Oceanographic Data Specialist

Ocean Associates, Inc.; Arlington (VA); Remote; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework Eligible

Job summary

Ocean Associates, Inc. seeks a full-time Oceanographic Data Specialist 1 to support NOAA CO-OPS in Silver Spring, MD. The role focuses on metadata/data verification, data loading, and technical documentation.

The position requires advanced oceanography knowledge, strong communication skills, and experience with MATLAB, SQL, GIS, and spreadsheets. Telework is eligible, with salary $23.00–$28.00 per hour, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in oceanography, meteorology, hydrology, physics, or related field.
• Bachelor's degree plus 2 years of experience also acceptable.
• Strong communication skills (oral and written) and ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Review, enter, and verify metadata and data for water level stations and sensors.
• Assess data quality and enter information into databases and station packages.
• Evaluate documentation and provide written feedback according to CO-OPS criteria.
• Load preliminary water level and current meter data into the database.
• Troubleshoot data and metadata issues as they arise.
• Develop and update SOPs, manuals, and project instructions.
• Provide technical consultation and oral/written presentations as needed.
• Lead meetings with field personnel about maintenance and field procedures.
• Produce charts and representations of oceanographic and meteorological data.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Data analysis

Oceanography knowledge

Education

Master's degree in Oceanography or related field

Bachelor's + 2 years experience

Tools

MATLAB

SQL

GIS

Excel

Job description

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 bachelors 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.