Whale Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

*US Citizenship Required

*Full-time Remote Position in the United States with occasional travel required

*Position is Subject to Contract Award

Position Overview

Think Tank Inc. is seeking five (5) Environmental Specialist III candidates to provide cross-program technical assistance to NOAA Fisheries GARFO's Protected Resources Division (PRD). These positions support implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) through Section 7 consultations, stranding and disentanglement response, NEPA document preparation and review, and species recovery and conservation planning. These are fully remote, full-time positions (40 hours/week; approximately 2,080 hours/year). Anticipated start date: September 1, 2026, contingent upon contract award.

Key Responsibilities

ESA Section 7 Consultation Support

• Provide technical assistance and pre-consultation review supporting development of biological assessments for federal actions affecting GARFO-listed species and critical habitat.
• Support development and documentation of formal consultations including biological opinions and programmatic consultations; maintain records in the ECO database.
• Contribute to informal consultations; complete letters of concurrence and programmatic consultation documents.
• Monitor existing consultations to track implementation, compliance with Incidental Take Statements, and RPMs/T&Cs; assist in assessing need for reinitiation.
• Develop white papers on effects analyses topics including acoustic stressor models, aquaculture, and climate change.
• Conduct literature reviews and provide summaries for division staff.
• Assist in identifying efficiencies in the ESA consultation process and support discussions with federal action agencies.

Stranding and Disentanglement Program Support

• Provide recommendations and analytical support for reducing marine mammal entanglements through take reduction plan amendments.
• Conduct data entry, audits, and QC of marine mammal and sea turtle stranding and disentanglement data including large whale UMEs and sea turtle cold stun events.
• Provide coverage on regional stranding and disentanglement response hotlines as needed.
• Compile and deliver monthly reports to inform NEFSC serious injury/mortality determinations.
• As needed, respond to animals in distress, attend/support necropsy events, support disentanglement operations, and provide assistance with cold-stun coordination and transportation events.
• Prepare reports summarizing data from stranding or entanglement events including marine mammal UMEs and sea turtle cold stun events.

NEPA Document Preparation and Review

• Coordinate analyses on effects of fishing activities on ESA-listed species and critical habitat with attention to North Atlantic right whales and harbor porpoise.
• Assist the take reduction team coordinator in development, assessment, and implementation of regulatory amendments to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP).
• Assist in review and development of NEPA documents and preparation of analyses under NEPA and ESA.
• Review applications for Exempted Fishing Permits and provide guidance on minimizing effects on right whales and other protected species.

Recovery and Conservation Planning

• Support recovery efforts and take reduction team in planning and executing meetings and workshops.
• Develop meeting materials, conduct literature reviews, take notes, draft key outcome reports, and maintain research and management priority lists.
• Assist in drafting technical reports, stakeholder engagement documents, taskers, and briefing materials.
• Review right whale serious injury and mortality data; coordinate and support gear analysis and curation.

General PRD Administrative Support

• Track incoming review requests for PRD Grant and Scientific Permit Review Programs.
• Provide administrative support including ordering supplies, organizing documents, answering phones, arranging meetings, and setting up webinars.
• Prepare administrative records or FOIA responses including compiling, organizing, reviewing, and redacting electronic records.
• 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 ESA Section 7 consultation, MMPA compliance, stranding response, NEPA preparation, or a combination of related disciplines.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ESA Sections 4, 7, and 10; MMPA Sections 401-404 and 118; and NEPA requirements.

Skills

• Strong technical writing, analytical, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work across multiple program areas and manage competing deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and electronic database systems.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired)

• Master's degree or higher in marine science, biology, or a related field.
• Experience with NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic regional programs.
• Knowledge of North Atlantic right whale, marine mammal, sea turtle, and sturgeon populations and management.
• Experience with Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan and associated rulemaking processes.