Science Content & Digital Media Specialist (SME I) - ARL (College Park, MD) (Hybrid)

Responsibilities

• Explain and organize complex scientific information into communication products for OAR leadership and the workforce, demonstrating strong writing and editing skills with experience translating technical information for non-scientific audiences
• Provide expert technical and scientific writing and editing for public communication products across OAR digital and print platforms, including news stories, web features, social media posts, and visual content
• Research, write, and edit audience-appropriate content for online, social media, and print channels; shepherd content through internal review cycles within OAR and NOAA to ensure scientific accuracy, correct format, and appropriate style
• Develop themes, schedules, and content for updates to external websites, internal Google Sites, and social media platforms
• Create visual graphics, videos, and other visual materials for use across NOAA platforms
• Monitor engagement analytics across digital platforms and apply insights to content strategy
• Coordinate with other NOAA teams to showcase OAR mission, work, and activities across NOAA websites and partner platforms
• Provide advice and recommendations to the OAR Communications Director on sensitive content issues; recommend and execute new content strategies and innovations to increase public engagement
• Document workflows and maintain organized files containing data associated with content development

Requirements

• BA/BS in a technical or business discipline — Communications, Journalism, Digital Media, Science Communications, Environmental Science, or a closely related field preferred; advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience
• 4+ years of professional and/or academic experience

Preferred

• Demonstrated experience producing science or technical content for digital platforms, including websites, social media, and multimedia channels for a federal agency or research organization
• Strong science or technical writing and editing skills; ability to translate research findings into compelling, accurate, audience-appropriate content across multiple formats and reading levels
• Proficiency with visual content creation tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or equivalent platforms; experience producing graphics, short-form video, or infographics for public audiences
• Experience managing content through formal scientific or government review and approval processes
• Familiarity with web content management systems (CMS) and social media scheduling platforms; experience monitoring and reporting on digital engagement analytics
• Knowledge of NOAA, OAR, or federal agency web publishing standards, Section 508 accessibility requirements, and plain language guidelines
• SME II candidates: demonstrated experience leading content strategy development and advising senior communications leadership on audience engagement and platform innovation
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance

Benefits

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