Aquaculture Policy Analyst II at Think Tank Inc. in Silver Spring, MD, USA

Job description

• The Policy Analyst II provides professional policy and regulatory analysis support to advance U.S. marine aquaculture policy initiatives. This role supports the development of policy analyses, written products, and coordination activities that assist federal decision-makers in implementing aquaculture policy within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
• Working under general supervision, the analyst contributes to research, analysis, document review, and stakeholder coordination related to federal aquaculture policies and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Policy and Regulatory Analysis
• Analyze federal legislation, statutes, policies, and regulations affecting marine aquaculture.
• Prepare written policy analyses, briefing materials, issue papers, and background documents for agency leadership.
• Develop analytical tools such as comparison tables, tracking sheets, and policy summaries to support decision-making.
• Review and Comment Support
• Review draft regulatory, policy, and consultation documents prepared by interagency partners.
• Provide written technical comments and recommendations to support NOAA policy positions.
• Assist in coordinating internal review processes and consolidating feedback from agency stakeholders.
• Coordination and Meeting Support
• Assist in planning and coordinating internal and external meetings, including preparation of agendas, briefing materials, and presentation slides.
• Document meeting outcomes and maintain action item trackers.
• Support collaboration with federal agencies, state partners, industry stakeholders, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
• Communications and Outreach Support
• Contribute to communications materials such as newsletters, fact sheets, and policy summaries.
• Support outreach activities and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Program Support and Reporting
• Participate in project status meetings and support program tracking activities.
• Assist in preparing monthly progress reports summarizing accomplishments, upcoming work, and potential issues.

Requirements

• Master's degree in marine science, environmental policy, public administration, or a related discipline.
• At least one year of professional experience supporting federal policy or regulatory analysis related to marine resource management or aquaculture.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal environmental and fisheries statutes, including:
• Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA)
• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
• Endangered Species Act (ESA)
• Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)
• Experience supporting federal policy analysis or regulatory review processes.
• Familiarity with NOAA Fisheries or federal marine resource management programs.
• Strong analytical writing and policy research skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary policy environments

Skills

Required

• Policy analysis
• Regulatory analysis
• Analytical writing
• Research
• Document review
• Stakeholder coordination