Oceanographic Specialist (Marine Research Support)

Job Details

The Oceanographic Specialist ensures the successful execution of technical programs during all scientific cruises. This role involves advising scientists on oceanographic projects, including program design and method development, as well as identifying, preparing, and mobilizing the appropriate equipment. The specialist is also responsible for maintaining the optimal and safe performance of oceanographic instrumentation and providing training to users on the proper use of scientific equipment at sea. This

position requires significant time spent at sea.

Major Responsibilities

• Responsible for budgeting, asset management, equipment planning, and ensuring the safety of all sea-going equipment.
• Oversees fieldwork planning to guarantee proper implementation in strict compliance with safety standards and operational protocols.
• Coordinates with users, ship crew, and onshore personnel to ensure each research project has the necessary resources, training, and required authority approvals.
• Collaborates with users to co-develop oceanographic projects, which may include GIS mapping, bathymetric surveys, water and sediment sampling, and the use of ROVs and AUVs.
• Plans, sources, and deploys subsea equipment for operations involving commercial or scientific diving, as well as ROV and AUV utilization.
• Leads maintenance activities and performance assessments of all scientific and lifting equipment installed on vessels, including documentation and reporting of these activities.
• Manages the collection, processing, and distribution of all scientific data gathered during cruises.
• Oversee the operation and performance of various sampling instruments, such as CTD and Rosette/Niskin samplers, multi-sensor moored assemblies, remotely operated vehicles, plankton nets, and sediment corers.
• Provides post-cruise reports on equipment performance, including recommendations for modifications, repairs, calibrations, or other necessary interventions.
• Assists with underwater interventions during emergency situations as required.
• Personal Requirements

Competencies

• Proficient in English, both written and spoken.
• Capable of working at sea for extended periods.
• Extensive knowledge in organizing oceanographic cruises and fieldwork surveys.
• Excellent knowledge in operating CTDs, water sampling equipment, plankton nets, sediment sampling tools, ROVs and AUVs.
• Strong skills in marine survey execution, map production, and technical report writing.
• Able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multi-cultural research team.
• Demonstrated competence as Safety Officer in marine operations.
• Basic understanding of electronics and mechanical engineering principles.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in oceanographic survey operations, including the planning, execution, and management of marine field surveys.
• Minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience in multibeam hydrographic surveys, seabed mapping, bathymetric data acquisition, and environmental marine survey programs.
• Certified ROV Pilot with a minimum of 10 years of experience in the deployment, operation, and integration of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) for offshore survey and inspection activities.
• Professional certification as an HSE Commercial Diver (Offshore), or an equivalent internationally recognized commercial diving qualification, with a minimum of 10 years of offshore diving experience.
• Strong knowledge of marine safety standards, offshore HSE requirements, and industry best practices applicable to oceanographic, hydrographic, and subsea survey operations.

Contact Information

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