Overview

Azura is seeking a full-time Fishery Management & Performance Monitoring Analyst to support the NOAA Fisheries Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Domestic Fisheries Division. This position may be performed remotely within the United States or onsite at the NMFS Office in Silver Spring, Maryland. The role supports national policy development and performance monitoring under the Magnus-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, including tracking fish stock status and rebuilding progress, supporting Fish Stock Sustainability Index (FSSI) reporting, developing regulatory and policy documents, and contributing to reports to Congress.

Background

Azura is seeking a Fishery Management & Performance Monitoring Analyst to support the NOAA Fisheries Office of Sustainable Fisheries (OSF). OSF supports consideration and resolution of national domestic policy issues, provides support to the regional fishery management councils (councils), manages fisheries for Atlantic highly migratory species, and works with federal partners to ensure the safety of seafood sold in the United States. OSF is a headquarters office and works closely with the five NOAA Fisheries regional offices and six science centers and in partnership with the councils, interstate marine fishery commissions, and states to ensure U.S. fisheries are sustainably managed. OSF also engages the fishing industry (both commercial and recreational) seafood dealers, environmental groups, other federal agencies, and academia to ensure sustainable fisheries and sustainable economies and healthy and nutritious shellfish and finfish.

The Fishery Management & Performance Monitoring Analyst will support the NOAA Fisheries Domestic Fisheries Division, which develops national policies and guidance to ensure sustainable management of U.S. fisheries under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The Division collaborates with regional councils, science centers, states, and other partners to prevent overfishing, rebuild depleted stocks, and determine and track the status of fish stocks using the best available scientific information and stakeholder input.

Having high attention to detail and the ability to manage short project timelines are critical skills for this position. Potential candidates must also possess the curiosity and ability to find solutions and resolve issues based on available resources and also have strong client and team communication skills. Applicants must be able to operate independently, manage their own work schedule, and dedicate blocks of time for uninterrupted focus.

Place of Performance and Work Schedule

Work is expected to be performed at the Domestic Fisheries Division office (Silver Spring Metro Campus, 1315 E West Highway, 13th Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910) or at a remote location within the United States. Work is full-time (40 hours per week, Monday through Friday) and expected to last one year with the possibility of an extension. During standard workdays, candidates must maintain core availability between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Candidates are expected to respond to communications within 24 hours and participate in calls and meetings as needed during normal business hours. Beyond the communication requirements, work hours are extremely flexible. Some travel to in-person meetings may be required. This position is not open to visa sponsorship or relocation assistance.

Anticipated Start Date

Immediate, pending successful completion of required security processing (processing timelines may vary).

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay: $32.63/hour
• Competitive benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance and life and disability insurance. You will be eligible for a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match and will receive paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and company-observed holidays.

Duties

The employee will perform a variety of tasks related to the position. Specific tasks may include the following:

• Assist in the development of fishery management papers, policies, and guidelines, with a focus on improving fishery performance monitoring and sustainability reporting.
• Track and report on fish stock status and rebuilding progress, including preparation of stock status decision memoranda and related regulatory documents for review and clearance.
• Review and consolidate stock status information from NOAA Fisheries regions and assist in calculating and reporting the Fish Stock Sustainability Index (FSSI) on a quarterly and annual basis.
• Maintain and update stock status information for public-facing resources, including Seafood Profiles on the NMFS website.
• Support coordination and meeting planning for the Domestic Fisheries Division, including agenda development, logistical support (travel, lodging, webinar setup), and facilitation of meetings with internal and external partners.
• Draft reports to Congress in coordination with subject matter experts on fishery management topics such as bycatch reduction, shark management, national stock status, and regional fishery management councils.
• Provide policy and analytical support on emerging fishery management initiatives, including catch share programs, electronic monitoring, and electronic reporting.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major field of study in biological sciences, fisheries, natural resources management, or a closely related discipline appropriate to the position.
• Minimum of two years of professional experience in fisheries science, fisheries management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated understanding of U.S. fishery management institutions and federal fisheries laws, particularly the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information for diverse audiences.
• Authorization to work in the United States and ability to comply with federal I-9 employment eligibility requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Clearance (requires successful completion of a federal background investigation).
• Ability to begin work immediately upon receipt of Public Trust Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (M.S., Ph.D., or equivalent) in biological sciences, fisheries, natural resources management, or a closely related field.
• Professional or research experience exceeding the minimum required years, particularly in fisheries policy, management, or performance monitoring.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple deadlines and high volumes of complex information with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proven track record of working independently while thriving in collaborative, multidisciplinary team environments.

About Azura

Azura is a woman-owned small business headquartered in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. We offer 'big city' resources with 'small town' customer service. Our primary consulting services are focused on natural resources, professional writing and editing, and educational outreach and communication. Please see our website above for more information.