Job Listings

The primary focus area for this position will be to work with NCCOS and partners to develop analytical and spatial products related to fish habitat and coastal resources for the Middle Peninsula Habitat Focus Area, working with more experienced GIS analysts.   Duties: • Work with NCCOS staff to collect and compile relevant ecological data • Organize and input data into a database, maintain accurate detailed records of observations, measurements and results • Develop and maintain metadata records for spatial data • Develop one or more GIS-based visualizations such as a Storymap or ArcGIS Online project • Assist with development of a written report • Set and meet deadlines for completion of work in timely manner • Work collaboratively in a team environment and contribute to other relevant projects as directed

Join our team! CSS is now hiring a General Maintenance Worker in Merritt Island, Florida.   Education/Experience Requirements: High School diploma or equivalent and six (6) – ten (10) years of responsible working experience demonstrating semi-skilled work in the fields of general building and property maintenance and repair. Experience must include but not limited to carpentry, painting, masonry, refurbishing, plumbing, and HVAC.   Basic Qualifications: The primary function of the Maintenance Worker II is to perform a variety of skilled work within and around a research park and research facility. Work involves multiple areas, including property and equipment maintenance, preventive maintenance and repairs, HVAC, carpentry, plumbing, drywall, tiling, and other related duties. A valid Florida driver’s license and the ability to operate fork, man, and boom lifts. Knowledge of: • Applicable safety practices and regulations used in various skilled maintenance activities; • Methods, materials, equipment, and tools used in maintenance and repair functions; • OSHA and Best Practice Safety Standards; • Building drawings and blueprints; • Computer equipment/systems, i.e., MS Office and online work order systems. Maintenance Worker II must be able to be on call and work evenings and weekends, if needed. Regular attendance is essential. Ability to: • Troubleshoot, diagnose, and perform maintenance and repairs; • Understand and follow instructions and communicate effectively; • Manage time and meet deadlines; • Be creative developing solutions and recommendations; • Work independently or as part of a team.  

NCCOS requires two full-time Quantitative Ecologists, with expertise in water quality, limnology, or oceanography, data synthesis and analysis, and computer programming.  The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team supporting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and support work on developing models that forecast harmful algal blooms (HABs).    The goal of this work is to improve our forecasts of these blooms through the integration of various environmental data sets, including field observations and model output (from hydrodynamic or meteorological models).   Responsibilities include: -Developing processes and scripts for accessing and structuring data sets. -Developing scripts that will allow ready graphical and statistical analysis of data and models. -Developing scripts for comparison of satellite data with field data. -Assist in development and validation of models of HABs.    

NCCOS requires two full-time Quantitative Ecologists, with expertise in water quality, limnology, or oceanography, data synthesis and analysis, and computer programming.  The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary team supporting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and support work on developing models that forecast harmful algal blooms (HABs).    The goal of this work is to improve our forecasts of these blooms through the integration of various environmental data sets, including field observations and model output (from hydrodynamic or meteorological models).   Responsibilities include: -Developing processes and scripts for accessing and structuring data sets. -Developing scripts that will allow ready graphical and statistical analysis of data and models. -Developing scripts for comparison of satellite data with field data. -Assist in development and validation of models of HABs.    

The primary focus for this position will be to work with NCCOS and partners to develop analytical data and spatial products related to mesophotic coral habitat on the Gulf of Mexico   Duties: • Work with collaborators outside to collect and compile ecological data • Organize and input data into databases, maintain accurate detailed records of observations, measurements and results • Perform geospatial and geostatistical analyses • Develop custom geoprocessing tools and data models to support spatial analysis, data analytics, and visualization applications • Assist with development of written reports and peer review journal articles • Set and meet deadlines for completion of work in timely manner • Work collaboratively in a team environment and contribute to other relevant projects as directed, including occasional assistance with lab or field efforts

