Marine Protected Species Biologist

Discover your full potential. At Tetra Tech, we are collaborating with industry-leading experts for a sustainable future for our world. We combine consulting and engineering with advanced analytics and technology to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our innovation hubs across the globe will enable you to share ideas and best practices while growing your professional network. Wherever you are in your career journey, you will benefit from working with world-class engineers, scientists, and technical specialists.

Apply today and join the company that is Leading with Science®.

Tetra Tech’s commitment to hiring the best talent in the industry and helping them thrive professionally is stronger than ever. We are seeking a qualified Marine Protected Species Biologist to support work with our Boston-based Offshore Energy team for impact assessment/permitting support, marine survey compliance support, and data management/reporting, for our marine mammal and offshore permitting program. Potential office locations include Boston, MA; Rockland, MA; Portland, ME; Parsippany, NJ; Richmond, VA; Norfolk, VA. Remote work options also possible.

The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting our marine resources projects for a variety of commercial, federal, and state clients. A multidisciplinary science-based background is desired, with an emphasis on marine biology, marine policy, bioacoustics, or offshore protected resources. Marine Protected Species of concern include marine mammals, sea turtles, endangered/threatened fishes. Projects vary but are typically part of offshore wind projects and other marine infrastructure development.

Responsibilities:

• Implement standard quality assurance/quality control processes as part of data management.
• Stay current with shifting federal guidance and best available science regarding noise pollution and marine mammals.
• Maintain consistent compliance implementation of protected species monitoring programs.
• Develop incidental take permits for various offshore activities.
• Integrate underwater acoustic modeling results in applicable permit applications, reports, and other documentation.
• Participation in other field/desktop assessments in support of other environmental programs within the company.
• Routine coordination with multiple project teams composed of Project Managers, Team Leaders, Subcontractors, other SMEs, and Client Representatives.
• Perform desktop-based data analysis, impact assessment, and report writing.
• Serve as a marine protected species subject matter expert (SME) for impact assessment, permitting, and monitoring associated with offshore wind energy projects.

Requirements:

• Experience with appropriate marine mammal mitigation measures.
• Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), or marine protected species assessments.
• Familiarity with methods used to monitor for marine protected species and design and implementation of marine surveys.
• Deep understanding of marine protected species resources, including policies and regulations associated with each.
• Possess solid communication skills and demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Suite and ArcGIS (desired).
• A Pre-employment drug screen in compliance with state regulations is required.
• High level of motivation and an ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be multi-task oriented and possess excellent problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with various underwater acoustic modeling software applications preferred.
• Basic understanding of marine spatial planning, NEPA, Endangered Species Act (ESA), MMPA, and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) offshore wind survey recommendations.
• Experience in developing Letter of Authorization (LOA) and Incidental Hazard Assessment (IHA) documents for agency consultation under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
• Familiarity with, and analysis of, publicly available datasets.
• Minimum of B.S. degree in marine science (M.S. preferred).
• A valid Driver’s License, clean driving record, and a dependable personal means of transportation are required.
• Flexibility to accommodate travel and meet fast-paced project requirements.
• Preference for 1-3 years’ experience serving as a SME on impact assessment, permitting, National.
• Familiarity with marine bioacoustics modeling principals and noise pollution impacts.
• Employee is expected to maintain a professional manner in all aspects of their work.

Compensation:

Salary commensurate with experience.

Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000 yr.

At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including health orders and regulations related to COVID-19 that are mandated by local, state, and federal authorities as well as project requirements.