Job Listings

CSS is seeking to hire a GIS Analyst to join the NOAA Habitat Mapping team! We need a qualified individual to prepare, process, analyze and manage geospatial data to support a variety of environmental assessment, restoration, and habitat modeling projects. The candidate will use geographic information systems (GIS) to manage geospatial data and provide maps for various projects. This position requires proven proficiency with the technical aspects of processing and managing large and complex geospatial datasets. Familiarity with coastal, marine, or freshwater geospatial topics are desirable. The suitable candidate must be able to work effectively with a team of scientists from remote locations, set and meet deadlines, and work independently to complete milestones in a timely manner. The candidate will be located in one of the following locations: Silver Spring, MD or Beaufort, NC.  The position will be a hybrid between in-office and remote work from one’s home office.   The NOAA Habitat Mapping Team is an interdisciplinary research group of contract and federal employees within within NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/), a nationally recognized scientific research program that conducts spatial ecological analysis, statistical modeling, ecological forecasting, and predictive mapping to support marine ecosystem management, conservation, and spatial planning.   Responsibilities - Develop and maintain project GIS databases - Create GIS maps and conduct data analysis using various software platforms, tools, and scripts - Create geoprocessing workflows using scripts or other automated techniques  - Develop and implement data management workflows - Organize and input data into databases, maintain accurate detailed records of observations, measurements and results - Create, edit,, and transform geospatial data to suit project requirements and various software platforms - Extract, convert, and project vector and raster data from a variety of different sources and sensors at various spatial scales  - Develop metadata and prepare technical documentation describing workflows and geoprocessing  - Work in the field to collect geospatial data using a variety of environmental instruments and sensors  - Work collaboratively in a team environment and contribute to other relevant projects as directed.

CSS Inc. has immediate openings for Support Scientists to provide laboratory support at our client site, the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. Candidates should have experience and knowledge of laboratory operations, the ability to collect pertinent data to document findings, and a willingness to learn laboratory safety programs. The Support Scientists will be part of a team that conducts laboratory surveys, obtains basic information on processes, hazards and controls, and ensures laboratory personnel are aware of safety resources and general requirements. The position requires a team-oriented professional with strong organization skills as well as excellent writing and oral communication skills. Required Qualifications: 1. BS degree in Chemistry, Biology or related discipline 2. 1 or more years of related laboratory safety and health experience 3. Detail oriented 4. Experience working in laboratories and knowledge of laboratory operations 5. Effective written and oral communication skills Desired Qualifications: 1. Demonstrated ability to work as a solid contributor in a team environment 2. Capable of multi-tasking and changing direction depending on work load 3. Previous Federal government experience 4. Computer skills including: Excel, PowerPoint, Word  

CSS is seeking to hire a GIS Analyst to join the NOAA Habitat Mapping team! We need a qualified individual to prepare, process, analyze and manage geospatial data to support a variety of environmental assessment, restoration, and habitat modeling projects. The candidate will use geographic information systems (GIS) to manage geospatial data and provide maps for various projects. This position requires proven proficiency with the technical aspects of processing and managing large and complex geospatial datasets. Familiarity with coastal, marine, or freshwater geospatial topics are desirable. The suitable candidate must be able to work effectively with a team of scientists from remote locations, set and meet deadlines, and work independently to complete milestones in a timely manner. The candidate will be located in one of the following locations: Silver Spring, MD or Beaufort, NC.  The position will be a hybrid between in-office and remote work from one’s home office.   The NOAA Habitat Mapping Team is an interdisciplinary research group of contract and federal employees within within NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/), a nationally recognized scientific research program that conducts spatial ecological analysis, statistical modeling, ecological forecasting, and predictive mapping to support marine ecosystem management, conservation, and spatial planning.   Responsibilities - Develop and maintain project GIS databases - Create GIS maps and conduct data analysis using various software platforms, tools, and scripts - Create geoprocessing workflows using scripts or other automated techniques  - Develop and implement data management workflows - Organize and input data into databases, maintain accurate detailed records of observations, measurements and results - Create, edit,, and transform geospatial data to suit project requirements and various software platforms - Extract, convert, and project vector and raster data from a variety of different sources and sensors at various spatial scales  - Develop metadata and prepare technical documentation describing workflows and geoprocessing  - Work in the field to collect geospatial data using a variety of environmental instruments and sensors  - Work collaboratively in a team environment and contribute to other relevant projects as directed.

CSS is seeking a highly qualified candidate for a Spatial Modeler/Quantitative Ecologist position on an interdisciplinary research team of contract and federal employees. The integrated research team will support the NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) Biogeography Branch (http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/), which is a nationally recognized scientific research program that conducts spatial ecological analysis, statistical modeling, ecological forecasting, and predictive mapping to support marine ecosystem management, conservation, restoration and spatial planning. The candidate will be employed by CSS to work on site at the NOAA National Ocean Service in Silver Spring, MD.   We seek a candidate with demonstrated expertise using scientific programming languages (e.g., R, Python) to fit a variety of advanced spatial/spatiotemporal statistical models to ecological data including both physical and biological aspects of marine and coastal ecosystems. The successful candidate will help conceive and implement solutions to large, complex spatial and spatiotemporal ecological modeling challenges, including modeling of species’ distributions, marine wildlife survey data, and/or physical, oceanographic, and geological aspects of marine habitat. Examples of potential projects include spatial and spatiotemporal modeling of corals, seabirds, marine mammals, fish, benthic habitats, estuarine and coastal habitats, and marine and lacustrine ecosystem structure (e.g., connectivity, biodiversity) in a variety of US jurisdictions.   ● Provide statistical, computational, and analytical support for projects that use predictive models, in conjunction with large ecological survey, habitat, and environmental databases, to provide spatially-explicit maps to address questions of marine management and conservation relevance. ● Design and implement spatial and spatiotemporal statistical models of marine species’ distributions (e.g., coral, fish, seabird, and marine mammal occurrence and abundance), marine habitat, and marine ecosystem properties. ● Develop and implement model selection, performance assessment, and validation. ● Synthesize and interpret model outputs, including maps, in the context of applied management and conservation problems. ● Contribute to peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and technical memoranda. ● Provide statistical guidance and scientific programming skills to team members. ● Travel to federal and state laboratories, academic institutions, and field missions as part of collaborative research projects (<10% of time).

