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.
RESPONSIBILITIES, REQUIREMENTS:
- 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.
- Analyze datum values and harmonic constituents to assess the movement of total water levels through a body of water.
- 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.
- Participate in field installations of sensors and in leveling of bench marks 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.
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.
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Salary and Benefits: Full time. Salary commensurate with experience. Generous employee benefits
