Senior Ocean Science Program Manager (Chief Scientist)

FedWriters, Inc.•,

4d•$120,000 - $128,000•Remote

About The Position

You've spent a career at the intersection of science and strategy—leading research programs, navigating international partnerships, and translating complex oceanographic data into policy-relevant action. You are recognized internally and externally as an authority in your technical specialty. As FWI's Chief Scientist supporting NOAA's Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing (GOMO) Program and Ocean Acidification Program (OAP), you will serve as the apex technical authority on a team delivering comprehensive program management, international coordination, data strategy, and stakeholder engagement services. You will manage the program to ensure successful completion of tasks on time, within budget, and to agreed-upon levels of quality, while applying advanced scientific principles and theories to develop original technical programs. Every deliverable you lead supports a mission that matters—understanding and protecting the health of our oceans.

Requirements

S or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific, engineering, or other technical field (Oceanography, Marine Science, Atmospheric Science, or closely related discipline preferred)
Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance
15+ years of total experience
10+ years of professional experience managing complex programs and projects

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience leading international scientific coordination efforts and representing programs at senior governmental forums
Expert-level knowledge of ocean acidification science, carbon cycle research, and global ocean observing systems (e.g., Argo, GO-SHIP)
Recognized internally and externally as an authority in an ocean science or related technical specialty
Experience navigating federal grant lifecycle processes, including NOFOs, proposal review panels, and post-award reporting
Exceptional scientific writing and communication skills; proven ability to translate technical findings for diverse audiences
Experience supporting or leading compliance with the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring (FOARAM) Act

Responsibilities

Manage the overall program to ensure successful, on-time, within-budget completion of all tasks and deliverables to agreed-upon quality standards
Provide interface with high-level NOAA and government officials to ensure program satisfaction and alignment with agency strategic priorities
Apply advanced scientific principles, theories, and concepts to develop original technical approaches for ocean observing and acidification programs
Develop or direct the development of solutions to complex technical problems where little or no precedent exists and innovation is required
Lead senior-level engagement with NOAA Federal Program Officers and international scientific bodies, including representation at interagency and global ocean observing committees
Direct development and review of scientific content for strategic communications, congressional reporting (FOARAM Act), and public-facing materials
Oversee integration of regional oceanographic and biogeochemical databases and forecasting models into NOAA's operational modeling frameworks
Guide establishment of unified data quality control standards and measurement methodologies through coordinated technical working groups
Supervise Subject Matter Experts and project management staff; ensure deliverables meet federal compliance standards and acceptance criteria
Lead development of long-term strategic plans and program roadmaps for OAP and GOMO program leadership review and approval