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CeNCOOS Program Specialist
Monterey Bay Aquariam Research Institute
Posted on Apr 1, 2026
Founded in 1987 by the late David Packard, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) is a nonprofit oceanographic research center advancing marine science and engineering to understand our changing ocean. Located in Moss Landing, California, the heart of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, MBARI offers ready access to the open ocean and deep sea. Ongoing research programs range across autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicle systems, control technologies, ocean physics, chemistry, geology, biology, ocean instrumentation, and information management. MBARI hosts approximately 200 employees, with shore facilities that include state-of-the-art science and engineering laboratories, manufacturing and electrical fabrication shops, and dock facilities for MBARI vessels.
MBARI is hiring a CeNCOOS Program Specialist with a focus on coordination and engaging support amongst our delivery partners, information users and more, to understand, track, and meet regional needs for the Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS). The position will assist in administration of multiple funding sources to support the regional observing system, which consists of a diverse team of scientists, resource managers, educators, tribes, federal, state, and local governmental bodies and industry.
CeNCOOS is a Regional Association of the US Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) and works to address societal challenges to realize a safe, healthy, and prosperous California coastal ocean powered by information solutions. In close collaboration with the CeNCOOS Director, Deputy Director, and diverse regional and national expert teams, the position will support the integration and processing of new and existing data streams. CeNCOOS focus areas include:
- Ocean & Weather Predictions – e.g. Collection of observations and use in forecasting
- Safe and Efficient Shipping and Navigation – e.g. Surface currents, search and rescue
- Preparedness and Risk Reduction – e.g. Harmful algal bloom monitoring
- Robust Ocean Resources – e.g. Information for aquaculture and fisheries management
Primary responsibilities:
- Engage with CeNCOOS member organizations, ocean observing practitioners, users of ocean information, and the greater IOOS network to improve coordination and streamline information access for existing and new user groups
- Maintain and strengthen relationships and communications with representatives from academic, industrial, NGOs, governmental, and tribal organizations, coordinate shared research efforts, and follow-up on feedback for continuous improvement
- Assist or lead CeNCOOS teams and working groups to drive program developments and improvements, including setting meeting agendas and goals that support resilient decision making
- Serve as liaison between the information users and information product developers by compiling, communicating with, and resolving questions and issues
- Provide project oversight, including scheduling, facilitating, and reporting on partner and stakeholder meetings
- Help plan Governing Council and other CeNCOOS and IOOS meeting logistics and facilitate working groups deliberations
- Help to track and report on the progress of the program in meeting goals and objectives and ensuring organizational accountability
- Assist in administrative management and oversight of CeNCOOS grants, spending, procurement, including data contracts and subawards
Required qualifications:
- A master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in oceanography, marine science, geology, geophysics, engineering, data science, or a related field
- Proficiency in working with interested parties from multiple perspectives to collate and share information on ocean observing practitioners and information user issues and needs
- Strong written and oral communications, including outreach and engagement
- Capability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
- Strong organizational abilities for managing projects, administration, and logistics
- Commitment to excellence, efficiency, and a strong work ethic
The post will be based at MBARI located in Moss Landing, CA, where CeNCOOS is housed. Opportunities for participating in fieldwork are expected, which can enhance system understanding.