• Job Description

  Req#: 500758

  PAY GRADE: 29N

  CONTEXT OF THE JOB:
  The University of Delaware’s R/V Hugh R Sharp is a high-tech Laboratory at sea. Much of the instrumentation and sampling equipment used on a research cruise is permanently installed on the ship and is maintained and operated by the ship's Technical Support Group. As part of this group, the Marine Oceanographic Technicians report to the Coordinator of Oceanographic Technical Services. However, the greatest part of this position is performed at sea, with limited direct supervision aboard the ship. The Marine Oceanographic Technician assigned to the mission must be able to work both independently and with the (up to 14 person) scientific party aboard ship to meet the research goals safely and efficiently. The decision making, personal interaction skills, and broad technical acumen of the Marine Technician is a critical component of the success of research missions.

  The Marine Oceanographic Technicians are responsible for ensuring the proper operation of all the ship's oceanographic instrumentation, which includes highly complex electronic computerized systems, laboratory equipment, and mechanical sampling devices. In addition to laboratory work, the Marine Technicians work on deck and frequently take the lead in the deployment of scientific equipment at sea. The Marine Oceanographic Technicians interact directly with both the scientific users of the ship and the ship's crew.

  The ship operates 24/7 when at sea, carries up to 22 personnel, and handles high value (up to $1m+) equipment in the dynamic ocean environment. Science missions are several days to over two weeks at a time, totaling an average of 180 days at sea per year. The Marine Technicians typically rotate sea time by sailing every other mission but will sail together on more complex missions.

  Ashore, the Oceanographic Technician assists with the maintenance and calibration of instrumentation and assists scientists and crew with mobilization.

  This is an entry level position that allows opportunity for advanced training on oceanographic systems. From this position there is advancement potential to Oceanographic Specialist.

  MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Operates and assists with maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, and repair of the ship's oceanographic instrumentation, computers, and networks.
  • Ensures data collected by the ship’s scientific instrument systems meet quality control standards.
  • Operates and assists with maintenance of electronic and mechanical sampling devices such as sonars, underwater positioning acoustic systems, CTD, Scan Fish, corers, grabs, and sampling bottles.
  • Participates in the safe execution of scientific deck operations.
  • Assists with science mission mobilization and demobilization and assisting with deck duties docking and undocking the ship.
  • Operates the ship’s small boat for scientific operations or personnel transfers.
  • Instructs the scientific party in the safe and effective operation of all shared use equipment and computer systems as needed.
  • Serve on Emergency Response teams (fire, flooding, medical, lifeboat, man overboard) and participate in drills and training. Can be called out at any time at sea to assist with an emergency.
  • Procure pre-approved equipment and supplies. Adhere to University purchase card policies and procedures.
  • Acts as the ship's radiation safety officer in absence of an Oceanographic Specialist and participates annually in University radiation safety training.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

  QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associate’s Degree in Marine Technology or Marine Science and one year of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with deployment and operation of research instrumentation at sea preferred.
  • Knowledge of electronics and computer programming or networks, including troubleshooting procedures, use of test equipment, data storage and transfer.
  • Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Windows and Windows applications programs.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal relationship skills.
  • Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
  • Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.

  SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Must be able to perform normal duties aboard ship such as: climbing and descending ladders, handling mooring lines, opening and closing watertight doors, wearing an emergency breathing apparatus, reaching, handling, grasping, and lifting lifesaving and firefighting equipment.
  • Must meet the US Coast Guard (USCG) physical requirements for merchant seaman as outlined in 46 CFR and given on USCG Form CG-719K.
  • Must be able to spend extended periods away from home port including sailing as much as 140 days (2/3 of the ship’s maximum sailing schedule) and be at sea for up to three weeks at a time depending on operational demands.
  • Must be willing to work weekends and holidays at sea and in port as operations require.
  • Must have excellent decision making and interpersonal skills to interact appropriately with scientific users and ship’s crew and maintain a customer service and mission accomplishment environment.
  • Must be willing to be enrolled in a Department of Transportation (DOT) random drug testing program and pass a pre-employment drug screening.
  • Must be willing to successfully complete STCW Basic Safety Training and acquire a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC).
  • Must have a valid, state issued driver’s license in order to operate ship’s vehicles for crew changes and conducting ship’s business.
  • Requires the use of personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to safety hazards/hazardous materials.

  OCCUPATIONAL/ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES:

  • The physical environment requires the employee to work exposed to all conditions found aboard a ship at sea. This includes heavy weather, extreme heat/cold, and all forms of precipitation.
  • Occasionally required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials (paint, solvents, etc.) and other risks.

• About the company

  The University of Delaware is a private-public land-grant research university located in Newark, Delaware.

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