ESA is looking for a Senior Maritime Permitting & Compliance Specialist to join our Pacific Northwest team on a part-time, on-call basis. The selected individual shall be responsible for managing complex federal and state marine permitting, regulatory strategy, and construction compliance for offshore and coastal infrastructure projects. He/she will support offshore wind, subsea linear infrastructure, port development and operations, dredging, and marine construction projects, ensuring compliance with U.S. federal regulations, marine resource protections, and stakeholder engagement requirements. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in offshore permitting frameworks, vessel compliance, and marine environmental regulations, along with demonstrated success working with fisheries, agencies, and coastal stakeholders. This position will be based out of our Seattle, WA office and be onsite a few days per week.
Who You Are
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Marine Biology, Oceanography, Maritime Affairs, Environmental Science, Coastal Engineering, or related field
- 10+ years of experience in marine permitting, offshore construction compliance, or maritime environmental management
- Demonstrated experience working with BOEM, NOAA, BSEE, and U.S. Coast Guard regulatory processes
- Strong knowledge of:
- Marine protected areas, sanctuaries, and reserves
- ESA, MMPA, NEPA, and CWA frameworks
- Vessel operations and environmental compliance (including VGP)
- Experience supporting offshore construction projects (e.g., offshore wind, subsea cable, ports, dredging)
- Proven stakeholder engagement experience with fisheries and coastal communities
- Strong communication and stakeholders' management skill
- Ability to operate in fa fast-paced construction environments
- High attention to detail and compliance rigor
- Ability to work in office and in the field traveling to coastal and offshore project sites
- Ability to participate in vessel-based operations and offshore inspections
- Able to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams
Preferred
- Experience supporting offshore wind (OSW) projects and COP/SAP development
- Familiarity with fisheries compensation programs and liaison roles
- Certifications such as:
- Certified Environmental Professional (CEP)
- OSHA HAZWOPER (40-hour)
- Experience with GIS, marine spatial planning, or habitat mapping
- Regulatory strategy and problem-solving in complex, multi-agency environments
What You Will Do
Marine Permitting & Regulatory Strategy
This position will lead and serve as subject matter expert for permitting and compliance efforts under both state and federal frameworks including:
- Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) leasing and approvals (BOEM)
- Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) consultations and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) compliance (NOAA), Federal and State Endangered Species Act, Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404/401 (as applicable to marine work), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
- National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA), Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and marine reserves
- Offshore safety and operational compliance (BSEE)
- Navigation, safety, and Marine Transportation System coordination
The individual will prepare and manage permit applications, technical studies, and regulatory submittals (e.g., COPs, SAPs, NEPA documents)
- Coordinate multi-agency reviews and ensure alignment with federal, state, and local requirements
- Develop and implement mitigation measures and monitoring programs for sensitive marine habitats and species
- Support environmental compliance audits and reporting throughout project lifecycle
- Provide strategic guidance to project managers and clients on permitting risks, schedules, and regulatory pathways
Vessel Compliance & Inspection
The role will oversee vessel compliance with the Vessel General Permit (VGP) and applicable discharge requirements
- Conduct or oversee vessel inspections, audits, and documentation reviews
- Ensure contractor and subcontractor vessel operations meet environmental and safety standards
- Coordinate with marine contractors on best management practices (BMPs) and pollution prevention
Offshore Construction Monitoring & Compliance
- Lead environmental compliance during offshore construction and operations, including:
- Cable installation and trenching, pile driving and foundation installation, and dredging and port improvements.
- Implement compliance programs that includes Protected species observers (PSOs), Fisheries liaisons, and Environmental compliance monitoring (ECM).
- Interface with construction teams to ensure adherence to permit conditions, mitigation measures, and environmental commitments
Stakeholder & Fisheries Engagement
- The position will serve as primary liaison with commercial and recreational fisheries and Tribal governments, and coastal communities as needed.
- The position will lead stakeholder engagement strategies such as fisheries compensation and communication plans and Support public outreach, hearings, and interagency coordination
Project Management
- Support business development efforts, including proposal writing, scope development, and client presentations
What’s Special About ESA
Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.
You are eligible to participate in ESA’s sick leave program. You may be eligible to participate in our employee stock ownership program and tax deferred 401(k) plan if you meet the eligibility requirements for these plans.
