Scientific Subject Matter Expert – Fisheries Management

Benefits:

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Client: NOAA Fisheries (NMFS)
Location: Remote (Silver Spring, MD)
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

NOAA Fisheries (NMFS) is seeking a highly experienced Scientific Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support domestic fisheries programs, the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (Atl HMS) Division, and NMFS Regional Offices in implementing fisheries management initiatives under Executive Order (EO) 14276 and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).

The selected candidate will provide scientific, technical, environmental, and regulatory expertise to support the development of Fishery Management Plans (FMPs), environmental analyses, regulatory packages, and fisheries management actions. This role requires extensive experience in fisheries science, regulatory compliance, NEPA analysis, technical writing, and stakeholder coordination within a federal fisheries management environment.

Key Responsibilities

Fisheries Management & Regulatory Support

Support NMFS Regional Offices and the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Division in implementing fisheries management actions aligned with EO 14276.

Develop and draft Fishery Management Plans (FMPs), regulatory amendments, and associated action packages under the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

Conduct research and analysis related to fisheries management requirements, policy implementation, and regulatory compliance.

Develop management alternatives, scientific recommendations, presentations, and supporting documentation for fisheries initiatives.

Assist in the rapid implementation of fisheries management measures and regulatory actions.

Scientific & Environmental Analysis

Conduct scientific analyses, environmental assessments, and technical evaluations related to fisheries management actions.

Support and prepare NEPA documentation, including Environmental Assessments (EA) and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS).

Evaluate fisheries studies, technical reports, and environmental analyses to ensure management actions address key scientific and regulatory concerns.

Ensure all analyses and documentation comply with NOAA, NMFS, NEPA, MSA, and other applicable federal requirements.

Technical Writing & Documentation

Draft, review, and edit technical documents, scientific reports, regulatory packages, and supporting materials.

Prepare action packages and supporting documentation for Regional Office, Atl HMS, and Office of Sustainable Fisheries (OSF) review.

Develop and maintain Administrative Records (AR) and clearance packages in accordance with NMFS standards.

Process incoming fisheries management requests, including completeness reviews and document tracking.

Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with regional regulatory specialists, fisheries biologists, headquarters reviewers, and agency personnel to ensure regulatory packages meet established standards and objectives.

Clearly communicate scientific, technical, and regulatory information to stakeholders across multiple organizational levels.

Attend and monitor Regional Fishery Management Council meetings, advisory panels, technical committees, and workgroups as needed.

Support permit issuance activities and related fisheries management processes when requested.

Deliverables

The contractor will be responsible for delivering:

Fishery management action writing and regulatory analyses

Scientific analysis and environmental assessment documentation

NEPA Environmental Assessments (EA/EIS) and supporting reports

Draft Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) and regulatory amendments

Administrative Records (AR) and clearance packages

Monthly progress reports outlining accomplishments, issues, recommendations, and project updates

Technical writing, editing, and research analysis deliverables

Required Qualifications

PhD in Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field; OR Master’s degree with 7+ years of relevant fisheries technical management experience.

Strong experience supporting fisheries management programs and regulatory initiatives.

Demonstrated knowledge of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA), Fishery Management Plans (FMPs), NEPA processes, and ESA Section 7 consultations.

Proven experience authoring technical documents such as scientific publications, white papers, Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), and regulatory documentation.

Ability to translate complex scientific and technical concepts into actionable business or mission-focused strategies.

Strong analytical, technical writing, and communication skills.

Experience working with federal agencies, regulatory specialists, scientists, and multidisciplinary teams.

This is a remote position.

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