Environmental/Natural Resource Economist

Office of Response and Restoration

Silver Spring, MD

Overview:
I.M. Systems Group (www.imsg.com), a contractor to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), seeks an Economist to conduct natural resource damage assessments for oil spills and hazardous waste sites. This individual will work with NOAA’s Assessment and Restoration Division under the Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program (DARRP- www.DARRP.noaa.gov/) in the areas of economics for damage assessments, methods development, and technical support for policy initiatives. This position is located in NOAA’s Silver Spring, Maryland offices. The Assessment and Restoration Division’s mission is to protect and restore coastal and marine resources injured by the release of oil or hazardous substances or direct physical impacts such as vessel groundings. Responsibilities of the incumbent will include: conducting studies to determine the appropriate type and scale of restoration to compensate the public for natural resource injuries; providing technical support to the NOAA Office of General Counsel and the Department of Justice in natural resource damage litigation; managing research conducted by academic experts and consulting firms; and developing improved, cost-effective methods and procedures for conducting natural resource damage assessments.

Core Responsibilities:

• Employee shall provide technical support for the successful design and conduct of natural resource damage assessments.


• Employee shall assist in the research and evaluation of damage assessment methods. Methods will focus on scaling the level of restoration necessary to compensate the public and the environment for resource injuries.


• Employee shall maximize contributions to the office by enhancing personal professional development via identifying and seeking appropriate training and participation in professional meetings.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

• Master’s or Doctorate degree in economics, preferably in one of more of the following sub-disciplines: environmental, natural resource, or agricultural economics; or environmental policy with an emphasis in quantitative economic analysis.


• Strong verbal and writing skills.


• Strong computer and analytical skills


• Self-motivated, energetic, strategic thinker.

• Experience in valuing environmental goods and services.


• Knowledge of damage assessment procedures mandated by CERCLA and OPA.


• Experience working in litigation.


• Experience working on interdisciplinary teams.

To Apply:
Qualified candidates may apply by e-mailing a cover letter, resume, and 3 references (MS Word format strongly preferred) to the following email address: jobs@imsg.com with the subject heading: NOA07036 - Environmental/Natural Resource Economist. Inclusion of copies of undergraduate and graduate college transcripts and a writing sample (preferably a technical paper or report) is encouraged. The vacancy announcement is open until filled. The salary for this position is commensurate with experience. IMSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.