Senior Environmental Analyst ESA 7
*US Citizenship preferred
*Remote Position, preferably located in Alaska
*Position is subject to contract award
POSITION 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 habitats
- Provide expert-level analysis of environmental impacts associated with coastal and marine activities, including:
- Oil and gas exploration and development
- Dredging and harbor construction
- Pile driving
- Military operations
- Interpret and apply ESA and related environmental regulations (e.g., MMPA, NEPA, CWA, MSA) at an advanced level
- Apply NMFS Acoustic Criteria to assess impacts from underwater and airborne sound
- Oversee and mentor junior staff; review and provide guidance on technical work products
- Serve as a subject matter expert and key point of contact for federal action agencies
- Ensure quality control, consistency, and regulatory defensibility of consultation documents
- Manage multiple high-priority projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Communicate complex biological and regulatory concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Contribute to program strategy, process improvements, and best practices
REQUIREMENTS
- 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 experience
- Extensive experience preparing ESA Section 7 consultations or working with similar environmental regulatory frameworks
- Advanced knowledge of ESA-listed species and their habitats
- Strong familiarity with NMFS Acoustic Criteria
- Deep understanding of Alaska's coastal and marine ecosystems
- Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills
- Ability to lead complex environmental assessments and make defensible determinations
- Strong leadership and mentorship capabilities
- High level of independence and accountability
- Excellent project management and organizational skills
- Proficiency with office and data tools (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Workspace, EndNote)
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to translate complex scientific and regulatory information into clear, concise language
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders