NOAA WPO Engineer/Scientist

Overview

The purpose of this position is to provide technical and administrative support in the area of grants management, severe weather, and social science.

The NOAA WPO is a programmatic office located in NOAA Research that supports world-class weather research to save lives, reduce property damage, and enhance the national economy by selecting and funding research that supports and fosters collaborations with NOAA’s research laboratories and the weather enterprise (i.e., NOAA, other Federal agencies and entities, state and local governments, academia, and the private sector). WPO’s Programs work closely with the National Weather Services to develop and transition weather research to improve knowledge about tropical cyclones, severe storms, extreme precipitation, air pollution, and social science – and to integrate weather, water, and climate forecasting and mitigation.

The purpose of this position is to serve as an integral member of WPO’s Social Science Program and the competition manager for the Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX) program.   As a member of the Social Science Program, the incumbent will foster relationships with relevant partners, including NOAA laboratories, program offices, and the National Weather Service and play key roles regarding strategic communication, research synthesis, and project management. As the VORTEX competition manager the incumbent will perform oversight on existing research awards, support development of funding opportunities, review grant submissions, facilitate review panels and process award packages.  

FWI has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Washington Post in 2024 and 2025, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Work Schedule and Location:

Remote: This full-time remote position will work Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST with travel as needed. 

Responsibilities

• Participate as an integral member with WPO's Social Science Program team.
• Serve as competition manager for the Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX) program.
• Collaborate with researchers and end-users to co-interpret and share research results as well as develop value stories highlighting WPO research impacts.
• Work collaboratively with NSSL's VORTEX team.
• Support the Science, Technology, and Society Division by fostering relationships with relevant partners among OAR laboratories and programs as well as National Weather Service in support of program priorities, including but not limited to research to operations support.
• Utilize knowledge and expertise in qualitative and quantitative social science research methodologies to review the technical rigor of scientific proposals, correspond with investigators about their methodological approach, and track project compliance with Institutional Review Boards (IRB) and Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) as needed.
• Support projects funded by WPO Social Science and Vortex Programs by providing project management expertise and performance oversight for research awards.
• Attend relevant society meetings such as American Meteorological Society, National Weather Association, The Society for Risk Analysis, etc. Write abstracts, propose/coordinate relevant sessions and present relevant work in support of SSP mission and goals.
• Perform administrative tasks including scheduling, planning, and facilitating meetings with internal staff, external researchers, and stakeholders, utilizing technologies, such as Generative AI, Smartsheet, Google suite, etc., to advance efficiencies in program management.
• Collaborate with other WPO programs on synergistic activities.

Qualifications

Required: 

● Bachelor's degree from the field of Social Science, meteorology, or a related field such as atmospheric science.● At least 8+ years of professional and/or academic experience. Advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience.● Understanding of extreme weather research. ● Technical competence and expertise in social science research theories and methods, and an ability to assess, evaluate, and triangulate research findings.● Strong editing experience.● Effective written and strong oral communication skills, both within field of expertise and across disciplinary boundaries; comfort presenting and translating scientific content for a variety of audiences.

Desired: 

● Advanced degree, MA/MS or PhD, from the field of social science or behavioral science or interdisciplinary field with a weather, natural hazards, or disaster background (e.g. risk communication, sociology, political science, decision science, geography, etc.). ● Experience with severe weather research, specifically tornado research.● General familiarity with the suite of NOAA weather products and services.● Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary program team.● Interest in the interactions between weather information and weather-related decision making. ● Previous experience, familiarity, or willingness to learn managing grant competition process.

Why Join Our Team

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

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

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. 

Pay Range (Compensation will be determined based on the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors)