Shellfish Aquaculture Specialist

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Hampton, VA

4d•$48,000 - $53,000

About The Position

The Marine Resources Commission is seeking a professional to administer programs related to oyster aquaculture, oyster gardening, and the development and use of estuarine and riverine areas in Virginia. The position evaluates Joint Permit Applications for oyster aquaculture projects, conducts permit compliance activities, manages Virginia General Permit #3 and #4 programs, and serves as a liaison with leaseholders, government agencies, local governments, industry representatives, and other stakeholders. The specialist works independently within delegated authority to review and approve Virginia General Permit applications, evaluate subaqueous aquaculture permit applications, and recommend permit conditions, final approval, and compliance measures to the Division Head. The role also coordinates referral of applications involving staff objections or protests for Commission consideration. It requires knowledge of marine resources and environmental regulations, independent evaluation of complex projects and regulatory issues, strong communication skills, and sound judgment in support of the Agency’s mission and regulatory responsibilities.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge and skills in marine biology, environmental science, natural resource management, fisheries science, aquaculture, or a closely related field, acquired through relevant education, training, or professional experience.
Comprehensive knowledge of oyster aquaculture, shellfish management, marine resources, natural resource management, environmental regulations, permitting processes, and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
Knowledge of regulatory and compliance principles, permit administration, and environmental resource management.
Ability to independently evaluate complex permit applications, technical plans, reports, and related information and exercise sound judgment in making regulatory recommendations.
Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and permit conditions.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional correspondence, reports, briefing materials, and regulatory documents and present information to diverse audiences.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, seafood and aquaculture industries, leaseholders, government officials, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
Proficiency with automated systems, databases, Microsoft Office applications, and other software needed to administer regulatory programs and maintain accurate records.
Physical ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally; push and pull; stand, sit, reach, walk, bend, stoop, and climb.
Ability to travel and conduct field work involving exposure to variable weather and environmental conditions may be required.
Completion of a Statement of Economic Interest upon hire and annually thereafter, in accordance with the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3118.2.

Nice To Haves

Professional experience in oyster aquaculture, shellfish management, marine resource management, environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, or a closely related natural resource program.
Experience interpreting and applying state and federal environmental regulations.
Experience evaluating permit applications, technical plans, environmental information, or other complex regulatory documents.
Experience conducting field inspections and evaluating permit compliance.
Experience working with state, federal, and local regulatory agencies and coordinating interagency reviews.
Experience communicating with commercial aquaculture operators, leaseholders, members of the public, government officials, and other stakeholders.
Experience developing educational materials, regulatory guidance, or public outreach programs related to aquaculture, marine resources, or environmental management.
Experience with oyster gardening, shellfish aquaculture, or other forms of marine aquaculture.

Responsibilities

Evaluate Joint Permit Applications for subaqueous oyster aquaculture projects, including technical reports, plans, and specifications, for consistency with applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines.
Develop proposed permit terms and conditions based on established requirements and project-specific considerations, and submit recommendations to the Division Head for review and final approval.
Identify applications involving staff objections or protests and coordinate their referral for Commission consideration with the Division Head.
Analyze complex projects by reviewing technical reports, plans, and specifications and exercising independent judgment.
Evaluate inspection findings and other compliance information against permit terms and conditions; document potential violations, recommend corrective measures to the Division Chief, and coordinate approved compliance actions.
Organize compliance site inspections of permitted projects and oyster aquaculture locations; interpret, document, and communicate inspection findings.
Prepare and present briefing materials on permit applications, regulatory issues, compliance matters, and policy recommendations, including presentations to the Marine Resources Commission as needed.
Work with the Division Head to evaluate compliance issues and implement appropriate corrective and enforcement measures.
Maintain accurate compliance records and monitor permit expiration dates, royalties, bonds, fees, and other financial or regulatory obligations.
Manage Virginia General Permit #3 and #4 programs for oyster gardening and temporary structures, including application processing, approvals, inspections, records management, database updates, and program guidance.
Independently review and approve Virginia General Permit #3 applications that meet applicable laws, regulations, and program requirements.
Serve as the primary agency contact for Oyster Gardening Permit inquiries and provide guidance to the public, permit holders, and stakeholders.
Develop and maintain educational materials, guidance documents, permit resources, and best-practice recommendations for responsible and sustainable oyster gardening.
Conduct site visits and inspections of permitted oyster gardening locations to verify compliance with permit conditions and regulations.
Monitor changes in state regulations, aquaculture practices, environmental standards, and agency policies, and recommend updates to permit conditions, guidelines, and procedures.
Serve as a backup and point of contact for the oyster-ground leasing program and provide leasing-related guidance.
Confer with leaseholders, prospective leaseholders, state and local officials, and other stakeholders on oyster-ground leasing, oyster gardening permits, Joint Permit Applications, and applicable sections of the Code of Virginia.
Establish and maintain working relationships with state and federal regulatory and advisory agencies, local governments, industry representatives, leaseholders, and other stakeholders.
Coordinate the review and integration of comments, recommendations, and technical information from agencies and stakeholders, including information obtained through interagency site inspections.
Represent the Agency at interagency meetings, conferences, workshops, public meetings, and other events concerning the management, regulation, and protection of Virginia’s marine and natural resources.
Complete a Statement of Economic Interest upon hire and annually thereafter, as required by the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3118.2.