Assist with field and laboratory research studies to improve our understanding and management of mesophotic and deep benthic communities in coastal regions of importance to NOAA. Provide professional, technical, lab and informatics services associated with the genome skimming of mesophotic corals. Duties will include the extraction, quantification and construction of DNA libraries for sequencing. Serve as laboratory manager and oversee the day to day operations of an Illumina Miseq DNA sequencer. Coordinate with federal, academic, and NGO partners. Engage with graduate and undergraduate students to develop and execute experiments in the lab and in the field.   Duties: ● Subsample tissue from invertebrate specimens and extract and quantify DNA. ● Construct DNA libraries for DNA sequencing ● Prepare DNA for shipment to sequencing facility. ● Document all lab work and order supplies as needed and when required, troubleshoot relevant laboratory steps to ensure that the optimal amount of good quality data is retrieved for the project. ● Once sequencing is complete, download the raw data and back up for secure data storage. ● Trim and assemble reads using appropriate bioinformatic programs to generate mitogenomes and 28S rDNA for each species. Annotate mitogenomes. ● Deposit complete annotated mitogenomes and 28S ribosomal rDNA in GenBank into a specific BioProject created for the project. ● Develops and executes complex technical molecular tasks to apply analytical problem solving, and provide training, and technical direction to support staff using these tools ● Assist lab management, inc. safety protocols, purchasing of equipment and supplies ● Serve as point of contact for cold aquaria experiments, responsible for scheduling and facilitating team meetings, as well as budgets and designs related to coral husbandry ● Support stakeholder engagement through regular contacts with partners ● Support the academic community by advising graduate student projects ● Apply knowledge, skills and experience with data visualization to development of peer-reviewed publications, high quality scientific graphics, and professional presentations

Join our team! CSS is now hiring an HVAC Technician in Merritt Island, Florida.   Education/Experience Requirements: Associates degree or completion of an HVAC apprenticeship. 1+ years in industrial or commercial HVAC service.  Basic electrical and wiring skills.  Demonstrable ability to troubleshoot chiller plant issues.    Basic Qualifications: The primary function of the HVAC Technician is to perform highly skilled maintenance, service, repair and troubleshooting work involved with industrial HVAC systems. HVAC work may be performed in a number of areas including but not limited to; heating, air conditioning, refrigeration and large facility equipment operation. Work involves the technical application of HVAC principals to control systems and a laboratory research environment. Understanding of basic electrical and wiring in a commercial building setting. Possess the skills to safely work with different voltages (24VAC,120VAC, 277VAC, 480VAC, DC voltages) and be able to implement all necessary safety procedures.   Knowledge of: • Applicable safety practices and regulations used in HVAC activities; • Methods, materials, equipment, and tools used in HVAC maintenance and repair functions; • OSHA, Best Practice Safety Standards, and applicable EPA compliance; • Duct, VAV boxes, AHU, FEF, Boilers, BAS Control System, Growth Chambers; • Static pressure, specialized laboratories, clean room environments • Building drawings and blueprints; • Computer equipment/systems, i.e., MS Office and online work order systems.   HVAC III mechanic must be able to be on call and work evenings and weekends, if needed. Regular attendance is essential.     Ability to: • Troubleshoot, diagnose, and perform maintenance and repairs; • Understand and follow instructions and communicate effectively; • Manage time and meet deadlines; • Be creative developing solutions and recommendations; • Work independently or as part of a team.  

Are you a science major and looking for an exciting and rewarding career, you may be a good candidate to become a safety, health, environment, and industrial hygiene professional?  CSS has an immediate opening for an entry level science major (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environment) to provide laboratory safety services at our client site, the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. Candidates should have a degree in biology, chemistry, physics, environment or a related major, and be interested in learning how to provide support to laboratories to evaluate and document safety conditions and provide support to control exposures. They may also be asked to conduct incident investigations to identify root causes of injuries and illnesses.  The position requires a team-oriented professional with strong organization skills as well as excellent writing and oral communication skills.   Required Qualifications: - BS or BA degree in a Science (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environment), Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or related science field - Detail oriented, self-motivated, and able to work independently and as a team member - Effective written and oral communication skills   Desired Qualifications: - Experience in laboratories, especially safety and health procedures - Capable of multi-tasking and changing direction depending on workload - Computer skills including Excel, PowerPoint, Word

