[Hiring] Facilitator @Saltwater Inc

Role Description

We are currently recruiting for a Facilitator to lead a professional, impartial facilitation team to help manage an MMPA-required Nisqually River Pinniped-Fishery Interaction Task Force.

• Review the application and public comments on the application.
• Provide NMFS with a recommendation to either approve or deny an application requesting authority for lethal removal of sea lions impacting at-risk populations of salmon and steelhead.
• Skillfully manage the Task Force through the controversial nature of discussions.

This will be a full-time position. Work may be performed remotely in coordination with the COR and Project Lead, but a local candidate is strongly preferred. The contract has a base period from September 30, 2026 – September 29, 2027 and will have up to four 12-month option periods.

Duties:

• Advise and assist NMFS in convening the Task Force.
• 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 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.

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.
• Conduct 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.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience as a lead facilitator and mediator with experience in conflict resolution involving state, local, and federal agencies and the public.
• Demonstrated experience as the senior/lead mediator/facilitator involving 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 in a professional environment that deals specifically with resolving controversial issues related to Pacific salmon and steelhead in the Pacific Northwest.

Requirements

• Salary range is $40-$55 per hour, dependent upon experience.

Benefits

• Saltwater Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
• We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability status.
• We strive to create an inclusive workplace culture to attract the best talent.
• Saltwater Inc. highly encourages qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply for positions for which they are qualified.
• We will honor all requests for application confidentiality.