Program Operations Specialist

About the Role

The University of Washington (UW) is seeking a Program Operations Specialist to join the Global Observations of Biogeochemistry and Ocean Physics (GOBOP) Group at the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL). This role will lead the administration and management of PMEL’s Adopt-a-Float outreach program.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the PMEL Adopt-a-Float Outreach Program (50%):
• Grow, manage, and administer the program.
• Organize and optimize existing outreach content and materials.
• Coordinate outreach events with teachers from regional high schools.
• Develop tools to track the success of outreach engagements.
• Manage the budget allocated to the program.
• Organize approximately quarterly school visits by GOBOP team members.
• Support Group Logistics (25%):
• Assist with shipping, float deployment planning/notifications, budgeting, purchasing, file organization, and intern coordination.
• Contribute to the development, management, and maintenance of performance metrics for hardware, software, and data quality control.
• Support Group Reporting and Communications (20%):
• Assist in drafting textual and visual content for proposals, reports, presentations, outreach stories, publication media, and digital platforms (e.g., group website).
• Develop new materials based on the hire's skillset and interests.
• Perform Additional Duties (5%):
• Complete other tasks assigned to support the GOBOP Argo team.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor of Science in Earth Science (e.g., Oceanography, Atmospheric Science) OR Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Project Management, Marketing, or similar.
• 12-months of job-related experience.
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications.
• Additional Qualifications:
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Experience or interest in arranging and running meetings.
• Broad, basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office suite.
• Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication skills.
• Highly organized, self-motivated individual with strong attention to detail and time management skills.
• Experience with, or training in, project management and handling deadlines.
• Experience developing graphical/visual content to communicate information.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team and prioritize team success.
• Ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities while exercising sound judgment and taking initiative.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• An educational background or interest in ocean/environmental science.
• Experience with web design.
• Experience with budget management.
• Experience developing and/or implementing outreach events.
• Experience organizing and leading small groups of people.
• Ability to occasionally assist in the float lab with unpacking, packing, or testing floats, and maneuvering floats/boxes of ≤80 lbs with assistance.

Working Conditions

• Professional office setting – desk work.
• Occasional assistance in the PMEL float lab.
• Semi-regular trips to regional schools.
• A driver's license is required.