NOA2503 Science Communications Specialist - Military veterans preferred

I.M. Systems Group


Position Title: NOA2503 Science Communications Specialist

Location: Silver Spring | Maryland

Employment Type: Contractor


Description:

Overview
I. M. Systems Group, Inc. (IMSG), a science and technical services company supporting the U.S. Federal Government, is seeking a highly motivated Science Communications Specialist to join our team supporting NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) in Silver Spring, Maryland.
This position plays a crucial role within the NOAA Environmental Visualization Laboratory (VizLab), a creative and multidisciplinary team that develops visualizations, educational content, and exhibits to communicate NOAA science and satellite data to the public, stakeholders, and decision-makers. In this role, you will lead communication and coordination activities around NOAA’s flagship exhibit platform, Science On a Sphere (SOS), at NOAA headquarters. You will also serve as a key liaison between multiple NOAA offices and the broader SOS community.

Key Responsibilities

• Exhibit Management: Lead and coordinate all operations for the Science On a Sphere (SOS) exhibit at NOAA HQ in Silver Spring, ensuring its consistent availability for internal and public presentations. Maintain the system’s technical infrastructure—including Linux and Windows computers, A/V hardware, projectors, and network cabling—and troubleshoot issues in coordination with the SOS team in Colorado.

• Technical Support & Training: Provide training and ongoing support for SOS users, including NOAA leadership, visiting educators, and external partners. This includes onboarding new users, leading formal training sessions, and offering live support during presentations.

• Presentation Support: Support the development of SOS presentations by NOAA leadership and other presenters. Provide technical and creative guidance to ensure compelling delivery of scientific content.

• Content Development & Visualization: Generate high-impact, newsworthy visualizations in SOS-ready formats, especially in response to significant environmental events. This work involves identifying relevant topics, accessing and processing satellite or environmental data, and applying skills in graphic design, geospatial (GIS) technologies, and science communication to produce compelling visuals.

• Strategic Coordination: Convene and participate in meetings with NOAA stakeholders, including: weekly on-site SOS team meetings, weekly meetings with the SOS team in Boulder, Colorado, and quarterly meetings with NESDIS line office representatives, or when requested

• Scheduling & Communication: Manage the SOS reservation calendar and serve as the primary point of contact for presentation scheduling and logistical support. Maintain digital communications channels, including websites, shared drives, email inboxes, and listservs.

• Science On a Sphere (SOS) Exhibit Presentations:

o Host events and or present for NOAA staff and guests on-demand

o Deliver or coordinate ~10 SOS or SOS Explorer (SOSx) presentations per year to local school groups, educators, and visiting delegations.

o Give public presentations at NOAA HQ twice weekly (11:30 AM to 1 PM, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, excluding holidays) during open house hours.

• Internal & External Collaboration:

o Support the broader SOS Network by offering guidance on accessing NOAA data and creating high-quality, educational SOS content.

o Assist with planning and content development for the annual SOS Collaborative Network Workshop.

• Leadership & Strategic Support: Assist NOAA leadership by preparing impactful presentation materials, reports, and communication assets used in briefings with stakeholders, including academic institutions, industry partners, and congressional staff.

• Team Integration: Actively contribute to VizLab strategic planning sessions and cross-project collaboration. Participate in regular team meetings (1–2 hours each), including internal planning, project development, and leadership coordination. One day per week may include a high volume of meetings.

• Travel: Occasional travel required to support presentations, conferences, and satellite launch activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science communication, computer science, environmental science, Earth science, or a related technical field.

• 10–15 years of relevant professional experience in a scientific, educational, technical, or communications setting.

• Comfortable interacting with the public, presenting in front of groups, and leading training sessions.

• Strong organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

• Integrate visualizations from Earth science products from NOAA and NASA using graphic design tools (Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva).

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience managing complex technical systems in exhibit, public engagement, or educational environments.

• Strong understanding of Earth and environmental science concepts and datasets.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex science clearly to a wide range of audiences.

• Experience supporting federal government science communications or working in federal environments.

• Create visualizations from Earth science data from NOAA and NASA using different desktop and cloud tools, including skills in computer programming and scripting.

• Experience with geospatial data (GIS), specifically Esri ArcGIS Pro desktop and ArcGIS Online software and systems.

Additional Information

• This is a full-time, on-site position located at NOAA Headquarters in Silver Spring, MD.

• Occasional travel (maximum 5–6 trips annually) will be required to attend conferences, support offsite SOS exhibits, and participate in events.

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent U.S. residents (who lived in U.S. for the past 3 years).

• IMSG offers competitive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k), Paid Time Off, etc.

Please apply online at IM Systems Group, Inc. | Current Opportunities (imsg.com)

Please submit your resume, the contact information for three (3) references, your salary requirements and a cover letter explaining how your qualifications meet the requirements of the position to jobs@imsg.com with the following subject line: NOA2503 – Science Communications Specialist

IMSG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Veteran and Disability friendly.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

PI269468164