Weekend Environmental Science Associates Jobs in Springfield, VA

*US Citizenship Required

*Full-time Onsite Position in Gloucester, MA with required travel expected

*Position is Subject to Contract Award

Position Overview

Think Tank Inc. is seeking two (2) Environmental Specialist III candidates to support the NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office (GARFO) Habitat and Ecosystem Services Division (HESD) in Gloucester, Massachusetts. These positions provide scientific and technical support for Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) consultations and energy project environmental reviews conducted under the authority of NEPA and the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

This is an onsite position located at NOAA Fisheries GARFO, 55 Great Republic Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930. These are full-time positions (40 hours/week; approximately 2,080 hours/year). Anticipated start date: September 1, 2026, contingent upon contract award.

Key Responsibilities

The Environmental Specialist III will:

• Review public notices published in the Federal Register and provide technical review of all project development information related to conservation of living marine resources.
• Conduct literature reviews to obtain background information in support of EFH consultations and energy project reviews.
• Review study designs, Environmental Impact Statements, Site Assessment Plans, Construction and Operations Plans, and monitoring plans; provide recommendations on how to avoid, minimize, or compensate for adverse impacts to habitats and fisheries resources.
• Collect, compile, and analyze complex data and identify trends; enter data and conduct quality control reviews.
• Draft responses, technical reports, and reviews; conduct and document site visits.
• Copy documents, compile records, organize and maintain filing systems including electronic filing.
• Prepare maps and other geographical displays and analysis.
• Provide recommendations to HESD on issues associated with the conservation of living marine resources within prescribed deadlines.
• Attend meetings, conferences, conference calls, and site visits; write reports and make oral presentations before audiences of professional and varied interests.
• Inform HESD on new Public Notices daily; track milestones for each project daily.
• Provide recommendations to HESD on federal actions 30 days prior to the date specified in the Public Notice.
• Complete a set of training courses and maintain up-to-date training annually

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

Education

• Bachelor's degree or master's degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, fisheries biology, marine biology, natural resource management, conservation biology, landscape ecology, restoration ecology, or a closely related field.
• A relevant degree may be substituted by two (2) additional years of relevant work experience.
• Must meet or exceed ProTech Labor Category Level 2 – Associate minimum qualifications.

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) consultation, NEPA environmental review, and/or habitat and energy project technical review.
• Experience reviewing federal actions (e.g., BOEM offshore wind, ACOE, FERC) and drafting technical comments, EFH assessments, or environmental review documents.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (EFH provisions), NEPA, and federal agency review processes for coastal and offshore development projects.

Skills

• Strong technical writing and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and electronic database and file management systems.
• Ability to analyze complex scientific and regulatory data and produce reports under strict deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired)

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant environmental science field.
• Experience with NOAA Fisheries regulatory programs in the Greater Atlantic region.
• GIS certification or demonstrated proficiency in ArcGIS or QGIS for mapping and geographic analysis.
• Familiarity with BOEM offshore wind leasing and development review processes.
• Knowledge of NE Atlantic marine mammals, sea turtles, sturgeon, and fish species.