Science Content & Digital Media Specialist (SME I) - NSSL (Norman, OK) (Hybrid)

FedWriters, Inc. • Norman, OK

11d • $81,557 - $85,849 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Science Content & Digital Media Specialist supports NOAA's Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), embedded at a NOAA laboratory or program. The role provides day-to-day writing, visual content creation, and editorial support across digital, social media, and print platforms. It involves communicating atmospheric and ocean science to varied audiences, creating engaging multimedia, and guiding content through NOAA's scientific review process to ensure accuracy and consistency with brand standards.

The position is hybrid, with 2–3 days onsite at the NOAA NSSL Lab in Norman, Oklahoma. The role also supports OAR leadership and workforce communications, coordinates with NOAA teams, monitors digital engagement, and advises on content strategies and sensitive content issues.

Requirements

• BA/BS in a technical or business discipline; Communications, Journalism, Digital Media, Science Communications, Environmental Science, or a closely related field is preferred. Advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience.
• At least 4 years of professional and/or academic experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience producing science or technical content for digital platforms, including websites, social media, and multimedia channels for a federal agency or research organization.
• Strong science or technical writing and editing skills, including the ability to translate research findings into compelling, accurate, audience-appropriate content across formats and reading levels.
• Proficiency with visual content creation tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or equivalent platforms; experience producing graphics, short-form video, or infographics for public audiences.
• Experience managing content through formal scientific or government review and approval processes.
• Familiarity with web content management systems and social media scheduling platforms, and experience monitoring and reporting digital engagement analytics.
• Knowledge of NOAA, OAR, or federal agency web publishing standards, Section 508 accessibility requirements, and plain language guidelines.
• For SME II candidates: demonstrated experience leading content strategy development and advising senior communications leadership on audience engagement and platform innovation.

Responsibilities

• Explain and organize complex scientific information into communication products for OAR leadership and workforce audiences.
• Write and edit public communication products for OAR digital and print platforms, including news stories, web features, social media posts, and visual content.
• Research and produce audience-appropriate online, social media, and print content, and guide it through OAR and NOAA review cycles for scientific accuracy, format, and style.
• Develop themes, schedules, and content for external websites, internal Google Sites, and social media platforms.
• Create graphics, videos, and other visual materials for NOAA platforms.
• Monitor digital-platform engagement analytics and apply insights to content strategy.
• Coordinate with NOAA teams to showcase OAR's mission, work, and activities on NOAA websites and partner platforms.
• Advise the OAR Communications Director on sensitive content issues and recommend and execute content strategies and innovations to increase public engagement.
• Document workflows and maintain organized files containing data associated with content development.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Long-term and short-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Holiday pay
• Paid time off
• Internal promotion opportunities
• Professional development
• Recognition and rewards programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time