Visual Communications / Information System Specialist

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact Ocean Associates at 703-388-9548 to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking an applicant to provide visual communications and information systems support to The Communications and External Affairs (CEA) Branch of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries West Coast Region (WCR).  OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services, and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts.

Background

The CEA Branch of NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region develops pro-active communications strategies to share information about the WCR’s programs and activities to conserve living marine resources. This work requires that complex scientific and policy information is made understandable and accessible to a wide range of audiences, and available through various online and print platforms. Information systems and related services are essential to making WCR information available in an orderly, transparent and efficient manner. The CEA Branch is responsible for communicating key regional actions, policies, and achievements to stakeholders, partners, the public, and other interested parties via outreach material it designs.  Support services are required for design and production of print and digital visual communications materials for internal and external audiences, manage photo and graphic archives, support external and internal web content, support print services, and to develop and deliver visual content for print, web, and social media on WCR science and management activities.

Tasks

Key Tasks Include The Following:

Design and produce visual communication materials for external and internal communications. 

• Work with government communications and scientific/technical staff to create impactful visual communications materials that clearly communicate targeted scientific and management concepts and topics. Types of materials include but are not limited to:
  1. Infographics
  2. Brochures
  3. Glossy reports
  4. Fact sheets & Fliers 
  5. Outreach signage
  6. Maps and ESRI Storymaps
  7. Posters 
  8. Icons, identifiers, and illustrations
  9. Newsletter templates
  10. Certificates and other internal communications
• Infographics
• Brochures
• Glossy reports
• Fact sheets & Fliers 
• Outreach signage
• Maps and ESRI Storymaps
• Posters 
• Icons, identifiers, and illustrations
• Newsletter templates
• Certificates and other internal communications
• Use the latest, most applicable digital techniques, accepted standards, and methodologies to relay complex scientific and technical content.
• Manage, store, and organize design project files/records for easy retrieval by government staff (i.e. original in design files, version control, translations, etc). 
• Content creation process should include:
  1. Creating and maintaining a production schedule.
  2. Formatting products according to WCR guidelines and NOAA Branding Guidelines.
  3. Working closely and collaboratively with government technical experts, communicators, and managers.
  4. Prompt and creative responses to feedback.
  5. Coordinating with internal and external partners as needed.
• Creating and maintaining a production schedule.
• Formatting products according to WCR guidelines and NOAA Branding Guidelines.
• Working closely and collaboratively with government technical experts, communicators, and managers.
• Prompt and creative responses to feedback.
• Coordinating with internal and external partners as needed.
• Maintain an up to date inventory of current visual communications products on the WCR Intranet.
• Attend weekly WCR communications team meetings and occasional in-person NOAA Fisheries coordination workshops to ensure alignment with other communications efforts and application of the latest NOAA communications approaches.

Printing

• Serve as a liaison with the Government Publishing Office and manage WCR print orders, ensuring timely and cost-effective print jobs.
• Advise communications and other staff on print job characteristics such as paper type and weight, signage ink, dimensions, binding type, etc.

Photo and Graphics Inventory

• Maintain WCR archive of high-quality, compelling photographic and other imagery.
• Archive shall be easily searchable for common topics, species, habitats, ocean uses, etc.
• Archive shall include metadata such as data, location, photographer, subject matter, etc.
• Be WCR liaison to other photo archive databases such as those run by NMFS Headquarters.
• Respond to staff requests for photo and graphic imagery to assist their communications efforts.
• Assist social media manager in maintaining photo folders on agency Flickr site for the public.
• Manage communications team check out system of cameras, microphones, tablets and other communications equipment

Web Support

• Provide back up support for maintaining external and internal WCR web content
• Manage communications team intranet content 
• Contractor shall advise and assist any revisions to internal and external web content and architecture. 
• Attend NOAA Fisheries communication coordination workshops to ensure alignment with other communications teams and application of the latest NOAA communications approaches

Start Date: As soon as possible. 

Location: Remote / Telework

Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $45.00 - $52.00 per hour.

Requirements

Applicants must have the following minimum requirements:

• Experience designing fact sheets, infographics, brochures, posters, and similar material types for scientific or natural resource management subjects
• Advanced skills in design software such as InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Canva, etc.
• Demonstrated, significant (at least 5 years) experience working with scientific subject matter experts to find creative solutions to communicating complex scientific concepts clearly to a lay audience
• Experience managing digital photo archives
• Experience updating web sites using Drupal and Google sites
• Experience processing large printing orders
• Knowledge of the Rehabilitation Act Section 508 compliance requirements and the ability to make documents and web content 508 compliant.
• Working with marine fisheries programs or other science- or natural resource management-based organizations
• Current MS Office skills
• Current skills in design software such as InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Canva, etc.
• Knowledge of the Rehabilitation Act Section 508 compliance requirements and the ability to make documents and web content 508 compliant.
• Current skills in web site content management system Drupal and Google sites

If you are interested in being considered for this position, please APPLY THROUGH OUR ADP WEB PORTAL, AT THE LINK AT THE TOP RIGHT OF THIS PAGE.

Only qualified applicants that meet minimum experience or background requirements stated above need apply. When applying for this position you will be asked to upload your resume at the end of this online application.

Applicants should submit a resume that includes the following:

• Cover letter that briefly describes how you meet the required and preferred qualifications listed.
• Work history for past 10 years or since last full-time education.
• Education.
• Previous experience or training with similar requirements.
• Three professional references.  
• Include your name in the document file name.
• Upload your resume in readable, not scanned, PDF or Word format (PDF is preferred).  

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire, and successfully complete a federal government background check. OAI does not discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. 

OAI is a government contractor and is required by law to invite applicants to voluntarily self-identify their disability status and veteran status. OAI's online application includes check boxes to either voluntarily self identify or decline to self identify. While the information is collected through your application, it is collected anonymously and is not connected to your application. OAI uses the information it collects to track its disability and veteran hiring progress, and to meet its obligations under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and under VEVRAA. 

Note:  If you are not selected, your materials may be retained for present or future opportunities. We may use your resume in bidding on a project and if we are awarded the work, we will contact you before seeking further applicants. If you do not wish us to retain or use your resume to seek work for you, please let us know in the "Notes" section on the second page of the online application.