Research Operations Specialist IV (ROS4)
About The Position
CPC is seeking a Research Operations Specialist IV to join the NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) team. ONMS manages complex ecosystems and works to ensure compatible multi-use activities are maintained for future generations. The position supports the ONMS Chief Scientist in anticipating managers’ needs and ensuring the best available science informs resource-management decisions. The work includes national and regional scientific coordination, support for science activities, and development of partnerships with Federal and state agencies, academics, NGOs, and industry. The role provides scientific capacity to address high-priority requests and site-, regional-, and national-level science needs. Focus areas include assembling and synthesizing data on habitats, resources, stressors, and users; understanding their status, trends, and projections; and developing tools that make this information accessible to resource-protection staff and leadership. Work may include administration, partnership development, data acquisition, analysis, synthesis, and report writing. This is a full-time, non-exempt position based primarily in an office at NOAA ONMS or CINMS headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, or Santa Barbara, California. The listed pay rate is $52–$55 per hour, depending on experience. Occasional field studies may require extended travel and may necessitate obtaining and maintaining NOAA diver status.
Requirements
- Master’s or Ph.D. degree in a marine science-related field, such as biology, zoology, oceanography, ecology, geology, geography, or environmental science.
- At least five years of experience in statistical and geospatial analysis; R experience is preferred.
- Experience with data management.
- Background in marine sciences and data analysis.
- Ability to work effectively on team-based and independent projects.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills; a technical writing sample is required.
- Proven ability to develop and maintain partnerships with Federal and state government agencies, NGOs, academia, and industry partners.
Nice To Haves
- SCUBA certification (NAUI, PADI, or equivalent) with a minimum of 30 dives; ability to comply with NOAA diver certification standards and process.
- Comfort operating from small and large research vessels.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds to help transport equipment and gear.
- General institutional knowledge across NOAA.
- Ability to utilize AI to handle routine tasks and provide innovative solutions.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate and maintain regional and national science partnerships under the direction of the Chief Scientist.
- Participate in headquarters meetings, engage with headquarters staff, and maintain a headquarters presence.
- Provide national- and regional-level analytical leadership and guidance related to sampling design, research, characterization, and monitoring.
- Support field operations, including diving or vessel support for sites and regions needing additional personnel; occasional studies may require extended travel.
- Support the development and delivery of technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and other outreach materials.
- Support the development of proposals and grants for sanctuary research efforts.
- Lead responses to headquarters-related taskers, including science-related inquiries from Congress, NOAA, NOS, or ONMS.
- Work with ONMS IT and the ONMS data manager to enhance ONMS analytical capability.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
