Job Announcement: Aquatic Species Program Manager and Policy Advisor

POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED.

OSC is accepting applications for the principal representative for aquatic species issues across the state until October 15th. The aquatic species program manager and policy advisor reports to the OSC administrator, Mike Edmondson, and will have statewide responsibilities that focus on the development, implementation, and coordination of conservation and recovery programs for aquatic species in Idaho. This position is full-time, based out of Boise, requires travel, and offers benefits.

Example of Duties:

    • Leads or is a key participant for the agency in a variety of groups, committees, or task forces.
    • Develops the aquatic species program strategy including goals, objectives, policy direction and procedures.
    • Provide technical and policy advice to the OSC Administrator regarding aquatic species conservation actions, initiatives, and federal planning efforts.
    • Assigns work, supervises staff, and evaluates performance.
    • Develops and monitors aquatic program budget.
    • Solicits funding resources and allocates funds where applicable to provide better services to constituents and species.
    • Draft and edit official responses, comments, and letters related to state and federal proposed actions, species petitions and other rare and declining and ESA species associated actions.
    • Participate in recovery planning efforts for candidate, threatened, endangered, rare and declining species with state and federal agencies.
    • Attend meetings and field outings and respond to citizen concerns.
    • Answer inquiries for information and assistance from local, state, and federal agencies and the public with ESA issues.
    • Coordinate with state and federal agencies as well as a variety of stakeholders on policy, projects, and conservation actions for aquatic species.
    • Create and implement State policy among a diverse set of stakeholders to address issues related to federal ESA programs.
    • Negotiate agreements with federal natural resource agencies that rely upon science and common sense, involve all parties affected by ESA decisions, and incorporate Idaho’s economic vitality and values into the decision-making processes.
    • Mediate to resolve conflicts, negotiate agreements, and build consensus among stakeholders and service providers.
    • Compile and analyze data to measure and evaluate program needs and available resources and communicate program performance.

Minimum Qualifications

    • Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in natural resources or environmental policy, ichthyology, fish ecology, environmental science, or related field or equivalent experience
    • Experience in natural resources and land use policy
    • Experience partnering with outside agencies, departments, or organizations to find a balanced approach.
    • Knowledge of the Endangered Species Act and the Natural Environmental Policy Act
    • Knowledge of managing federal grants and reporting
    • At least 1-year working experience regarding ESA, NEPA or policy analysis

See the job listing here for more information about the position. To apply, please send a resume, three professional references, and a cover letter outlining your experience to grace.johnson@osc.idaho.gov.