Senior Oceanographic Technician

As a Senior Ocean Tech and part of INSPIRE’s Data Acquisition Team, you will lead field teams in the collection of marine and oceanographic data. You will be responsible for in-field management, operation, maintenance, and deployment of a wide variety of oceanographic instrumentation, while contributing to marine science research, environmental and fisheries monitoring, and offshore development projects. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced offshore professional to bring hands-on technical expertise, problem-solving, and field leadership to a high-functioning and collaborative team.

In this role, you will be responsible for the deployment, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of a wide range of oceanographic instrumentation. This position requires extensive hands-on offshore experience and the ability, and desire, to spend time at sea aboard US and international vessels of opportunity for periods ranging from days to several weeks at a time, totaling up to several months per year.

While not offshore, INSPIRE’s Senior Oceanographic Technician will assist with equipment maintenance and calibration, inventory management, survey planning, and data processing and reporting. Training will be provided. This role will also be expected to contribute to continuous improvement of field procedures, operational workflows, and technical capabilities across the organization. This is a role that offers variety, responsibility, and opportunity for professional growth within a well-established and expanding marine science company.

Essential Functions

· Actively demonstrate and promote HSSE awareness, compliance, and best practices in all work activities.

· Ability to lead teams in a high stress, fast-paced environment (i.e. shipboard).

· Lead offshore mobilization, deployment, operation, and troubleshooting, of oceanographic and marine survey equipment such as sonars, USBLs, CTDs, ROVs, cameras, environmental sensors, and sampling devices and navigation systems on vessels of opportunity.

· Supervise all offshore safety and operating procedures while upholding INSPIRE’s strong commitment to safety, operational excellence, and scientific integrity.

· Ensure that data collected meet scientific objectives and client requirements, while producing traceable, accurate field documentation, compliant metadata, and following documented QA/QC procedures.

· Contribute to maintenance and organization of warehouse and field equipment. inventory, including all documentation, parts inventory and rental equipment.

· Assist with survey planning (including generating survey documentation), equipment testing, calibration, and logistics coordination.

· Participate in data processing and reporting workflow with INSPIRE scientists following data acquisition.

· Mentor and train junior technicians and field staff.

· Support development and improvement of innovative marine survey technologies and operational workflows.

Do you have a valid Driver’s License license?, Do you have experience in Technical troubleshooting support?, Do you have a Bachelor’s degree?, · Minimum of 3-5 years of offshore field experience in marine science, hydrographic survey, environmental monitoring, or oceanographic operations

· Strong understanding of marine survey operations and offshore safety practices

· Experience operating offshore navigation software and USBL, underwater camera systems, and other benthic and sediment sampling equipment.

· Experience troubleshooting subsea instrumentation

· Ability to work safely and effectively in physically demanding offshore environments as part of a team

· Ability to effectively interface with vessel captains and crews

· Strong organizational and written and verbal communication skills

· Ability to travel frequently and work extended offshore rotations

· Valid driver’s license (and good driving record) and US passport, and ability to travel internationally as needed

· Flexibility to adapt to changing schedules and priorities

· Ability to pass a 10-panel drug test

· Ability to pass medical examination and complete sea-survival training

Desired Education and Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree in oceanography, marine science, marine technology, engineering technology, or related discipline; equivalent combinations of education, technical training and offshore experience will also be considered.

· 5+ years offshore field experience in marine science, hydrographic survey, environmental monitoring, or oceanographic operations with direct responsibility for directing staff, and operating and maintaining instrumentation.

· Experience operating under a rigorous Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Programs

· Experience with shipboard navigation software (e.g., Qinsy, Hypack, etc.), USBL set-up and operation, observation class ROV operation.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Experience operating underwater camera systems and observation-class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)

· GIS mapping

· Ability to repair electrical and electronic devices

· UK passport or work permit

Pulled from the full job description

• Paid training
• On-the-job training
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Health savings account, * Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance