Senior Maritime Specialist (On Call)

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore for projects across our communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands. We are 50 years strong in 21 offices across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southeastern United States.

ESA is looking for a Senior Maritime Permitting & Compliance Specialist to join our Pacific Northwest team on a part-time, on-call basis . The selected individual shall be responsible for managing complex federal and state marine permitting, regulatory strategy, and construction compliance for offshore and coastal infrastructure projects. He/she will support offshore wind, subsea linear infrastructure, port development and operations, dredging, and marine construction projects, ensuring compliance with U.S. federal regulations, marine resource protections, and stakeholder engagement requirements. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in offshore permitting frameworks, vessel compliance, and marine environmental regulations, along with demonstrated success working with fisheries, agencies, and coastal stakeholders. This position will be based out of our Seattle, WA office and be onsite a few days per week .


Who You Are

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Marine Biology, Oceanography, Maritime Affairs, Environmental Science, Coastal Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in marine permitting, offshore construction compliance, or maritime environmental management
• Demonstrated experience working with BOEM, NOAA, BSEE, and U.S. Coast Guard regulatory processes
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Marine protected areas, sanctuaries, and reserves
  • ESA, MMPA, NEPA, and CWA frameworks
  • Vessel operations and environmental compliance (including VGP)
• Experience supporting offshore construction projects (e.g., offshore wind, subsea cable, ports, dredging)
• Proven stakeholder engagement experience with fisheries and coastal communities
• Strong communication and stakeholders' management skill
• Ability to operate in fa fast-paced construction environments
• High attention to detail and compliance rigor
• Ability to work in office and in the field traveling to coastal and offshore project sites
• Ability to participate in vessel-based operations and offshore inspections
• Able to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams

Preferred

• Experience supporting offshore wind (OSW) projects and COP/SAP development
• Familiarity with fisheries compensation programs and liaison roles
• Certifications such as:
• Certified Environmental Professional (CEP)
• OSHA HAZWOPER (40-hour)
• Experience with GIS, marine spatial planning, or habitat mapping
• Regulatory strategy and problem-solving in complex, multi-agency environments

What You Will Do

Marine Permitting & Regulatory Strategy

This position will lead and serve as subject matter expert for permitting and compliance efforts under both state and federal frameworks including:

• Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) leasing and approvals (BOEM)
• Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) consultations and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) compliance (NOAA), Federal and State Endangered Species Act, Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404/401 (as applicable to marine work), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA), Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and marine reserves
• Offshore safety and operational compliance (BSEE)
• Navigation, safety, and Marine Transportation System coordination

The individual will prepare and manage permit applications, technical studies, and regulatory submittals (e.g., COPs, SAPs, NEPA documents)

• Coordinate multi-agency reviews and ensure alignment with federal, state, and local requirements
• Develop and implement mitigation measures and monitoring programs for sensitive marine habitats and species
• Support environmental compliance audits and reporting throughout project lifecycle
• Provide strategic guidance to project managers and clients on permitting risks, schedules, and regulatory pathways

Vessel Compliance & Inspection

The role will oversee vessel compliance with the Vessel General Permit (VGP) and applicable discharge requirements

• Conduct or oversee vessel inspections, audits, and documentation reviews
• Ensure contractor and subcontractor vessel operations meet environmental and safety standards
• Coordinate with marine contractors on best management practices (BMPs) and pollution prevention

Offshore Construction Monitoring & Compliance

• Lead environmental compliance during offshore construction and operations, including:
  • Cable installation and trenching, pile driving and foundation installation, and dredging and port improvements.
  • Implement compliance programs that includes Protected species observers (PSOs), Fisheries liaisons, and Environmental compliance monitoring (ECM).
  • Interface with construction teams to ensure adherence to permit conditions, mitigation measures, and environmental commitments

Stakeholder & Fisheries Engagement

• The position will serve as primary liaison with commercial and recreational fisheries and Tribal governments, and coastal communities as needed.
• The position will lead stakeholder engagement strategies such as fisheries compensation and communication plans and Support public outreach, hearings, and interagency coordination

Project Management

• Support business development efforts, including proposal writing, scope development, and client presentations

What's Special About ESA

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.

You are eligible to participate in ESA's sick leave program. You may be eligible to participate in our employee stock ownership program and tax deferred 401(k) plan if you meet the eligibility requirements for these plans.

ESA has established multiple pay ranges tailored to the economic factors in the geographies in which ESA staff reside. For this position, the range is approximately as listed based on our anticipated hiring locations as noted in the above job details. Actual compensation is determined by several factors including but not limited to an individual's related experience, education, skills, and the city in which the applicant lives.

CA Pay Transparency Clause

$53-$73 USD

Who We Are

We are a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm who values diversity and inclusion and celebrate the differences that make each of us unique. Our culture is built on mutual respect, recognizing that our variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives leads to better solutions, which fosters our continued success for our employee-owners and clients.


In accordance with ESA's duty and responsibility to provide and maintain a safe workplace that is free of known hazards and to minimize the exposure to potential hazards, any employee who works from an ESA office or conducts any other in-person ESA work-related activity is required to submit their proof of vaccination status or have received an approved exemption and accommodation in states which this applies.


If you are an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability-or unable to use-the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Human Resources Department via email: View email address on click.appcast.io for assistance.

Please include the following in your message so we can promptly address your request:

• Full name
• The best method to contact you (phone number and/or email address)
• Title of Job Position Applied
• Description of your accommodation request

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOE M/V/F/D)