Job Information
WSP USA Senior Marine Mammal Specialist in Virginia Beach, Virginia
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 Senior Marine Mammal 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 mammal biology and behavior in response to environmental stressors, particularly acoustic signals. This position requires the 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.
Your Impact
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], Marine Mammal Protection Act [MMPA], 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 marine species from proposed nearshore and offshore activities, including acoustical impacts to protected marine species (i.e., marine mammals, sea turtles, and ESA-listed fish species).
Assess potential anthropogenic impacts on marine mammal populations due to harassment or harm from acoustic effects, vessel interactions, habitat conversion, and associated cumulative impacts.
Consult with regulatory staff and stakeholder organizations on marine mammal issues and concerns.
Support the development of proposals for potential future project work related to marine mammals and other protected species.
Contribute to the coordinated development of business opportunities in the field of marine mammal sciences with a focus on underwater noise, marine mammal population health, migration, threats, and ecology.
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.
Synthesize and summarize large amounts of information contained in design plans, regulatory files, environmental permits, and other environmental documentation.
Collect and document field data and observations in a clear and organized manner utilizing appropriate monitoring equipment.
Use advanced statistical data analysis techniques to evaluate findings, make recommendations, and prepare written and verbal reports. Prepare data tables and visualizations such as charts, graphs, and illustrations.
Design, review, and implement protected species monitoring plans for project activities in accordance with federal and state regulations and all applicable permits.
Use advanced statistical data analysis techniques to 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.
Develop appropriate mitigation and monitoring plans to avoid or minimize take of marine mammals.
Prepare environmental planning documents and outreach materials for governmental, non-profit, and/or commercial clients.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience and a bachelor’s degree and a post‑graduate degree (e.g., maters or Ph.D.) in Marine Biology, Marine Science, or related discipline.
Experience supporting offshore environmental projects, habitat impact assessments, permitting and/or construction monitoring (environmental consulting experience preferred).
Experience in preparing a NOAA Fisheries Incidental Harassment Authorization application and/or ESA Biological Assessment highly preferred.
Working knowledge of NOAA Fisheries acoustic criteria for protected marine mammals and the principles of underwater acoustics. Familiarity with acoustic thresholds for other ESA-listed species also preferred.
Experience in acoustic modeling using statistical software (e.g., R, Matlab) is highly preferred.
Working knowledge of major federal statutes and implementing regulations related to marine mammals and ESA-related species, including NEPA, MMPA, ESA, CZMA
Working knowledge of offshore energy policies/regulations and familiarity with one or more U.S. East Coast state regulations a plus,
Experience leading or conducting marine species surveys, particularly as a NOAA Fisheries-approved Marine Mammal Observer or Protected Species Observer, is preferred.
Extensive knowledge of marine mammal species’ ecology and habitats along the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and/or Northeast coasts. Familiarity with other ESA-listed species ecology and habitats is also preferred.
Knowledge of relevant research, field monitoring, 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.