Senior Ocean Science Program Manager (Chief Scientist)

Overview

You've spent a career at the intersection of science and strategy—leading research programs, navigating international partnerships, and translating complex oceanographic data into policy-relevant action. You are recognized internally and externally as an authority in your technical specialty. As FWI's Chief Scientist supporting NOAA's Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing (GOMO) Program and Ocean Acidification Program (OAP), you will serve as the apex technical authority on a team delivering comprehensive program management, international coordination, data strategy, and stakeholder engagement services. You will manage the program to ensure successful completion of tasks on time, within budget, and to agreed-upon levels of quality, while applying advanced scientific principles and theories to develop original technical programs. Every deliverable you lead supports a mission that matters—understanding and protecting the health of our oceans.

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Work Schedule and Location:

Remote: This full-time remote position will work Monday through Friday, 8 AM EST to 5 PM EST with occasional travel.=

Responsibilities

• Manage the overall program to ensure successful, on-time, within-budget completion of all tasks and deliverables to agreed-upon quality standards
• Provide interface with high-level NOAA and government officials to ensure program satisfaction and alignment with agency strategic priorities
• Apply advanced scientific principles, theories, and concepts to develop original technical approaches for ocean observing and acidification programs
• Develop or direct the development of solutions to complex technical problems where little or no precedent exists and innovation is required
• Lead senior-level engagement with NOAA Federal Program Officers and international scientific bodies, including representation at interagency and global ocean observing committees
• Direct development and review of scientific content for strategic communications, congressional reporting (FOARAM Act), and public-facing materials
• Oversee integration of regional oceanographic and biogeochemical databases and forecasting models into NOAA's operational modeling frameworks
• Guide establishment of unified data quality control standards and measurement methodologies through coordinated technical working groups
• Supervise Subject Matter Experts and project management staff; ensure deliverables meet federal compliance standards and acceptance criteria
• Lead development of long-term strategic plans and program roadmaps for OAP and GOMO program leadership review and approval

Qualifications

Required: 

• S or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific, engineering, or other technical field (Oceanography, Marine Science, Atmospheric Science, or closely related discipline preferred)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance
• 15+ years of total experience
• 10+ years of professional experience managing complex programs and projects

Desired: 

• Demonstrated experience leading international scientific coordination efforts and representing programs at senior governmental forums
• Expert-level knowledge of ocean acidification science, carbon cycle research, and global ocean observing systems (e.g., Argo, GO-SHIP)
• Recognized internally and externally as an authority in an ocean science or related technical specialty
• Experience navigating federal grant lifecycle processes, including NOFOs, proposal review panels, and post-award reporting
• Exceptional scientific writing and communication skills; proven ability to translate technical findings for diverse audiences
• Experience supporting or leading compliance with the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring (FOARAM) Act

Work Setting and Environment:

• Primary location: NOAA Silver Spring Metro Center (SSMC), 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. This position is eligible for remote work with travel as needed to the above location.
• All work activities are eligible for telework or remote performance
• Travel required, including at-sea deployments on NOAA vessels and national/international coordination meetings; all travel pre-approved by COR

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. 

Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off

Pay Range

Salary Range for this position is $120000 to $128000.