Shellfish Aquaculture Specialist

DHRM•Hampton, VA

About The Position

The Shellfish Aquaculture Specialist administers programs related to oyster aquaculture, oyster gardening, and the development and use of Virginia’s estuarine and riverine areas. The position evaluates Joint Permit Applications for oyster aquaculture projects, administers Virginia General Permit #3 and #4 programs, conducts permit-compliance activities, and serves as a liaison with leaseholders, government agencies, local governments, industry representatives, and other stakeholders. Working independently within delegated authority, the specialist reviews and approves eligible Virginia General Permit applications, evaluates subaqueous aquaculture permit applications, and recommends permit conditions, approvals, and compliance measures to the Division Head. The role requires knowledge of marine resources, environmental regulations, permitting, and compliance; independent judgment in evaluating complex projects; and effective communication with diverse audiences. The position also includes inspections, program and records management, public guidance, interagency coordination, and representing the Agency at meetings and public events.

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 and 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 preparing correspondence, reports, briefing materials, and regulatory documents and presenting to diverse audiences.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, aquaculture and seafood 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 records.
Completion of a Statement of Economic Interest upon hire and annually thereafter, in accordance with Code of Virginia § 2.2-3118.2.
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally and to push, pull, stand, sit, reach, walk, bend, stoop, and climb.
Ability to travel and perform field work that may involve variable weather and environmental conditions.

Nice To Haves

Professional experience in oyster aquaculture, shellfish management, marine resource management, environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, or a 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

Independently 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 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.
Evaluate inspection findings and compliance information; document potential violations, recommend corrective measures, and coordinate approved compliance actions.
Organize and conduct permit-compliance inspections, interpret results, and clearly document and communicate 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 obligations.
Manage Virginia General Permit #3 and #4 programs, including application processing, approvals, inspections, records management, program guidance, and database updates.
Independently review and approve 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 oyster gardening.
Conduct site visits and inspections of permitted oyster gardening locations to verify compliance.
Monitor changes in 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, officials, and other stakeholders about oyster-ground leasing, oyster gardening permits, Joint Permit Applications, and relevant provisions of the Code of Virginia.
Maintain effective working relationships with state and federal 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 from interagency site inspections.
Represent the Agency at interagency meetings, conferences, workshops, public meetings, and other events concerning Commonwealth marine and natural resources.