Coastal Habitat Resource Specialist
NOAA Restoration Center
Ann Arbor, MI
I.M. Systems Group (www.imsg.com), a Federal Government Contractor located in Rockville, Maryland is
currently seeking to hire a Coastal Habitat Resource Specialist to work at NOAA’s Restoration Center
(RC) located in the Office of Habitat Conservation. The RC is responsible for restoring the nation’s
coastal, marine and migratory fish habitat. The qualified candidate will be specializing in hydrology, to
manage projects undertaken as part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and to support the Damage
Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program (DARRP). Key tasks include overseeing specific
habitat restoration projects and partnership grants, as well as tracking projects sub awarded through these
partnerships and providing scientific support throughout all aspects of a NRDA case with specific attention
to restoration planning and implementation phases. Additional tasks may also include assisting or leading
policy initiatives, drafting guidance documents, providing intellectual support to other RC programs,
strategy development, document drafting, and supporting NOAA at conferences and symposia. Overnight
travel may be required for this position.
Duties:
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Provide technical assistance and oversight in the implementation of habitat restoration activities
and monitoring projects particularly those involving hydrologic restoration such as dam removal,
impounded coastal marsh, culvert replacements, and causeway removals.
Provide technical support to NOAA’s Damage Assessment Remediation and Restoration Program
by participating in the conduct of natural resource damage assessments (NRDA) and negotiating
settlements to recover damages from NRDA claims.
Identify and evaluate restoration projects for potential funding, provide technical assistance to local
organizations in developing proposals for and implementing restoration projects, and participate on
multi-disciplinary teams to plan and execute restoration projects.
Oversee projects throughout the Great Lakes. Restoration projects may involve wetlands,
anadromous fish passage, and riparian/riverine habitats. There will be a particular emphasis on
river restoration projects involving dam removal, fish passage, in-stream restoration, and riparian
habitat restoration.
Involvement with field investigations (including site evaluation and baseline and post-restoration
monitoring); technical evaluation of restoration proposals, feasibility studies, modeling reports and
engineering plans; development of project scopes of work; development of conceptual designs;
project and construction oversight; and public outreach.
Close interaction with various components of NOAA, other federal, state and local government
agencies, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations will be an important responsibility.
Provide technical support developing restoration-based settlement positions for use during
negotiations and/or preparing for litigation following an injury (e.g., oil spill, hazardous waste site,
vessel grounding)
Work closely with NOAA’s Assessment Restoration Division to assure that the assessment of
damages following an injury can be integrated into restoration planning
Provide recommendations for restoration plans and resource recovery plans
Provide technical support for monitoring projects to ensure cleanup or restoration objectives are
met
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
 A degree in aquatic science, fishery biology, ecology, hydrology, water resources, earth
science, environmental engineering or a related field (Master’s degree is preferred).
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Candidates must possess strong backgrounds in river restoration, geomorphology, and/or
hydrology/hydraulics
Strong verbal and writing skills.
Strong computer and analytical skills
Self-motivated, energetic, strategic thinker that is comfortable working both independently and
with others
Desired Qualifications:
 Experience with applied habitat restoration.
 Experience with GIS
 Experience with state and federal regulatory processes.
 Experience working on interdisciplinary teams.
 Knowledge of damage assessment procedures mandated by CERCLA and OPA.
 Experience in negotiations over environmental issues
To Apply:
Please submit your resume, the contact information for three (3) references, your salary
requirements and a cover letter explaining how your qualifications meet the requirements of the
position to jobs@imsg.com with the following subject line: NOA12009 – Coastal Habitat
Resource Specialist. Please also provide a writing sample (preferably a technical paper or report).
Your application will not be considered unless it is sent to the above mentioned email. The salary
range for this position is 55-65k.
IMSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Veteran friendly.