Economist – Sustainable Fisheries

Saltwater Inc. is seeking a full-time Economist for Sustainable Fisheries to conduct data and scientific analysis supporting the Office of Sustainable Fisheries. Responsibilities include economic analysis for fisheries management, assessments of management options, and socio-economic evaluations. The position can be performed on-site in Silver Spring, MD, or remotely. The contract spans from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028, with potential extensions.
At Saltwater Inc. we believe that high-quality data is vital to the health of our fisheries and oceans: our mission is to provide that data. We are a Women-Owned Small Business and are constantly seeking new team members who share our passion for innovation and environmental wellness. We are currently recruiting for an Economist to perform Data and Scientific Analysis to assist the Office of Sustainable Fisheries (OSF) in their role to support consideration and resolution of national domestic policy issues, provide support to the regional fishery management councils (councils), manages fisheries for Atlantic highly migratory species, and works with federal partners to ensure the safety of seafood sold in the U.S. This position will support the fishery management actions necessary to enable rapid fulfillment of the requirements of the Seafood Executive Order. This will be a full-time position. Work may be performed either on-site in Silver Spring, MD, or remotely in coordination with the COR and Project Lead. The contract has a two-year base period from July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028 and will have up to 1.5 years 12-month option periods.


Duties:



Support the economic analysis for fisheries management actions resulting from the Seafood EO, and respond to the requests of NOAA and NMFS leadership including but not limited to conducting Regulatory Impact Review analyses, developing fishery descriptions, conducting Regulatory Flexibility Analysis reviews (to include Section 610 reviews), and Small Business entity analyses.
Assessments including, but not limited to, cost-benefits of proposed management options, including addressing fisheries bycatch and discard issues, capacity, protected species issues, habitat protection restrictions, and social impact assessments in support of the management actions necessary to implement the Seafood EO and respond to the requests of NOAA and NMFS leadership.
Provide fisheries management input to the Office of Science and Technology in support of the Seafood EO.
Evaluate the effects of allocation options between commercial – recreational sectors; within sectors.
Evaluate surveys and research of socioeconomic impacts of management actions and disasters on fishing communities, including general public, fishing businesses, crew, aquaculture operations, marine-related businesses and seafood-business employees.
Evaluate comparative analyses of fishing labor trends.
Technical editing of economic input to fishery management actions in support of the Seafood EO and in response to NOAA and NMFS leadership requests.
Evaluation of decision support tools, bio economic models, integrated ecosystem models, angler behavioral models, seafood markets and trade, aquaculture, and fisheries economic impact models.
Provide support for socio-economic analyses for fisheries management actions for which NOAA is responsible.

Saltwater Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, parental status, veteran status, or disability status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace culture to attract the best talent and allow each member of our team to achieve their full potential and maximum productivity. Furthermore, Saltwater Inc. highly encourages qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply for positions for which they are qualified and to notify us if there are any needs for accommodation throughout the application process and/or upon hire.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS



Economics background – Masters or PhD required.
Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience performing economic analysis, preferably in relation to fisheries and/or seafood.
Demonstrated time management and organizational skills.
Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, especially scientific writing.
Ability to work independently.

COMPENSATION


Salary range is $50 – $60 per hour, dependent upon experience.