Communications Specialist

CSS, a contractor to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Silver Spring, MD, seeks an individual to serve as a full time Environmental Science Communication Specialist working on outreach for the assessment and restoration of waterways after oil spills, ship groundings, and hazardous waste pollution. This position will work with a range of scientists, natural resource attorneys, and economists, to translate technical materials into outreach for a public audience.

This position serves the Assessment and Restoration Division within NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration and NOAA’s Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration Program. The position will be located at the ORR headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland.

The candidate will serve as a Communications and Policy Specialist for marine pollution assessment and restoration. This position will establish and coordinate between a diverse group of environmental scientists, economists, natural resource attorneys, and co-trustees, including federal and state agencies and Tribal Nations, to produce a proactive communications strategy that builds awareness of the Assessment and Restoration Division’s core capabilities and projects. Duties will also focus on supporting the team on media relations and Congressional relations, responding to Administration requests, as well as the development and review of outreach materials. Domestic travel may be required.

Job Duties:

• Build and maintain relationships and effective communications within NOAA and with other government agencies, private groups and not-for-profit organizations to leverage information and identify opportunities for collaboration.

• Assist with and support legislative briefings and Congressional engagement, and help develop and implement the office’s legislative strategy.
• Develop and coordinate responses for controlled correspondences including those from Congress.
• Supporting social media efforts and coordinating messaging across NOAA.
• Serve as the media lead for the office; coordinate, and respond promptly to inquiries.
• Maintain division intranet site.
• Fulfill timely communications-related requests from OR&R leadership.
• Work with field staff to identify and support local communications and needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in science, communications, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 4 years of documented relevant experience.
• Scientific literacy: basic understanding of environmental science, chemistry, ecology, and ability to understand and translate scientific literature to a public audience.
• Produce inclusive and sensitive outreach materials regarding marine pollution communicating NOAA’s work holding polluters accountable for restoration for historically underserved communities.
• Understanding of environmental laws and regulations, including the Oil Pollution Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA/Superfund), and National Marine Sanctuaries Act.
• Ability to develop and disseminate print and online outreach materials such as blogs, videos, brochures, fact sheets, reports, project summaries and news stories.
• Synthesize information, write, and copy-edit materials for products including reports, website, and social media platforms.
• Working knowledge of social media platforms
• Adobe Creative Suite: Premiere Pro, Lightroom, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.
• Drupal web editing

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.