[Hiring] Nisqually River Pinniped-Fishery Interaction Task Force @Lynker Corporation

Role Description

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) as part of the process when considering an application from an eligible state government requesting to lethally remove those sea lions that are having a significant negative impact on at-risk populations of salmon and steelhead. NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) requires a professional, impartial facilitation team to help manage the Task Force due to the controversial nature of the subject and the discussions. The MMPA requires that the Task Force be convened to review the application, review the public comments on the application, and to provide NMFS with a recommendation to either approve or deny an application requesting authority for lethal removal of sea lions.

Your role will be 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, to include 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

Key tasks include:

• Task 1: Description—Preparation for Task Force Meetings
  • Plan approach to Task Force meetings with NMFS
  • Review preparatory information/materials w/NMFS
  • Prepare draft agenda and prepare 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

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience as a lead facilitator and mediator in conflict resolution involving state, local, and federal agencies and the public
• Senior/lead mediator/facilitator experience in complex, multi-party, multi-state natural resource management related to salmon and steelhead projects in the Pacific Northwest
• A local candidate is strongly preferred
• 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

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
• Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
• 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life and accident insurance
• Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
• Employee Referral Program
• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee