Senior Environmental Analyst ESA 7

Job Description

Job Description

*US Citizenship preferred*Remote Position, preferably located in Alaska*Position is subject to contract awardPOSITION DESCRIPTION:The Senior Environmental Analyst provides advanced technical and regulatory expertise to support the NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region in implementing responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This role leads complex and high-visibility Section 7 consultations and contributes to mission-critical program objectives involving the conservation of threatened and endangered species and their designated critical habitats.This position requires independent execution of highly specialized work, leadership of analytical efforts, and oversight of junior staff. The Senior Environmental Analyst plays a key role in ensuring scientific rigor, regulatory compliance, and clear communication across federal agencies and stakeholders.RESPONSIBILITIES:Lead and independently prepare complex ESA Section 7 consultation documents (informal and formal)Evaluate and determine effects of federal actions on ESA-listed species and critical habitatsProvide expert-level analysis of environmental impacts associated with coastal and marine activities, including:Oil and gas exploration and developmentDredging and harbor constructionPile drivingMilitary operationsInterpret and apply ESA and related environmental regulations (e.g., MMPA, NEPA, CWA, MSA) at an advanced levelApply NMFS Acoustic Criteria to assess impacts from underwater and airborne soundOversee and mentor junior staff; review and provide guidance on technical work productsServe as a subject matter expert and key point of contact for federal action agenciesEnsure quality control, consistency, and regulatory defensibility of consultation documentsManage multiple high-priority projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environmentCommunicate complex biological and regulatory concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiencesContribute to program strategy, process improvements, and best practicesREQUIREMENTS:Master 's degree or higher in environmental science or a related discipline (e.g., biology, ecology, marine biology, natural resource management, environmental or civil engineering, zoology)Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experienceExtensive experience preparing ESA Section 7 consultations or working with similar environmental regulatory frameworksAdvanced knowledge of ESA-listed species and their habitatsStrong familiarity with NMFS Acoustic CriteriaDeep understanding of Alaska's coastal and marine ecosystemsAdvanced analytical and critical thinking skillsAbility to lead complex environmental assessments and make defensible determinationsStrong leadership and mentorship capabilitiesHigh level of independence and accountabilityExcellent project management and organizational skillsProficiency with office and data tools (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Workspace, EndNote)Exceptional written and verbal communication skillsAbility to translate complex scientific and regulatory information into clear, concise languageStrong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders