NESP Coordinator; Remote w

Akima Systems Engineering (ASE) is seeking a Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) Coordinator to support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP)—a long‑term effort focused on navigation improvements and ecosystem restoration across the upper Mississippi River Basin and Illinois Waterway System.

The NESP Coordinator will help advance this work. The position centers on collaboration across broad, multi‑agency partnerships, with an emphasis on restoration ecology, science translation, interdisciplinary science needs, and effective communication. Experience with adaptive management and large‑river systems is highly desirable.

WORK LOCATION: Preferred location is LaCrosse, WI; however, this position may be remote if you reside within the five states in the upper Mississippi River Basin where NESP has authority:
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. Travel for scientific and partner meetings and occasional travel to the La Crosse, Wisconsin USGS office will be required as needed.

• Providing scientific and programmatic expertise to develop and implement adaptive management strategies through shared, multi‑agency approaches.
• Identifying critical data needs and relevant data sources.
• Assisting with conceptual model development and data collection, management, and analysis.
• Offering scientific and technical expertise related to mitigation, cultural resource considerations, and habitat restoration and rehabilitation projects.
• Working within existing partnership structures to identify, synthesize, and address science needs.
• Participating in NESP policy, budget, and programmatic discussions limited to information already publicly released; any out‑year discussions will remain general and non‑specific.
• Supporting strategic planning for key program elements, including project selection, adaptive management, cultural resource mitigation, and systemic mitigation.
• Evaluating issues facing the UMRS and identifying potential solutions or pathways to advance them.
• Engaging leadership and technical staff to develop positions and carry forward implementation responsibilities.
• Coordinating with Project Delivery Teams and similar groups.
• Assisting in developing and implementing communication strategies through agency channels.
• Reviewing Project Implementation Reports, NESP design materials, and fact sheets.
• Participating in NESP meetings, including Coordinating Committee and River Team meetings.
• Attending Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program Long‑Term Resource Monitoring meetings to identify opportunities for collaboration across programs.
• Traveling for project site visits, partner meetings, scientific meetings, and conferences (estimated average of 1–2 trips per month).

• Must be a U.S. citizen able to pass a background check prior to starting, which includes obtaining PIV government access.
• Master’s degree or equivalent graduate degree in ecology, biology, environmental/ecological restoration, or a closely related field that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Experience (1–2 years):
• • Planning and designing studies to address uncertainties in ecosystem restoration and evaluating restoration effects on riverine ecosystems.
  • Contributing to regional programmatic efforts for large‑scale restoration initiatives.
  • Providing scientific leadership on research and monitoring in support of restoration project implementation.
  • Applying adaptive management principles through shared, multi‑agency approaches to define system goals and objectives.
  • Identifying critical data needs and developing adaptive management strategies for restoration projects.
• Position is in LaCrosse, WI; however, if you reside in one of the five listed states below, it can be remote.
• Must be willing to travel approximately 25% as needed.
• The candidate must reside within the five states in the upper Mississippi River Basins where NESP has authority:
  Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. Travel for scientific and partner meetings and occasional travel to the La Crosse, Wisconsin USGS office will be required as needed.

The company…