Participate as a laboratory scientist in team-oriented research projects involved with the chemical analysis of environmental samples on the CSS contract with the US EPA Pacific Ecological Systems Division in Corvallis, OR. Much of the support will be for the US EPA National Aquatic Resource Survey (https://www.epa.gov/national-aquatic-resource-surveys). Duties will include the chemical analysis of fresh and brackish water, plant, soil, and sediment samples collected from field sites and chemical and biological lab experiments. Responsibilities include the following tasks: - Receive and log-in environmental samples - Filter, preserve and digest water samples - Prepare sample containers for environmental samples - Conduct chemical extractions and digestions of samples following standard operating procedures - Analyze NARS water samples for chlorophyll content including meeting QC requirements and data reporting - Analyze samples to determine pH, alkalinity, turbidity, color and conductivity - Assist with the preparation and revision of laboratory procedures and SOPs - Import analytical results into large Excel workbooks - Perform the verification and validation of data reports - Document laboratory activities in maintenance logbooks and electronic files - Follow laboratory quality control, health, safety, and waste management procedures

Conducts research and development for 1) assessing the effects of physical, chemical and/or biological agents (singly or in combination) on aquatic organisms (emphasis on reef invertebrates and algae); 2) engages in research to elucidate molecular and physiological bottlenecks to coral reproduction in support of coral reef restoration and delisting of ESA species; and 3) research involving coral disease, diagnosis and treatment. Extensive experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, metagenomics, functional genomics, or related fields with an ability to troubleshoot any number of issues with different types of assays (e.g., microbiology, molecular and analytical chemistry) and different assay platforms is expected to be part of this work. The work requires the incumbent to design experiments, analyze the data and prepare written reports.   The work requires the incumbent to exhibit scholarship through the ability to search, read, and understand primary scientific literature and contribute in technical and scholarly aspects to discussions with the team lead or PI as part of establishing daily and long-term goals and objectives within each of the laboratory’s projects. The incumbent is expected to work with the Program PI, display a high degree of initiative, independence and responsibility, while monitoring the day-to-day aspect of all ongoing projects in the laboratory, in essence serving as a first-line resource for the junior staff and students to assist in meeting project objectives in a timely manner while ensuring safe and efficient functioning of the laboratory. This includes managing the day-to-day operations, operating as part of a team for brainstorming and developing new projects, assisting in selection of appropriate or best assays to address the research questions at hand and helping troubleshoot issues as they arise.   The incumbent is expected to be highly organized with a keen ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects effectively, perceptive with attention to detail, and a passion for science. Participate both technically and intellectually in the preparation of research proposals, presentations and make oral or poster presentations when appropriate; provide written reports of research findings; and assist in meeting annual end of the year accomplishments reporting requirements. The research is primarily laboratory based but does have a portion of work that involves field missions to investigate coral and environmental conditions at specific locations domestically and occasionally internationally. This requires the willingness to travel and coordinate field logistics (from experimental design to shipping). The incumbent will function as a member of an interdisciplinary research team to collaboratively develop projects, proposals, combining research analyses and developing reports and manuscripts.   Duties: • Determine and execute improved technologies and bioassays by applying scientific knowledge, techniques, instrumentation and methods necessary to achieve project goals. • Plan and perform experiments, collect, record and analyze data • Independently perform root cause analysis for method investigations • Apply open-source and vendor-developed software for data analysis • Draw inferences/conclusions from experimental data; document findings in the form of records and reports which may be used for presentations or publications; and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. • Monitor team progress in achieving objectives to ensure quality standards and goals are met. • Functions as a team member with other scientists both within and outside the agency or at other organizations in supporting discovery and applied biological research efforts. • Assist the Program manager with oversight of the day-to-day routine laboratory operations; ensuring equipment is serviced and operational and the laboratory is safe and orderly. Assist in the design and implementation of laboratory protocols and practices, and in the training of new employees. • This work requires occasional night, early morning and weekend duty to conduct extended duration experiments or to assist in the maintenance of the culture facility in the absence of assigned personnel. Emergency situations with storms and/or power outages also may require staff to assist others if coral facility staff is not available or additional help is needed. • Willingness to travel for field operations nationally and occasionally internationally participating in field logistics and carrying out fieldwork to meet mission objectives. • Keep accurate written records of all methods, procedures, and experimental results, document observations of unusual or abnormal appearance, and prepare data reports. • Assist in ordering and maintaining laboratory supplies and equipment including chemicals, biological materials, liquid nitrogen, etc., as assigned by the team lead or PI. • Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objectives of the program.