Duties
The attorneys in this office provide legal advice to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on protected resources actions, such as those developed pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), Endangered Species Act (ESA), Federal Power Act and other protected resources statutes. For example, the attorneys will provide legal advice on permits or authorizations issued under the MMPA, listing determinations and consultations under the ESA, and all supporting environmental analyses related to these actions. The attorneys also handle fisheries-related matters, such as those arising under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act as well as fisheries related financing authorized by the Merchant Marine Act. The attorneys also will provide advice regarding compliance with other procedural and administrative laws and regulations (e.g., the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)). The selected attorney can expect to provide legal advice in any of these areas. The incumbent will coordinate with other lawyers, policy makers, and technical staff within NOAA and NMFS and interact with other Federal agencies (e.g., Department of the Interior and Department of Defense), applicants, industry groups, public interest organizations, Native Americans and other groups and organizations. The incumbents will report to the Deputy Section Chief for Fisheries and Protected Resources. Some travel will be required.
The position involves working closely with experienced biologists, fishery managers and financial specialists in, among other things, developing and reviewing regulations, permits, policies and commercial transactions. The position requires interaction with other NOAA GC attorneys, policy makers and technical staff, the Department of Commerce, and other Federal and state agencies, members of the regulated community, and public interest organizations. It also involves active participation, in concert with U.S. Department of Justice attorneys, in conducting research and analysis for the development of arguments and strategies to defend NOAA fisheries in cases brought under the above-referenced statutes. The work involves complex and challenging issues on important matters.