Scientific Technical Writer/Editor II

FedWriters, Inc.•Silver Spring, MD

2d•$35 - $41•Remote

About The Position

Are you passionate about making science matter to the world? This is your opportunity to sit at the intersection of cutting-edge weather research and powerful storytelling — helping translate life-saving science into narratives that reach Congress, the public, and beyond. The purpose of this position is to serve as WPO's primary technical writer and editor, responsible for crafting compelling narratives that showcase research successes and program impacts. The incumbent will develop win stories that highlight WPO-funded research achievements, translate complex scientific findings into clear and engaging content, and ensure all written materials meet professional journalism standards using AP style guidelines. This role is essential to communicating WPO's research value and impact to stakeholders, Congress, and the public. The NOAA Weather Program Office (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 Service 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. FWI has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Washington Post in 2024 and 2025, offering excellent growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in a technical or business discipline such as journalism, communications, English, atmospheric science, or related field.
4+ years of professional and/or academic experience in technical writing, science communication, or journalism. Advanced degrees or certifications may qualify for shorter periods of required experience.
Expert proficiency in AP style writing and editing, with demonstrated ability to apply journalism standards to scientific and technical content.
Strong experience in developing win stories, impact narratives, or success stories that effectively communicate complex technical achievements to diverse audiences.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to translate complex scientific information into clear, engaging, and accessible content.
Experience interviewing subject matter experts and synthesizing technical information from multiple sources.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple writing projects with competing deadlines.
Strong research skills and attention to detail with commitment to accuracy in technical content.
Proficiency in content management systems, document collaboration tools, and digital publishing platforms.
Understanding of federal communication requirements and stakeholder engagement principles.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MA/MS) in journalism, technical writing, communications, or scientific field with writing emphasis.
Professional certification in technical writing (STC certification) or journalism credentials.
Experience in science communication, particularly in meteorology, atmospheric science, or related fields.
Background working with federal agencies, research institutions, or scientific organizations.
Familiarity with NOAA programs, weather research, and operational meteorology.
Experience with digital content creation, social media writing, and multi-platform publishing.
Portfolio demonstrating successful win stories, impact narratives, and technical communication pieces.
Experience with media relations, press release writing, and public affairs support

Responsibilities

Develop compelling win stories and impact narratives that showcase WPO-funded research achievements, translating complex scientific outcomes into accessible and engaging content for diverse audiences including stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public.
Apply expert knowledge of AP style writing standards to ensure all written materials meet professional journalism and communication guidelines, maintaining consistency across all WPO publications and communications.
Collaborate with Principal Investigators, program managers, and research teams to gather technical information and transform scientific findings into clear, accurate, and compelling written content.
Write and edit a variety of technical documents including research summaries, program reports, fact sheets, web content, press releases, and promotional materials that effectively communicate WPO's mission and research impacts.
Conduct interviews with researchers, stakeholders, and end-users to gather information for win stories and develop human-interest angles that demonstrate the real-world applications of weather research.
Edit and review scientific documents, proposals, and reports for clarity, accuracy, and adherence to style guidelines while maintaining technical precision and scientific integrity.
Support strategic communication initiatives by developing content for congressional briefings, budget justifications, and stakeholder presentations that highlight program successes and future research priorities.
Collaborate with the communications team to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all written materials, maintaining WPO's professional image and communication standards.
Research and stay current with scientific developments, policy changes, and industry trends to ensure written content is accurate, relevant, and timely.
Manage multiple writing projects simultaneously, meeting tight deadlines while maintaining high quality standards and attention to detail in all deliverables.