Project Research Analyst

**This is a remote position but requires a location within commuting distance of Silver Spring (e.g., the DC area) because it is anticipated to require frequent attendance at NOAA offices for meetings and assignments. This position is expected to last for one year.

Industrial Economics, Incorporated (IEc) provides consulting services for natural resource managers, regulators, attorneys, and other clients involved in public policy development and implementation. Our staff applies expertise in economics, science, engineering, business, computer modeling, and data management to cutting-edge environmental and natural resource policy and management issues. We are known for developing smart, objective analyses to address high-profile environmental and public policy problems, leveraging a unique combination of analytic rigor and creativity.

Position

Seeking qualified candidates to support the NOAA Office for Coastal Management (OCM) in meeting its responsibilities under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA). This position is remote for candidates within commuting distance of Silver Spring (e.g., the DC area). This position is expected to last for one year.

Responsibilities

Policy and Communications

• Assist with maintaining federal records and files under the Government's direction.

• Gather data and draft technical summaries to support federal staff in responding to NOAA, Department of Commerce, or Congressional requests and ensure OCM, NOS, and NOAA have access to high-quality information and talking points regarding OCM activities and partnerships.

• Assist with the development and implementation of rollout plans to communicate major decisions or activities.

• Manage information - generating customized, accurate, and up-to-date responses to inquiries relative to actions and expenditures associated with OCM programs.

• Review incoming DSHMRA exploration license and commercial recovery permit applications to analyze alignment with technical, statutory, and regulatory criteria, providing sufficiency reports to federal staff.

• Develop draft Federal Register notices and assist with coordination of virtual public hearings, as needed, to gather public comment.

• Synthesize, sort, and format public comments to support independent evaluation and final regulatory response by NOAA federal staff and General Counsel.

• Support the review and collection of responsive records for incoming FOIA requests.

Regulatory Review Coordination

• Assist with the tracking and processing of regulatory clearance packages. Support coordination between NOAA technical experts and NOAA OGC to ensure documents meet legal and documented standards.

• Maintain a centralized tracking matrix for all active DSHMRA regulatory clearance packages, documenting milestones from initial application through final interagency disposition.

• Review draft regulatory packages for administrative completeness and compile necessary scientific attachments, maps, or geospatial datasets prior to submission to the NOAA OGC.

• Monitor, log, and distribute follow-up action items stemming from OGC legal reviews or interagency consultations to facilitate timely processing schedules.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in marine science, oceanography, environmental policy, or a closely related discipline.

• Professional experience drafting technical communications to support federal or Congressional requests, synthesizing public comments, and analyzing statutory criteria for regulatory applications.

• Experience preparing written policy analysis documents, regulatory summaries, briefing papers, or 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 and concise written feedback.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Compensation and Advancement

IEc offers competitive salaries ranging from $50,000 to $60,000 commensurate with experience, as well as an annual performance bonus averaging 10% of annual salary.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our staff and provide excellent benefits, including quality medical and dental insurance with contribution to a Health Savings Account; generous contribution to retirement savings (based on tenure); an Employee Assistance Program; flexible vacation/holiday time; financial support for relevant professional development opportunities; sick time and short- and long-term disability; paid family and medical leave; commuter benefits; recreational and social opportunities; and more.

Position Location

This is a remote position but requires a location within commuting distance of Silver Spring (e.g., the DC area) because it is anticipated to require frequent attendance at NOAA offices for meetings and assignments.

Position Start Date

Fall 2026. This position is expected to last for one year.

How to apply

To apply, you must upload all of the following materials: Cover letter; resume; undergraduate transcript; writing sample that should be authored solely by you (must be no more than 5 pages in length, which can be an excerpt from a longer paper, and include some type of technical information/analysis). To apply, please visit our website at www.indecon.com/open-positions

Industrial Economics is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable EEOC regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.