What are the responsibilities and job description for the Essential Fish Habitat Specialist position at Saltwater Inc?
At Saltwater Inc. we believe that high-quality data is vital to the health of our fisheries and oceans: our mission is to provide that data. We are a Women-Owned Small Business and are constantly seeking new team members who share our passion for innovation and environmental wellness. We are currently recruiting for one Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Specialist to work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Pacific Island Regional Office (PIRO) Protected Resources Division (PRD), headquartered in Honolulu, HI, providing EFH support. This position will provide technical guidance and conduct EFH and support coordination and consolidation with Endangered Species Act (ESA) section 7 consultations, as appropriate, on proposed federal activities with action agencies.
Please note that we are recruiting proactively and do not yet have this position available. If awarded the work, this will be a full-time position. Work will be performed remotely. The contract has a one-year base period beginning 09/29/2026 with a potential of two option periods.
Duties:
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MSA/EFH collaboration and consultation. The Contractor shall:
- Build and foster strong working relationships with federal agencies and other stakeholders. Provide information and materials in a timely and responsive manner.
- Conduct reviews of technical assistance requests from federal agencies and other stakeholders, on actions that may affect EFH in the Pacific Islands Region.
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Coordinate with federal agencies to determine whether EFH consultation is required.
- For those actions for which consultation is required, work with the federal agency to gather appropriate information with which to properly evaluate the action.
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Analysis and Assessment
- Analyze proposed activities by assessing federal actions for potential adverse effects to MUSs and HAPCs.
- Assess the federal agency’s written response to conservation recommendations by Fisheries, including:
i. Any explanation as to the federal agency’s reasons for not following the recommendations; including the scientific justification for any disagreements with Fisheries over the anticipated effects of the proposed action and the measures needed to minimize, mitigate, or offset such effects.
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Writing and Communication. The Contractor shall:
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Provide a written assessment of the effects of the action on EFH using the best scientifically available information and provide EFH conservation recommendations to a federal action agency for its action that may adversely affect EFH.
- These assessments and recommendations may be combined with ESA consultation documents on the same activities when appropriate, and the contractor shall also assist in this process.
- Answer and questions and follow-up on activities with federal agencies once consultations are complete.
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Provide a written assessment of the effects of the action on EFH using the best scientifically available information and provide EFH conservation recommendations to a federal action agency for its action that may adversely affect EFH.
- Participate in work groups and contribute to activities and other EFH activities as they develop.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Baccalaureate or equivalent level knowledge of the theories, principles, and methods of a technical or regulatory professional field, or commensurate skills and abilities acquired through high academic achievement or at least one (1) year of professional experience in such a field.
- One (1) year of experience in marine natural resource management or other commensurate experience.
- One (1) year of experience working on MSA, ESA, or related statutes.
Salary range is $35 - $45 per hour, dependent upon experience.
Saltwater Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace culture to attract the best talent and allow each member of our team to achieve their full potential and maximum productivity. Furthermore, Saltwater Inc. highly encourages qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply for positions for which they are qualified and to notify us if there are any needs for accommodation throughout the application process and/or upon hire.
Only qualified applicants with the requisite experience need to apply.
We will honor all requests for application confidentiality.
Salary : $35 - $45