I.M. Systems Group, Inc. (IMSG, http://www.imsg.com) is seeking a Coral Reef Watershed Management Specialist for the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM), which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The position will be located at NOAA’s facilities in Silver Spring, Maryland.
OCRM houses the headquarters of NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP, www.coralreef.noaa.gov). The CRCP seeks to understand the impacts of land-based sources of pollution (LBSP) on reef ecosystems and to implement actions to mitigate those impacts. The incumbent will be responsible for assisting the CRCP in achieving its goals and objectives (see link below) related to LBSP. (http://coralreef.noaa.gov/aboutcrcp/strategy/currentgoals/resources/3threa ts_go.pdf). To achieve these goals and objectives, the incumbent will provide leadership on LBSP issues within the CRCP, multi-year planning of simultaneous initiatives, individual project development and implementation, and coordination with external partners. The incumbent will be responsible primarily for LBSP efforts in south Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and will work in close collaboration with other OCRM staff responsible for similar efforts in the U.S. Pacific coral reef jurisdictions. Regular travel to Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands is required (approximately 25% time). Responsibilities: The contractor’s duties will include, but not be limited to: �� Leading the development of a multi-year implementation plan for the CRCP’s LBSP goals and objectives, given existing funding �� Advising senior CRCP leadership on watershed management and LBSP reduction issues in coral reef jurisdictions �� Overseeing existing watershed management projects within the CRCP’s portfolio �� Initiating and managing new projects that conform with the LBSP implementation plan �� Providing technical assistance and/or training to relevant individuals working on watershed management issues for State and Territorial governments and federal agencies in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands �� Strengthening existing and forging new partnerships with other federal agencies, state and territorial governments, academics, non- governmental organizations, and private industry to achieve mutual watershed management and LBSP reduction goals in coral reef jurisdictions �� Reviewing grants proposals related to watershed management and LBSP reduction �� Managing a database of Local Action Strategy projects proposed, ongoing, or completed in the seven U.S. coral reef jurisdictions �� Participating on behalf of the CRCP or OCRM on internal NOAA and external working groups, councils, and committees �� Supporting general activities for the relevant Division and Office to which this position will report Qualifications: Minimum Requirements: �� Master’s degree (highly preferred) or bachelor’s degree with equivalent additional experience in a relevant discipline such as watershed management, coastal planning, environmental management or policy or marine science �� 2 or more years post-graduate work experience in the watershed management field �� 2 or more years of program development and project management experience �� Understanding of coral reef ecosystems, the threats that LBSP pose to reefs, and strategies for minimizing and mitigating the impacts �� Demonstrated ability to provide technical assistance or training to watershed management practitioners �� Ability to work independently and cooperatively with a range of individuals that are geographically separated and that represent a range of different cultures �� Ability to work on several projects simultaneously and to shift priorities as needed �� Fluency in oral and written English, and strong communication skills �� Experience coordinating efforts and projects with multiple partners �� Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office programs Strongly Desired: �� 4 or more years post-graduate work experience in the watershed management field �� Experience working on or with small island states, preferably in the Caribbean �� Understanding of the unique topographic and hydrologic complexities influencing LBSP minimization and mitigation in south Florida, Puerto Rico, and/or the U.S. Virgin Islands �� Experience managing individual grants (as the grant recipient) and/or administering grant programs (as the grantor) �� Experience working in a matrix organization and/or demonstrated ability working in team settings �� Experience in a governmental work environment To Apply: Applications will be accepted until July 30. Qualified candidates may apply by e-mailing a cover letter explaining how their qualifications meet the requirements of this position, a resume, and the contact information for three references (MS Word format strongly preferred) to: j...@imsg.com with the subject heading: NOA10030 – Coral Reef Watershed Management Specialist. The salary for this position is in the low to mid $60,000/ $70,000 range. Please include your salary expectations in your cover letter. IMSG is an equal opportunity employer and veteran friendly.