Aquaculture Policy Analyst

Role Overview

• Analyze legislation, policies, statutes, regulations, and rules affecting marine aquaculture and prepare written policy analysis, recommendations, and decision-support products.
• Support development of NOAA aquaculture policy positions through preparation of briefing materials, issue papers, policy memoranda, and responses to leadership taskers.
• Develop analytical tools such as comparison tables, tracking sheets, comment matrices, and regulatory summaries to support program decision-making.
• Review draft documents prepared by partner agencies or NOAA offices and provide clear, actionable written comments and suggested revisions.
• Support coordination of internal and external meetings by preparing agendas, pre-read materials, slide presentations, and meeting logistics.
• Produce meeting notes, minutes, and action item trackers to document key discussions, decisions, and follow-up actions.
• Assist with development of communications and outreach materials including newsletters, one-pagers, outreach content, and policy rollout plans.
• Support coordination with federal and state partners, industry stakeholders, academic institutions, NGOs, and international partners.
• Prepare briefings and reports summarizing developments in aquaculture policy, regulations, and legislative initiatives.
• Participate in recurring coordination meetings and assist with tracking priorities, assignments, and program activities.
• Prepare monthly progress reports summarizing accomplishments, upcoming work, issues or risks, and recommended actions.
• Ensure written deliverables meet NOAA formatting and accessibility requirements and are delivered on schedule.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in marine science, environmental policy, public administration, marine policy, or a related field.
• Minimum of one (1) year of professional experience working with federal agency policies or regulations applicable to aquaculture management in state or federal waters.
• Working knowledge of one or more of the following statutes: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Endangered Species Act (ESA) Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)
• Experience preparing written policy analysis documents, regulatory summaries, briefing papers, or leadership decision-support materials.
• Strong written communication skills and ability to produce high-quality written products on short timelines.
• Experience reviewing technical or policy documents and providing clear written feedback.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative 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) – we’re all company owners!
• 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 to learn at your own pace
• Personalized career growth plans for every employee