Oceanographic Data Specialist 1

Note: If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact Ocean Associates at 703-388-9548 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) Engineering and Design Branch and the Products and Services Branch in Silver Spring, MD. The individual will be responsible for ensuring the integrity and accuracy of water level stations and their associated metadata and data to support CO-OPS datums partnerships. 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:

• Documentation and Data Input: Support the submission, review, and input of metadata for water level, meteorological, and oceanographic sensors, ensuring all data aligns with CO-OPS standards and SOPs.
• Data Stability and Datum Assurance: Monitor and assess the stability of water level stations and ensure they are correctly on datum, performing necessary adjustments and updates to maintain accuracy. Analyze oceanographic data pertaining to the transition of CO-OPS observing systems from legacy sensors to microwave water level technology and assist in coordinating the review and approval of such transitions. 
• Data Loading and Quality Assurance: Load preliminary data into the database as needed and conduct quality assurance and quality control checks on water level data to detect and resolve discrepancies. Assist in the development of revised tidal datum determination procedures, including an error budget analysis. 
• Data Product Development and Dissemination: Produce essential data products such as hourly heights, highs and lows, monthly means, tidal and geodetic datums, harmonic constituents, and tidal predictions. Assist in the development and presentation of technical training and procedural workshops for NOAA stakeholders seeking to understand CO-OPS oceanographic data analysis. 
• Data Tracking and Project Updates: Track data throughout the metadata and data pipeline, providing regular updates to project and partnership leads regarding the status and progress of data handling.
• SOP and Guide Updates: Assist in updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guides when necessary to align with evolving practices and technologies.
• Station Evaluation and Decision Support: Participate in the evaluation process to determine which two FLDEP stations will be maintained long-term by CO-OPS, contributing to strategic decision-making based on comprehensive data analysis.
• The contractor will ensure that all metadata and data are integrated into our network correctly and will be generating all downstream data products, thereby supporting CO-OPS’ mission and Datums Partnership operational needs.

Location: Silver Spring, MD

Salary and Benefits: Full time, commensurate with experience, $19 - $24 /hour. Generous employee benefits. 

Start Date:   As soon as possible upon passing federal security clearance

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 race, gender, national origin, disability status and 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 certain boxes 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.