Environmental Scientist

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

I.M. Systems Group, Inc. (IMSG) (www.imsg.com), a  Federal Government Contractor located in Rockville, Maryland is currently seeking to hire an Environmental Scientist to assist NOAA’s Northwest Region of the Office of Response and Restoration’s (http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/)  Assessment and Restoration Division (ARD –NW) with the development of damage assessment capabilities for oil spills that may occur in the Alaskan Arctic.   The position will focus primarily on the Arctic and will also provide ARD support functions to other regions in Alaska as needed.  ARD – NW is based in Seattle, Washington.  This position will be based in Anchorage, Alaska. 

The Assessment and Restoration Division’s mission is to protect and restore coastal and marine resources injured by the release of oil or hazardous substances or direct physical impacts such as vessel groundings.  Responsibilities of the incumbent will include: conducting studies to determine the appropriate type and scale of restoration to compensate the public for natural resource injuries; providing technical support to the NOAA Office of General Counsel and the Department of Justice in natural resource damage litigation; managing research conducted by academic experts and consulting firms; and developing improved, cost-effective methods and procedures for conducting natural resource damage assessments.    

As the Arctic environment becomes more accessible due to climate change, ongoing and new uses such as oil exploration and production,  shipping, commercial fishing, and tourism will place this fragile, poorly understood and challenging environment, as well as the traditional Alaskan Native way of life which depends upon it, at increasing risk from accidental releases of oil or hazardous substances.  While disaster prevention is the primary goal, there is still a compelling need to prepare for the assessment and restoration of environmental injuries should an accident happen.   ARD-NW is working with multiple partners to understand and prepare for such events so that the best possible damage assessment and restoration options are available to support the health and integrity of the Arctic environment and people who depend upon it.

Duties:

The main responsibility of the individual selected for this position will be to assist ARD-NW in achieving the goal of being optimally prepared to assess injury and restore the Alaskan Arctic after oil spills.   The selected individual may also be assigned to assist in achieving these goals for other areas in Alaska, on an as-needed basis.

• Assist ARD-NW prepare to assess injury and restore the Alaskan Arctic after oil spills.
• Further plans with other Federal and State of Alaska agencies, contractors and industry representatives for evaluating injury after a spill.
• Plan and participate in trainings, oil spill drills, workshops, conferences and any other appropriate opportunities to integrate damage assessment needs and goals into Alaskan Arctic preparedness products, professional attitudes and public perceptions.
• Develop assessment protocols for the evaluation of injuries to environmental components such as invertebrates, fish and marine mammals, as well as benthic, pelagic, ice, nearshore coastal and river habitats that reflect the best available scientific, cultural and logistical information for Arctic Alaska.
• Develop concepts and approaches for evaluating economic, cultural and historic/archeological resource losses.
• Assist in the development of other existing, new or innovative damage assessment and restoration tools for adaptation to Arctic Alaska.
• Coordinate with other NOAA staff in developing options and projects to restore injured Arctic habitats, species, and human uses.

Qualifications:

IMSG is seeking a self-motivated, energetic, strategic thinker that is comfortable working both independently and with others and possesses the following:

• Bachelors, Master’s or Doctorate degree in environmental science, preferably in one or more of the following areas: aquatic toxicology, fisheries ecology, environmental engineering, or environmental policy
• Strong verbal and writing skills
• Strong computer and analytical skills
• Experience working with interdisciplinary groups

The following qualifications are desired:

• Experience in assessing risk or injury to marine or aquatic species and habitats in northern climates is highly desirable
• Knowledge of damage assessment laws, regulations and implementation procedures is highly desirable
• Experience in evaluating effects of oil and hazardous materials released into the coastal environment
• Experience working in litigation
• Experience with  environmental issue negotiations
• Knowledge of Arctic Native cultures

To Apply:

Qualified candidates may apply by e-mailing a resume, the contact information for three (3) references and a cover letter explaining how their qualifications meet the needs of the job requirement (MS Word format strongly preferred) to the following email address: jobs@imsg.com with the subject heading NOA11035– Environmental Specialist - Anchorage.  The salary range for this position is low to mid 50’sK to 60’sK, depending on qualifications.

IMSG offers an outstanding benefits package including company paid medical benefits and three weeks paid time off.

 

IMSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Veteran Friendly.