Science Writer & Editor

About the role

@Orchard is a growing Woman-Owned Small Business and federal prime contractor delivering mission-critical science, data, technology, program management, and workforce solutions. Since 2010, we have built high-performing teams and disciplined delivery systems that help federal agencies launch complex programs, sustain performance, and achieve meaningful mission outcomes.

@Orchard LLC is seeking a Science Writer & Editor to support NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration. The Science Writer & Editor develops, edits, and communicates high-quality scientific and technical content supporting NOAA Ocean Exploration programs.

Responsibilities

Working closely with scientists, engineers, expedition teams, and federal program managers, this position transforms complex scientific concepts into clear, accurate, and engaging products for technical, executive, and public audiences.

• Develop, edit, and review scientific and technical documents.
• Translate complex scientific concepts for technical, executive, and public audiences.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to ensure scientific accuracy.
• Edit reports, manuscripts, publications, and briefing materials.
• Develop website and digital communication content.
• Support multimedia communications and outreach.
• Prepare executive briefings and strategic reports.
• Coordinate communications supporting scientific expeditions.
• Maintain document libraries and version control.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Marine Science, Environmental Science, Biology, or related field.
• Advanced degree in a related scientific discipline is a strong preference.
• Experience writing and editing scientific or technical content.
• Excellent technical writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Experience supporting NOAA or other federal science organizations.
• Experience editing scientific publications or peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts clearly.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Occasional domestic travel may be required to support scientific meetings, workshops, planning sessions, training activities, or other program requirements consistent with contract needs.
• Experience supporting marine science or ocean exploration programs is preferred.
• Experience with web content management systems is preferred.

Skills

• Scientific Writing & Editing.
• Science Communication.
• Technical Editing.
• Website Content Management.
• Executive Briefings.
• Microsoft Office 365.
• Google Workspace.
• Adobe Acrobat.
• Microsoft Teams & SharePoint.

Benefits

Competitive base salary with opportunities for advancement, career growth and professional development, work-life balance, comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), generous PTO, and paid federal holidays.