Research Operations Specialist IV (ROS4)
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Nov 6, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 20, 2026. Cpcperforms scores C on the Alion truth index.
Description
POSITION: Full Time, Non-Exempt
LOCATION: NOAA ONMS or CINMS HQ (primarily in office vs. virtual)
CITY/STATE: Silver Spring, MD or Santa Barbara, CA
PAY: $52/hr - $55/hr, DOE
Position Overview:
CPC is seeking a Research Operations Specialist IV (4) to join NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS) team. ONMS is responsible for managing complex ecosystems and ensuring compatible multi-use activities are maintained for future generations. Within this system, the focus of the ONMS Chief Scientist is to anticipate the requirements of the managers moving forward and ensure the best available science is ready to inform resource management decision making. To do so requires a wide breadth of scientific understanding and coordination abilities. Leadership is needed at the national and regional level to maintain an efficient and productive scientific enterprise. This includes national and regional level coordination and support, conducting and promoting science at these scales, as well as developing productive partnerships with other Federal and state government agencies, academics, NGOs and industry.
Across the organization, the foci over the next few years will be: 1) assembling and synthesizing data characterizing the habitats, resources, stressors and users; 2) understanding the status, trends and projections for those sanctuary characteristics; and 3) developing tools to translate that information, placing it at the fingertips of our resource protection staff and leadership to guide management. Dedicated scientific capacity is urgently needed to support the Chief Scientist in responding to the growing volume of high-priority taskers; addressing site, regional and national level science needs; and keeping the fundamental components of the scientific enterprise moving forward. It is envisioned that the hire will provide essential scientific capacity at these scales focused on administration, partnership development, data acquisition, analysis, synthesis, and report writing.
Duties and Responsibilities
a) Under direction of Chief Scientist coordinate/maintain regional/national science partnerships
b) Participate in HQ meetings, engage with HQ staff, maintain a HQ presence
c) Analytical leadership at the national and regional level and guidance related to sampling design, research, characterization and monitoring
d) Field operations inclusive of diving OR vessel support for sites/regions that need additional personnel. NOTE: while rare these studies occasionally require the applicant to travel for extended periods and may necessitate obtaining and maintaining NOAA diver status
e) Support the development and delivery of technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, presentations and other outreach materials
f) Support development of proposals and grants to aid sanctuary research efforts
g) Lead response to HQ related taskers inclusive of responses to congressional, NOAA, NOS, or ONMS related enquiries related to science
h) Work with ONMS IT and ONMS data manager to enhance analytical capability on ONMS
Requirements
Background in marine sciences and data analysis
- Masters or PhD degree in a marine science related field (e.g. biology, zoology, oceanography, ecology, geology, geography, environmental science);
- 5+ years of experience in statistical and geospatial analysis (R experience preferred);
- Experience with data management.
Communication and collaboration
- Effective at working on team-based and independent projects;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills (technical writing sample required).
- Proven in the skills of partnership development and maintenance with Federal, and State government agencies, NGOs, academia and industry partners
Preferred additional skillsets
- SCUBA certified (NAUI, PADI, etc.) with a minimum of 30 dives. Able to comply with NOAA diver certification standards and process;
- Comfort operating off small and large research vessels;
- Able to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds to assist transporting equipment and gear;
- General institutional knowledge across NOAA
- Ability to utilize AI to handle routine tasks and provide innovative solutions
Salary Description
$52-$55/hour, DOE