Oceanographic Technology Specialist II - Coastal Modeler

Ocean Associates
Ocean Associates

IT · Full-time

Remote

USD 39-44 / hour

Posted on Oct 14, 2026

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact Ocean Associates at 703-388-9548 to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

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

  • Master’s 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 master’s 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 Google’s 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.

If you are interested in being considered for this position, please APPLY THROUGH OUR ADP WEB PORTAL, AT THE LINK AT THE TOP RIGHT OF THIS PAGE.

Only qualified applicants that meet minimum experience or background requirements stated above need apply. When applying for this position you will be asked to upload your resume at the end of this online application.

Applicants should submit a resume that includes the following:

  • Cover letter that briefly describes how you meet the required and preferred qualifications listed.
  • Work history for past 10 years or since last full-time education.
  • Education.
  • Previous experience or training with similar requirements.
  • Three professional references.
  • Include your name in the document file name.
  • Upload your resume in readable, not scanned, PDF or Word format (PDF is preferred).

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire, and successfully complete a federal government background check. OAI does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law.

OAI is a government contractor and is required by law to invite applicants to self-identify their veteran status. OAI is required to use the information it collects as part of its future affirmative action efforts in hiring. The information is collected anonymously by computer and is not connected to your application. You will see a place to check a box in OAI's online application. Even though the information is anonymous, self-identification is voluntary. You can always check the box that says you decline to self-identify.

Note: If you are not selected, your materials may be retained for present or future opportunities. We may use your resume in bidding on a project and if we are awarded the work, we will contact you before seeking further applicants. If you do not wish us to retain or use your resume to seek work for you, please let us know in the "Notes" section on the second page of the online application.

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