze it.

• Conduct literature reviews.
• Conduct site visits to collect data in the field, including the use of boats, trucks, ATVs, aircraft
• Conduct field work including capturing fish and wildlife, collecting data, restoring habitat
• Enter data into databases and conduct quality assurance/quality control.
• Conduct public opinion polls.
• Analyze outreach metrics.
• Gather and analyze economic and demographic information.

Study Design & Statistical Analysis working with program biologists to ensure that proposed research projects are of sufficient scientific rigor and statistical design so as to provide meaningful results. Conduct power analyses to help identify the appropriate study characteristics including sample size, years of duration, number of replicates, etc. Work with program staff to analyze data collected in a timely and compete manner so that it is available for management purposes.

• Work with FES staff to ensure that all study proposals have specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-specific management objectives.
• Work with FES staff to ensure that all study proposals include a plan for the design, analysis, reporting and management of data.
• Work with staff within Ecological Services to develop study proposals for at-risk species which focus on key information needs to determine the current and likely future condition of such species.

Impact Analysis identifying, evaluating and working to mitigate adverse impacts of proposed actions (e.g., dams, wind turbines, wave turbines, oil and gas development, and other structures and development projects) on resources and habitats.

• Review construction and design plans to determine potential impacts.
• Make recommendations for modifications to avoid, minimize or mitigate potential impacts to Service resources.
• Review and summarize literature for insights into how these structures and activities have impacted species and habitats in other locations.
• Make recommendations for policy, guidance, and criteria for assessing projects.
• Work with Partners internally and externally to implement projects for the benefit of fish and wildlife and their habitat.
• Provide recommendations in issues associated with fish passage, stream flow analyses, study requests, monitoring and mitigation needs.

Field Study Design, including Logistical Planning and Budget Estimation based on oil spill scenarios developed by FES staff, develop geographic region specific work plan templates for ephemeral data collection pertaining to natural resources under the trusteeship of the Service. Products will include budget templates for the work plans and will address all logistical aspects of implementing the work plan. Templates will be scalable to adjust the scope of the field studies to various magnitudes of oil spill impacts.

• Develop work plan and budget templates for at least three Alaska regions per year, to be identified by the FES staff.
• Review existing ephemeral data collection protocols, and if necessary, tailor existing protocols to be more directly relevant to a Alaska region.
• Review existing maps and aerial photography to examine coastal shoreline accessibility.
• Identify region-specific logistics challenges (e.g., physical access, communications in remote locations, transfer of electronic data and physical evidence from remote locations to Anchorage, etc.) and develop alternatives and associated cost estimates to remedy those challenges.
• Identify recommended minimum standards/qualifications for equipment and personnel that would be necessary for field study implementation.
• Consult with various Service programs whose services or expertise may be relevant for the implementation of field studies.
• Develop budget templates in the format of electronic spreadsheets that allow a user to quickly estimate the total cost of a particular size of study.

Start Date: November 1, 2021, dependent on being awarded contract.
Location: Anchorage Fish & Wildlife Conservation Office, Anchorage, Alaska
Salary: The rate of pay will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Travel: Travel within Alaska may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in in biology, wildlife management, natural resource management, environmental science or related field.

If you are interested in being considered for this position, Apply Here.

Only qualified applicants that meet minimum experience or background requirements stated above need apply. When applying for this position you will be asked to upload your resume at the end of this online application.

Applicants should submit a resume that includes the following:

• Cover letter that briefly describes how you meet the required and preferred qualifications listed.
• Work history for past 10 years or since last full-time education.
• Education.
• Previous experience or training with similar requirements.
• Three professional references.
• Include your name in the document file name.
• Upload your resume in readable, not scanned, PDF or Word format (PDF is preferred).

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire, and successfully complete a federal government background check. Ocean Associates Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law.

OAI is a government contractor and is required by law to invite applicants to self-identify their race, gender, national origin, disability status and veteran status. OAI is required to use the information it collects as part of its future affirmative action efforts in hiring. The information is collected anonymously by computer and is not connected to your application. You will see a place to check certain boxes in OAI's online application. Even though the information is anonymous, self-identification is voluntary. You can always check the box that says you decline to self-identify.

Note: If you are not selected, your materials may be retained for present or future opportunities. We may use your resume in bidding on a project and if we are awarded the work we will contact you before seeking further applicants. If you do not wish us to retain or use your resume to seek work for you, please let us know in the "Notes" section on the second page of the online application.