I. M. Systems Group, Inc. (IMSG) www.imsg.com is seeking to hire a Marine Legal Affairs Coordinator to work at NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in the Habitat Protection Division of the Office of Habitat Conservation. This position will be located in Silver Spring, MD. The incumbent will work directly with attorneys and regional biologists, as appropriate, to provide critical program and legal support when dam owners challenge the scientific basis of NMFS’ fish passage solutions for hydropower dams.
The Habitat Protection Division is responsible for ensuring that marine, estuarine, and riverine resources have sufficient healthy habitat to sustain fish populations. Protection of these habitats across the United States is accomplished through consultations and partnerships with other federal and state agencies, NGOs, and private entities. Staff based in the NMFS headquarters office in Silver Spring, MD work in part to fulfill NOAA’s responsibilities under the Federal Power Act (as amended by the Energy Policy Act of 2005). Job Duties: • Assist project and attorney leads with case strategy by reviewing and analyzing the scientific basis for an opponent’s position and assisting in the development of rebuttal argument or evidence grounded in sound science. • Review litigation responses, build position documents, and coordinate with other federal agencies on positions and logistics. • Ensure hearing timelines and filing requirements are met according to NMFS regulations. • Facilitate communication and coordination between regional, legal, and headquarters staff. • Arrange travel logistics, support at the hearing site, and financial agreements with other agencies, as appropriate. • Work with individual regional biologists to address issues that will help strengthen the agency’s case in potential hearings or help NMFS reach settlement. • Compile and summarize the results of hydropower hearings to date and critical issues from hearing experiences that could lead to guidance for staff in future hearings. • Work directly with the Habitat Protection Energy Team, attorneys, and regional biologists, as appropriate, to support regional hydropower staff in avoidance of hearings and the achievement of settlements. • Establish a mechanism to improve tracking of regional hydropower project involvements and accomplishments. Requirements: • Four (4) years direct environmental/analytical experience in relevant areas • Bachelor’s Degree, or one year’s additional experience for every year of degree deficiency. • Experience working at NOAA or other government office experience is desirable. • Experience working with legal processes and legal documents is desirable. • Master’s Degree is desirable, but not required. • Periods of extended domestic travel may be required. To Apply: Please send your resume, 3 references and a cover letter explaining how your qualifications meet the requirements of the position to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the following subject heading: NOA08010 –Marine Legal Affairs Coordinator. Salary for this position is 50-52k. IMSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
