[Hiring] Facilitator @Ocean Associates Incorporated

Role Description

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking an applicant to provide Facilitation Services to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) West Coast Region. We are seeking applicants for this position prospectively, which is dependent on award of contract.

The commissioning of a Nisqually River Pinniped-Fishery Interaction Task Force (Task Force) is required by subsection 120(c) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). NOAA’s NMFS requires a professional, impartial facilitation team to help manage the Task Force due to the controversial nature of the subject and discussions.

Specifically, the WCR requires services of an independent facilitator who will:

• Advise and assist NMFS in convening the Task Force.
• Be responsible for renting the facility for the Task Force meeting, including all reimbursable costs associated with rental, equipment, and supplies.
• Assess the needs of Task Force members in advance of the session via one-on-one telephone calls.
• Manage and facilitate the participation of Task Force members during their deliberations and discussions.
• Work with Task Force members using facilitation and mediation techniques to sort through polarized views.
• Document Task Force deliberations.
• Professionally manage public involvement in the Task Force meetings.
• Write a detailed report that captures the final agreements and recommendations of the Task Force.

Tasks

Key tasks include the following:

• Task 1: Description—Preparation for Task Force Meetings
  • Plan approach to Task Force meetings with NMFS.
  • Review preparatory information/materials with NMFS.
  • Prepare draft agenda and supporting materials for Task Force meetings.
  • Pre-meeting calls with Task Force members.
  • Reserve and purchase meeting space and equipment rental for up to 55 participants.
  • Project management and meeting logistics.
• Task 2: Description—Facilitate and Document Discussion
  • Facilitate meetings/discussions.
  • Document meeting/discussion.
• Task 3: Description—Report of Task Force Deliberations
  • Prepare meeting/discussion summary.
  • Prepare draft report and manage iterative process with Task Force.
  • Provide NMFS with draft report and Task Force recommendations for review and approval.
  • Revise draft report.
  • Provide NMFS with a final report and Task Force recommendation.

Requirements

• The Professional Facilitator shall have demonstrated experience as a lead facilitator and mediator in conflict resolution involving state, local, and federal agencies and the public.
• Experience in complex, multi-party, multi-state natural resource management related to salmon and steelhead projects in the Pacific Northwest.
• Master’s degree, or higher, from an accredited college or university.
• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressively responsible facilitation management and conflict resolution experience.
• A local candidate in Washington state / Western Washington state is strongly preferred.

Salary and Benefits

• This is a full-time position with benefits.
• Salary, commensurate with experience, between $30.00 - $55.00 per hour.

Additional Information

• Start Date: Contingent upon award of contract.
• Location: Remote / Telework.
• Travel: The consultant(s) will need to travel to Olympia, WA for multiple (4) day and (3) night trips in 2027.