Title: Shellfish Aquaculture Specialist

State Role Title: Natural Resource Spec III

Hiring Range: $48,000 - $53,000

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Marine Resources Commission

Location: main location

Agency Website: WWW.MRC.VIRGINIA.GOV

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Agency is seeking a professional to administer programs related to oyster aquaculture, oyster gardening, and the development and use of estuarine and riverine areas in Virginia. This position evaluates Joint Permit Applications for oyster aquaculture projects, executes permit compliance activities, manages Virginia General Permit #3 and #4 programs, and serves as a liaison with leaseholders, government agencies, local governments, industry representatives, and other stakeholders. The position requires strong knowledge of marine resources and environmental regulations, the ability to independently evaluate complex projects and regulatory issues, excellent communication skills, and the ability to exercise sound judgment in support of the Agency’s mission and regulatory responsibilities.

Works independently within delegated authority to review and approve Virginia General Permit applications, evaluate subaqueous aquaculture permit applications, and recommend permit conditions, final approval, and compliance measures to the Division Head. Coordinates referral of applications involving staff objections or protests for Commission consideration.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
•Independently evaluate Joint Permit Applications for subaqueous oyster aquaculture projects, including technical reports, plans, and specifications, to determine consistency with applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines.
•Develop proposed permit terms and conditions using established requirements and project-specific considerations and submit recommendations to the Division Head for review and final approval.
•Identify applications involving staff objections or protests and coordinate referral for Commission consideration with the Division Head.
•Analyze complex projects through the review of technical reports, plans, and specifications, exercising independent judgment.
•Evaluate inspection findings and other compliance information against issued permit terms and conditions. Document potential violations, recommend corrective measures to the Division Chief, and coordinate implementation of approved compliance actions.
•Organize permit compliance site inspections of permitted projects. Accurately interpret inspection results, and report findings in a clear and organized manner.
•Prepare and present briefing materials concerning permit applications, regulatory issues, compliance matters, and policy recommendations, including presentations before the Marine Resources Commission as needed.
•Organize permit compliance site inspections for permitted oyster aquaculture projects and accurately interpret, document, and communicate inspection findings.
•Work closely with the Division Head to evaluate compliance issues and implement appropriate corrective and enforcement measures.
•Maintain complete and accurate compliance records and monitor permit expiration dates, royalties, bonds, fees, and other financial or regulatory obligations.
•Manage and oversee Virginia General Permit #3 and #4 programs for oyster gardening and temporary structures, including application processing, approvals, inspections, records management, and program guidance.
•Independently review and approve Virginia General Permit #3 applications that meet applicable laws, regulations, and established program requirements. Administer Virginia General Permit #3 and #4 program activities, including application processing, record maintenance, and permit database updates.
•Conduct all aspects of the Virginia General Permit #3 and #4 for Oyster Gardening and #4 for Oyster Gardening and temporary structures, ensuring compliance with state regulations and guidelines. This includes processing permit applications, issuing approvals, maintaining accurate records, and updating the permit database temporary structures, ensuring compliance with state regulations and guidelines. This includes processing permit applications, issuing approvals, maintaining accurate records, and updating the permit database.
•Serve as the primary agency point of contact for inquiries concerning the Oyster Gardening Permit and provide clear and accurate guidance to the public, permit holders, and stakeholders.
•Develop and maintain educational materials, guidance documents, permit resources, and best-practice recommendations to support responsible and sustainable oyster gardening.
•Conduct site visits and inspections of permitted oyster gardening locations to verify compliance with permit conditions and applicable regulations.
•Monitor changes in state regulations, aquaculture practices, environmental standards, and agency policies and recommend updates to permit conditions, guidelines, and program procedures as necessary.
•Serve as a backup and point of contact for the oyster-ground leasing program and provide guidance regarding leasing-related matters.
•Confer with leaseholders, prospective leaseholders, state and local officials, and other stakeholders regarding oyster-ground leasing, oyster gardening permits, Joint Permit Applications, and applicable sections of the Code of Virginia.
•Establish and maintain effective working relationships with state and federal regulatory and advisory agencies, local governments, industry representatives, leaseholders, and other stakeholders.
•Coordinate the review and integration of comments, recommendations, and technical information received from regulatory and advisory agencies and other stakeholders, including information obtained through interagency site inspections.
•Represent the Agency at interagency meetings, conferences, workshops, public meetings, and other events concerning the management, regulation, and protection of the Commonwealth’s marine and natural resources.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
•Demonstrated knowledge and skills in marine biology, environmental science, natural resource management, fisheries science, aquaculture, or a closely related field, acquired through relevant education, training, or professional experience.
•Comprehensive knowledge of oyster aquaculture, shellfish management, marine resources, natural resource management, environmental regulations, permitting processes, and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
•Knowledge of regulatory and compliance principles, permit administration, and environmental resource management.
•Ability to independently evaluate complex permit applications, technical plans, reports, and related information and exercise sound judgment in making regulatory recommendations.
•Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and permit conditions.
•Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional correspondence, reports, briefing materials, and regulatory documents and present information to diverse audiences.
•Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, seafood and aquaculture industries, leaseholders, government officials, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
•Proficiency in the use of automated systems, databases, Microsoft Office applications, and other software necessary to administer regulatory programs and maintain accurate records.
•Completion of a Statement of Economic Interest is required upon hire and annually thereafter, in accordance with the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3118.2.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
•Professional experience in oyster aquaculture, shellfish management, marine resource management, environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, or a closely related natural resource program.
•Experience interpreting and applying state and federal environmental regulations.
•Experience evaluating permit applications, technical plans, environmental information, or other complex regulatory documents.
•Experience conducting field inspections and evaluating permit compliance.
•Experience working with state, federal, and local regulatory agencies and coordinating interagency reviews.
•Experience communicating with commercial aquaculture operators, leaseholders, members of the public, government officials, and other stakeholders.
•Experience developing educational materials, regulatory guidance, or public outreach programs related to aquaculture, marine resources, or environmental management.
•Experience with oyster gardening, shellfish aquaculture, or other forms of marine aquaculture.

Additional Considerations

This position requires physical ability to lift up to 20 lbs occasionally; pushing and pulling; standing, sitting, reaching, walking, bending, stooping, and climbing. Position may require travel and field work involving exposure to variable weather and environmental conditions.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

State Application is required.

Contact Information

Name: Malinda Cross

Phone: 757-247-2216

Email: HR@MRC.VIRGINIA.GOV

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.