Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking a full-time Oceanographic Technical Specialist II Coastal Modeler 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.
Background
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.
Tasks
Assist CO-OPS with the transition and implementation of a new hydrodynamic coastal model based historical reanalysis system, simulating water levels and waves for the past 40 years.
Assist and contribute to upgrades to the coastal model.
Lead the development of new CO-OPS products, and enhance existing products, using the hydrodynamic model output.
Analyze the output from coastal models (those in operation or development) to assess the skill of the nowcast and forecast guidance.
Evaluate model predictions against observations, or assess the integration of model output with other products and services.
Act as a subject matter expert on nearshore water level and wave observations used for model validation
Start Date: As soon as possible
Location: Silver Spring, MD (Telework Eligible)
Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $39.00 - $44.00 per hour.
Requirements
Masters degree in oceanography, meteorology, hydrology, or a closely related discipline plus eight years of relevant experience in hydrodynamic modeling on high-performance computing systems. A PhD and four years of experience in one of the above fields may be substituted for the masters degree and eight years of experience.
Must understand oceanographic principles, theories, and practices, as well as oceanographic, atmospheric, riverine, and/or hydrologic models.
Extensive computing skills (e.g., Python, shell scripts, Fortran, MATLAB)
Experience with High Performance Computing systems
Proficiency with the Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems, Microsoft Office applications, and Googles Collaboration Suite (e.g., Docs, Sheets, and Slides).
Experience in oceanographic and model data analysis, validation, and assessment using statistical methods.
Strong oral and written communication skills
Demonstrated ability to work well independently and as part of a team, are required.
Must have strong organization skills, attention to detail, and a demonstrated ability to self-manage their workload and meet deadlines.
Ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively in a team/group setting.
Ability to receive constructive feedback and implement appropriate action.
Applicants must have a Green Card, Permanent US Residency, or US Citizenship to gain access to Supercomputer capabilities required for CO-OPS Coastal Modeler positions.
Preferred:
Familiarity with ADCIRC, SWAN, and Similar hydrodynamic models (e.g., the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS), Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model (FVCOM), SCHISM)
Experience transitioning hydrodynamic models into operational applications.
Experience with AWS or other cloud computing platforms.
General database and query experience.
