Our Business
We are a global leader in environmental consulting - made stronger with the recent acquisition of Wood's Environment & Infrastructure business and Golder - with world-class expertise in environmental, social and governance (ESG), climate resiliency & sustainability (CRS), and earth sciences. Combined we have over 20,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide collaborating daily to protect and conserve natural landscapes, create firm foundations for communities to stand on, and champion sustainable development to combat climate change. As part of the team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from across the globe.
This Opportunity
WSP is currently seeking a Marine Fisheries Specialist to support our U.S. East Coast service area with a variety of offshore, energy, restoration, infrastructure, and other environmental projects. This team member will be involved in projects with our Earth & Environment Team and be a part of a growing organization that is passionate about meeting our client's objectives and solving their challenges across a wide range of disciplines. The primary office location for this position is flexible and could potentially be based in any number of WSP's East Coast offices including, but not limited to: Herndon, VA; Virginia Beach, VA; Richmond, Va; Baltimore, MD; Washington, D.C.; Morristown, NJ; Buffalo, NY; New York, NY; Boston, MA; Portland, ME; or Wilmington, NC. This position will be responsible for supporting the development of environmental and permitting documents and interacting with client and regulatory agencies. Our successful candidate must have strong technical research and writing skills with educational emphasis and experience in marine and estuarine fish biology, fish habitats, and fisheries management policy. This position requires evaluation and permitting of environmental impacts associated with a range of project development goals, often within a short timeframe. The candidate shall have practical knowledge and experience with applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations including proficiency in acquiring regulatory approvals and/or managing project compliance with regulatory requirements. Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
Who You Are
Support a broad range of coastal and marine-based projects including linear infrastructure (e.g., transit, fiber optic, and transmission lines), offshore energy installations, coastal habitat restoration, and/or port development primarily within the U.S. Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, with additional opportunities along the West Coast and Gulf of Mexico.
Support permitting activities for a range of infrastructure, energy, and coastal development projects subject to regulation under federal law (e.g., Clean Water Act [CWA], Coastal Zone Management Act [CZMA], Endangered Species Act [ESA], Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act [MSA], National Environmental Policy Act [NEPA], etc.).
Complete environmental analysis and technical reports based on the best available scientific information, including peer-reviewed literature, agency reports, and site-specific data to evaluate a particular environmental problem or issue, verify site characteristics, and/or to plan for future environmental protection and monitoring measures.
Analyze potential impacts on fisheries from proposed nearshore and offshore activities, including acoustic effects, vessel interactions, habitat conversion, harassment, and cumulative impacts.
Consult with regulatory staff and stakeholder organizations on marine fisheries issues and concerns.
Support the development of proposals for potential future project work involving marine fishery issues.
Work efficiently within culturally and geographically diverse cross-functional teams in executing project work.
Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
Design, review, and implement fisheries monitoring and mitigations plans for a variety of offshore projects.
Assess fisheries data, fishery management plans, and fisheries management council data for population dynamics and fishing industry activity relevant to the development of a project.
Synthesize and summarize large amounts of information contained in design plans, regulatory files, environmental permits, and other environmental documentation.
Apply standard biological survey methods to collect and document field data and observations in a clear and organized manner utilizing appropriate sampling and monitoring equipment.
Use advanced statistical data analysis techniques to evaluate and interpret field data obtained during field investigations.
Manage projects to ensure deliverables meet client expectations for scope, budget, schedule, and quality.
Evaluate findings, make recommendations, and prepare written and verbal reports. Prepare data tables and visualizations such as charts, graphs, and illustrations.
Author technical reports summarizing research with findings and conclusions, generating complete, accurate, and concise documents using industry-standard word processing, GIS, and data management systems.
Prepare environmental planning documents and outreach materials for governmental, non-profit, and commercial clients.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Your Impact
Required Qualifications
Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience and a post-graduate degree (e.g., master's or Ph.D.) in Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Marine Science, or related discipline.
Experience preparing permit applications for offshore environmental projects, habitat impact assessments, and/or construction-related monitoring (environmental consulting experience preferred).
Proficiency in the application of statistical software (e.g., R, MATLAB, PRIMER, SAS) is preferred.
Knowledge of major federal statutes and implementing regulations, including NEPA, MSA, ESA, CZMA. Working knowledge of offshore energy policies/regulations and familiarity with one or more U.S. East Coast state regulations a plus.
Experience developing an Essential Fish Habitat Assessment and/or Biological Assessment is highly preferred.
Familiarity with passive acoustic monitoring equipment (e.g., VEMCO/Innovasea) a plus.
Extensive knowledge of fish species' ecology and habitats along the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and/or Northeast coasts.
Knowledge of relevant research, laboratory analysis, and statistical evaluation methods.
Excellent written and oral interpersonal communication skills. Experience with expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience a plus.
Effective self-leadership with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.
Ability to learn and apply new techniques, follow instruction, and work both independently and in a team.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, and identify the most effective manner to accomplish objectives of assigned projects.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
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About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
