Oceanographic Data Specialist 1

Job Description

Job Description

Note: If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact Ocean Associates, Inc. at View phone number on us.fitly.work to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Ocean Associates, Inc. (OAI) is seeking a full-time Oceanographic Data Specialist 1 to support the NOAA Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) in Silver Spring, MD. OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts. 

CO-OPS is the authoritative source for accurate, reliable, and timely tides, water levels, currents, and other coastal oceanographic and meteorological information. Offering services that support safe and efficient maritime commerce and transportation, help protect public health and safety, and promote robust, resilient coastal communities. CO-OPS maintains ocean observing infrastructure, including more than 200 permanent water level stations on the U.S. coasts and Great Lakes, an integrated system of real-time sensors concentrated in busy seaports, and temporary meters that collect observations for tidal current predictions. Through these systems, CO-OPS provides the nation with historic and real-time data, forecasts, predictions, and scientific analyses that protect life, the economy, and the environment on the coast.

Key Responsibilities May Include:

• Review, enter, and verify metadata and data according to established CO-OPS SOPs for all newly installed or existing water level stations, current meters, and meteorological and oceanographic sensors.
• Review and assess the quality of bench marks, surveying leveling records, and other data submitted from personnel in the field. Enter the information into the database and station packages.
• According to approved criteria, evaluate submitted documentation and data and provide written feedback.
• Load preliminary water level and current meter data into the database.
• Assist in troubleshooting water level, oceanographic, and meteorological data, and metadata issues as they arise.
• Develop, update, and maintain SOPs, manuals, and other technical documentation, including dynamic project instructions.
• Provide technical consultation in support of various CO-OPS partnerships.
• Provide oral and written presentations, as necessary.
• Participate in team and other operational meetings.
• Schedule and lead meetings with field personnel to discuss upcoming maintenance. 
• Participate in field installations of sensors and in leveling of benchmarks to learn and understand CO-OPS observing systems and field procedures.
• Provide data analysis and produce charts, graphics, and other representations of engineering, oceanographic, and meteorological data.

Location: Silver Spring, MD (Telework Eligible)

Salary and Benefits:  Full time. $23.00 - $28.00 depending on experience. Generous employee benefits. 

Required Qualifications/Skills:

• Master's degree in oceanography, meteorology, hydrology, physics, physical science, geophysics, civil engineering, or a bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience is required.
• Knowledge of physical oceanographic principles, especially those related to tides and tidal currents is preferred.
• Undergraduate or graduate coursework in oceanography, marine engineering, meteorology, and related subjects is preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to work well independently and as part of a team, are required.
• Knowledge and experience with MATLAB, spreadsheets, statistics databases, and Structured Query Language (SQL) preferred.
• Experience with Geographic information Systems (GIS) and with the ESRI suite of GIS products or other commercial GIS software preferred.
• Ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively in a team/group setting.
• Ability to receive constructive feedback and implement appropriate action.

If you are interested in being considered for this position, please APPLY THROUGH OUR ADP WEB PORTAL, AT THE LINK AT THE TOP RIGHT OF THIS PAGE.

Only qualified applicants that meet minimum experience or background requirements stated above need apply. When applying for this position you will be asked to upload your resume at the end of this online application.

Applicants should submit a resume that includes the following:

• Cover letter that briefly describes how you meet the required and preferred qualifications listed.
• Work history for past 10 years or since last full-time education.
• Education.
• Previous experience or training with similar requirements.
• Three professional references. 
• Include your name in the document file name.
• Upload your resume in readable, not scanned, PDF or Word format (PDF is preferred). 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire, and successfully complete a federal government background check. Ocean Associates Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. 

OAI is a government contractor and is required by law to invite applicants to self-identify their veteran status. OAI is required to use the information it collects as part of its future affirmative action efforts in hiring. The information is collected anonymously by computer and is not connected to your application. You will see a place to check a box in OAI's online application. Even though the information is anonymous, self-identification is voluntary. You can always check the box that says you decline to self-identify. 

Note: If you are not selected, your materials may be retained for present or future opportunities. We may use your resume in bidding on a project and if we are awarded the work we will contact you before seeking further applicants. If you do not wish us to retain or use your resume to seek work for you, please let us know in the "Notes" section on the second page of the online application.