Program Specialist

JHT is hiring a Program Specialist to support NOAA’s Estuarine Reserves Division in Silver Spring, MD. The National Estuarine Research Reserves System helps to fulfill NOAA's stewardship mission to sustain healthy coasts by improving the nation's understanding and stewardship of estuaries. Established by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, the reserve system is a network of 27 protected areas representing different biogeographic regions of the United States.

The NERRS program is administered by NOAA’s Estuarine Reserves Division, which is primarily responsible for the identification, designation and management of reserves in order to assure their long-term protection and continued accessibility for wise public use for research and education purposes. Estuarine Reserves Division staff and state partners collaborate to set common priorities for system-wide programs in education, research and stewardship to further the mission and goals of the reserve system. Through site-based integrated education and research programs, the reserves serve as platforms for scientific investigation, environmental monitoring, reference sites for resource management strategies, with an emphasis on getting coastal and estuarine science into the hands of local and regional decision-makers that must make difficult decisions around coastal resource issues. Business practices at the system-wide level are participatory, consensus-based, and foster a bottoms-up approach to program development, involving multiple workgroups, committees, conference calls and in-person meetings.

A core team of Program Specialists in the Estuarine Reserves Division provide direct support to reserves (up to four reserves per specialist) to monitor and support program implementation according to site-based management plans, ensure adherence with federal requirements and the goals and objectives of the NERRS Strategic Plan, as well as more general regional coordination and networking. Additionally, team members provide cross-cutting support for system-wide projects and activities, such as NERRS K-12 Estuarine Education Program, Coastal Training Program, communications and NERRS committee and workgroup coordination, based on individual skills and interests. For more information on the NERRS, please visit www.nerrs.noaa.gov.

Program Administration and Support
The individual selected for the position will provide support as described above for four reserves, and assist in coordination and management of NERRS system-wide education and communication projects and programs.

Tasks:
The Contractor will:
• Monitor reserve implementation of site-based Management Plans; ensure timely revision and approval of plans, and participate in Agency evaluations of reserve operations and program implementation according to these plans.

• Serve as a proactive liaison to link NOAA science, services and technical resources with ongoing programs and projects assigned reserves (up to four reserves each in a regional setting).

• Review cooperative agreement and grant proposals for reserve-based operations, land acquisition and construction projects to ensure compliance with regulations and policy. Monitor implementation in assigned reserves.

• Represent assigned reserves, NERRS, ERD and NOAA in a variety of forums; respond regularly to queries for reserve program information.

• Support implementation of system-wide programs and projects with a particular emphasis on supporting and coordinating education and communication activities. Participate in the NERRS Annual Meeting, where all NERRS staff convene for program development discussions, resource sharing and exchange.

• Prepare briefing materials for a range of audiences, reserve activity summaries, and text for NERRS website elements.

• Support ERD in a range of projects and program management functions.

Desired Knowledge and Experience

• BS or BA required; MA or MS preferred. Academic background and/or applied experience in any one or a combination of: environmental education; natural resource or environmental policy; or natural resource management.

• Demonstrated experience in coordinating programs across a geographically diverse, partnered network of agencies or organizations.

• Knowledge of the Coastal Zone Management Act (1972) and respective amendments, as well as NERRS regulations pursuant to the CZMA.

• Demonstrated experience in grants management.

• Demonstrated experience working as a member of a team.

Skills and Abilities
• Analytic abilities and communication skills necessary to address complex issues, policy applications and relationships that commonly occur in networked, field-based, State-Federal partnership programs;

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, with an emphasis on the need to tailor material to a range of audiences;

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team in the Estuarine Reserves Division and across NOAA;

• Ability to network effectively to identify program resources, opportunities and assistance for reserve managers and staff.

The salary range for this position is $53,000-56,000.