Job Description
Job Description
Scientific & Technical Editor Seattle, WA (Primarily Remote)
This is a work-from-home position. Candidates must be based in the Seattle, WA area, and be available for occasional in-person meetings in Seattle or other West Coast office locations. Some travel may be required.
Translating Science, Informing the Future
Join @Orchard on a mission to amplify the impact of cutting-edge marine science. We are seeking a highly skilled Scientific & Technical Editor to support an opportunity with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC).
In this vital role, you will serve as a gatekeeper for quality and an ambassador for clarity, transforming complex scientific research into polished, accessible, and impactful publications. You will be instrumental in ensuring that the critical work of NOAA scientists reaches resource managers, policymakers, and the public, directly contributing to the conservation of marine ecosystems and the sustainability of our fisheries. If you are a meticulous editor with a passion for science and a talent for communication, this is your opportunity to play a key part in advancing NOAA’s leadership in marine science.
Key Responsibilities
As the Scientific & Technical Editor, you will manage the full lifecycle of scientific publications and communications, from initial draft to final dissemination. Your responsibilities are delineated across five core areas :
1. Scientific Report Publishing
- Edit and format a wide range of scientific and technical reports, including Technical Memorandums, Processed Reports, and White Papers, ensuring adherence to the NWFSC in-house style guide.
- Manage the publication process, upholding rigorous standards for scientific accuracy and efficiency.
- After final government approval, upload finished documents to the official NOAA Institutional Repository.
2. Publication Tracking & Compliance
Support the implementation and use of NOAA’s Research Publication Tracking System (RPTS).Maintain and update the Center’s Fundamental Research Communication (FRC) policy guidelines and serve as a point of contact for staff inquiries.Prepare and deliver quarterly compliance reports to Center leadership using statistical analysis of publication data.3. General Editorial Support
Serve as the go-to editorial expert for NWFSC staff, guiding writing style, grammar, and compliance with all NOAA publication policies.Edit and format a variety of scientific documents beyond the official report series, ensuring a consistent standard of quality.4. Science Communication & Content Creation
Write, edit, and copyedit engaging scientific outreach content for a broad non-science audience, including articles for the NWFSC website and posts for social media.Assist with content curation and management for the Center’s public website and internal intranet.5. Digital Accessibility & Section 508 Compliance
Act as the NWFSC authority on digital accessibility, ensuring all public-facing PDF materials are fully compliant with Section 508 requirements.Champion accessibility by working directly with scientists, providing training, and developing guidance materials to ensure best practices are followed across the Center.Required Education & Experience
Education : An advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in English, Technical Writing / Editing, Communications, or a related field is required . A Doctorate degree can substitute for two (2) years of the required professional experience.Professional Experience : A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience editing and publishing peer-reviewed scientific documentation, specifically in the fields of marine biology and / or fishery science .Technical Skills : High proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Acrobat Pro, Photoshop), Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets), and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).Accessibility Expertise : Demonstrated experience making PDF documents accessible and compliant with Section 508 requirements, including experience training others in accessibility best practices.Core Competencies :Exceptional organizational skills with a proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet inflexible deadlines.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively identify problems, propose solutions, and defend editorial recommendations with scientific staff.A strong ability to understand and interpret complex technical material and adapt it for various audiences.Additional Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience using and maintaining a manuscript tracking system (e.g., RPTS).A broad knowledge of fisheries science, marine mammal science, physical oceanography, or economics is needed to edit manuscripts on abstract concepts.Proven skill in writing and editing science communications materials for the web to translate complex science for the public.Ability to synthesize written material with graphics to optimize comprehension and accuracy.Demonstrated project management skills.Established in 2010, @Orchard LLC has an exceptional reputation, providing staffing solutions to time-sensitive, talent scarcity issues to deliver better talent management ROI. Our specialty lies in the critical area of program talent acquisition and resource management, not in one narrow skillset, but across many areas of technical and functional delivery. To learn more about our other exciting opportunities, visit our Jobs Page at www.atOrchard.com .
