Scientific Program Manager

Responsibilities:
CSS is seeking a critically thinking Scientific Program Manager with expertise in coastal ecology for a full-time contract position with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), Competitive Research Program (CRP) located in Silver Spring, MD. Within NCCOS, the CRP oversees the execution and transition of "research to application" projects supported by Federal Research Grants on critical coastal management issues and topics such as harmful algal blooms, hypoxia, sea-level rise and coastal resiliency. The successful candidate will assist with oversight and reporting of accomplishments from CRP research projects across these topic and program areas; devise mechanisms to transfer research results, and developed tools and technology to natural resource managers; collate and report project outputs and coastal management-based outcomes from completed research; and work in conjunction with the current CRP program managers to support grant execution, reporting, project oversight, and transition activities. The position will include the following core responsibilities. Responsibilities:1. Strategic planning: Support CRP leadership and Program Managers to develop future program plans including advising on program development, execution, and potential areas of risk. Assist Program Managers in research prioritization by supporting internal and external partner engagement and stakeholder prioritization processes and through workshops and synthesis of published priorities. 2. Peer review process: Assist CRP staff with the peer-review process for competitive programs, including identifying mail and panel reviewers, assisting with Letters of Intent and panel reviews. 3. Administration of projects: Support Program Managers with reviewing project progress reports and participation in site visits, with attention to ensuring that proposed objectives are being met, and that budget spending, expected outputs and outcomes are on track through the course of the project. Maintain communications with the Principal Investigators (PIs), managers, and stakeholders to maximize transition and application of research and also work with PIs to coordinate Manager and Stakeholder meetings. 4. Outreach and dissemination of findings through web and other venues: Update or create web pages, produce news stories to highlight findings and activities, develop roll out materials and issue press releases when warranted, and update and maintain relevant publication databases. 5. Portfolio tracking: Assist in the response to informational requests across program areas such as past, present and future budget amounts, project activities, accomplishments, and recipients and to include maintaining and updating associated portfolio databases. 6. Program Coordination: Serve as the technical point of contact and coordinator on CRP event response efforts to include communicating with PIs, proposal review, National Environmental Policy Act paperwork, end user engagement, outreach, and final report review.7. Other tasks as needed: The successful applicant may be called upon to assist in tasks needed to advance the CRP and NCCOS mission in other topical research areas. Required Qualifications:? PhD in Biology, Ecology, or Zoology, or a related field (including minimum of three years experience with marine science or oceanography);? OR Master's degree in Biology, Ecology, or Zoology, or a related field, plus a minimum of 3 years working experience beyond Master's degree (including minimum of one year experience with marine science or oceanography);? Excellent and proven written and oral communication skills;? Strong interpersonal relationship skills;? Knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of ecological research related to estuarine/coastal ecology;? Proficiency in word processing, database and spreadsheet applications (e.g., Microsoft Office or Google applications) and use of basic statistical analysis tools;? Experience in the planning, executing and overseeing ecosystem research studies and programs focused on estuarine/coastal issues;? Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work under pressure with limited supervision and work comfortably in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects, multiple stakeholders and frequent deadlines.Specific Skills / Expertise essential to this position? Proficiency in executing statistic approaches with R? Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator or InDesignPreferred Qualifications? Specific experience in at least one of the following topic areas; harmful algal blooms, hypoxia, sea level rise or coastal resiliency ? Prefer proficiency in executing statistic approaches with R, Python or similar coding language? Experience collaborating across technically and geographically diverse and dispersed groups of researchers

Qualifications:
CSS is predominantly a Federal Contractor and is subject to following the terms of Executive Orders. CSS requires all Employees (Direct, Indirect, government, state, and commercial), including employees working from home/remotely, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption. Exceptions to the COVID-19 vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the CSS HR Department. CSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer who provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetic information. In addition to federal law requirements, CSS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.