Duty Controller / Computer System Operator

Background
ERT is actively seeking candidates to support Search and Rescue monitoring activities for the United States Mission Control Center (USMCC) Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking (SARSAT) system. The Duty Controller is a critical part of the SARSAT team, helping to ensure the performance of lifesaving SARSAT satellite instruments, Local User Terminals (LUTs or ground stations), the USMCC, and all supporting communications. 

The USMCC is monitored 24/7/365 to ensure there is no delay in Search and Rescue (SAR) response times. Controllers alternate working 12-hour shifts (7 am - 7 pm or 7 pm - 7 am), 3-4 days a week. This is an on-site position in Suitland, MD at the NOAA Satellite Operations Facility (NSOF).

Duties include:

• Monitor the USMCC SARSAT system and respond to queries from Rescue Coordination Centers (RCCs), SAR Point of Contacts (SPOCs), and other Mission Control Centers
• Analyze USMCC system notifications and take the appropriate corrective actions 
• Process daily satellite orbital data to ensure the LUTs produce accurate Doppler positions for search and rescue efforts
• Populate and ensure the quality of the data entered into the Incident History Database (IHDB)
• Communicate with the appropriate RCC to capture and record accurate feedback on beacon activation outcomes
• Collect additional information from RCCs for distress cases and write the first draft of distress cases for inclusion in NOAA's morning brief reports
• Send messages to SARSAT partners concerning the quality of incoming data and regularly test communication links.
• Administrative tasks include answering the telephone, recording all shift activity (e.g., system messages, phone calls, satellite status changes) in the controller log, running database reports, changing out backup tapes, building the draft of the morning brief document, and supporting the Beacon Registration Database (RGDB) staff by verifying the accuracy of beacon registration information on a daily basis.

Required Skills

• A minimum of 2 years’ relevant experience.  Candidates with prior military experience serving as an operations or command center duty officer highly desired.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills to work effectively with international communities and to write concise, accurate controller duty logs
• Must have proven experience using software tools such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Must be dependable, detail oriented and willing to work a rotating 12-hour shift schedule
• An understanding of mathematics, latitude and longitude, and time zones (e.g., UTC/ GMT) is required. 

Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident and be able to pass a background investigation to obtain a security badge to enter the applicable government facility.

Education
HS Diploma; Associates degree or BS degree preferred and may be substituted for years of experience. Training on the SARSAT system will be provided.

ERT is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer - All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.