CSS is seeking a Fabricator with aluminum and stainless steel experience who will work in the US EPA Research Triangle Park, NC, Model, Machine, and Fabrication shop, and with its personnel supporting research facilities and combustors in an industrial setting. They will be responsible for the design, layout, fabrication, installation, maintenance and repair of industrial equipment and systems, as well as custom prototype devices. The candidate will work closely with other trades and technicians, often helping them complete their projects, as needed to meet schedule requirements.

Participate as a support chemistry technician for CSS in team-oriented research projects related to ecosystem monitoring and assessment on our contract at the US EPA Pacific Ecological Systems Division in Corvallis, OR.  The research incorporates the analysis of surface water, biological tissues, soils, and sediments.  After a detailed orientation, duties will include the following tasks: - Receive and log-in more than 200 samples per month - Filter, preserve and digest water samples - Prepare sample containers - Analyze samples to determine pH, alkalinity, turbidity, color and conductivity using standard operating procedures - Assist with labware washing, laboratory housekeeping, and cooler shipments - Maintain laboratory records - Enter experimental data using Excel - Prepare reagents - Assist chemists with other tasks as needed.

The primary focus area for this position will be to work with NCCOS/COL and partners to support field and laboratory research across a variety of disciplines and species related to coastal habitats and resources with focus on the Chesapeake Bay. The intent of the position is to gain broad experience in applied environmental science while assisting federal and state programs. Must be available to start on or about mid-May 2023 and work until mid-August 2023. Expected pay up to $15/ hr.   Duties: ● Collect specimens in the field, with and without watercraft, in various environments and adverse weather conditions ● Support researchers in processing samples and conducting experiments ● Prepare samples, mix reagents, make measurements, record data ● Organize and input data into a database, maintain accurate detailed records of experiments, observations, measurements and results ● Use and maintain analytical instruments ● Assist in routine upkeep of small boats and field equipment ● Update and maintain lab storage areas and inventories

CSS Inc. has an immediate opening for a Laboratory Safety Specialist to provide industrial hygiene, and occupational safety services at our client site, the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. Candidates should have experience and knowledge in assessing laboratory hazards, collecting pertinent data to document findings, and supporting the development of laboratory safety programs. The Safety and Health Specialist will be responsible for conducting laboratory surveys, obtaining basic information on processes, hazards and controls, and ensuring laboratory personnel are aware of safety resources and general requirements. The position requires a team-oriented professional with strong organization skills as well as excellent writing and oral communication skills.   Required Qualifications: 1. BS degree in Safety, Industrial Hygiene or related discipline 2. Three or more years of related laboratory safety and health experience 3. Detail oriented 4. Experience working in laboratories and knowledge of ES&H standards and regulations 5. Effective written and oral communication skills   Desired Qualifications: 1. Demonstrated ability to work as a solid contributor in a team environment 2. Capable of multi-tasking and changing direction depending on work load 3. Previous Federal government experience 4. Computer skills including: Excel, PowerPoint, Word  

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.

CSS is seeking a Biologist/ Marine Scientist with experience in general laboratory and/or biotechnical applications for a full-time laboratory-based contract position with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), Hollings Marine Laboratory. This technical support position is integral to advancing NCCOS’ Stressor Detection & Impacts strategic science objectives via developing and deploying innovative coastal observing technologies to support early detection, predictive modeling, ecological forecasting, and assessment of impacts on coastal resources and economies. Currently the research focuses on detection and monitoring of harmful algal blooms and their toxins in marine and freshwater (Great Lakes) systems. The successful applicant will have a demonstrated familiarity and ability to work with biosensing technologies (e.g., antibody-based techniques, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), waveguides, electrochemical sensors).   Duties include: • Assists researchers in developing antibody-based assays for autonomous and field-portable biosensors to detect harmful algae and their toxins; • Implements established SOPs and QA/QC procedures for printing protein arrays and executing SPR surface chemistry protocols, and assists researchers in method development; • Assists in maintaining biosensor/ bioanalytical instrumentation (e.g., SPR instrument); • Maintains up-to-date, well-organized, and highly detailed laboratory notebook covering all relevant research activities/experiments; • Collects, performs preliminary analyses of, and reports on experimental data to research personnel and supervising scientist; • Responsible for general laboratory maintenance including, but not limited to, washing/ autoclaving glassware, preparing algal culture media, maintaining laboratory equipment, inventory of supplies/reagents, etc.