Aquaculture Systems Technician

Wilmington, NC USA Full Time $49,000 – $55,965

Job Details

The Center operates from four primary sites: the main facility referred to as Center for Marine Science at Myrtle Grove (with an Aquaculture facility and pump station located on the ICW), the CMS-Operations at Wrightsville Beach, the UNCW/CMS Aquaculture Facility at Wrightsville Beach, and the Pumping Station at Banks Channel. The Aquaculture Facility houses four indoor research laboratories and over 50,000 sq. feet of research space utilizing flow-through, filtered and/or recirculated seawater. The current CMS-Operations facility houses administrative offices for Aquaculture. The 80,000 sq. feet Marine Science Center at Myrtle Grove substantially strengthens and expands international mariculture research, while the stand-alone Aquaculture facility at Wrightsville Beach enables on-going international marine research projects (mostly mariculture of finfish, etc.). The Pump Station at Banks Channel houses the motor control center for raw seawater pumps for the Wrightsville beach facilities and has undergone substantial physical improvements. The Pump Station at Myrtle Grove (on the UNCW pier located on the ICW houses two pumps with their electronic control boxes and the underwater sea-water intakes forthe aquaculture supply lines (two) and the discharge line (outfall.) 

Responsibilities of the Aquaculture Systems Technician include:
  • Focused, hands-on, trades-type work in engineering, design, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing areas with emphasis on design of aquatic systems.
  • Working closely with the Aquaculture Systems Technician and the Research Operations Manager to maintain support system equipment at both aquaculture plants and pumping stations.
  • Establishing and maintaining laboratory safety plans and enforcement of safety standards, hazardous waste handling, and training students in safe use of shop tools and routine safety procedures.
  • This position may serve as the on-site representative for work by contractors.
  • This position will occasionally work at sea on the RV Cape Fear and as support for the marine/mariculture science research projects (when needed.)
  • This position helps the Research Operations Manager with budgeting of maintenance and supply expenses in the Aquaculture Department.


Additional duties for this position include:
  • Fabrication tasks in support of facility improvements for the support of funded research programs. Working with existing staff to fabricate the needed components to improve the cost effectiveness of CMS operational support team.
  • Electrical installation or troubleshooting components.
  • Operating vessel to inspect and clean pump intakes.
  • PVC welding to fabricate/repair facility components; and
  • Engineering and design of new and existing research holding tanks or modifications of research holding tanks.
  • Works on-call every other week and weekends.


Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency and two years of experience related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and
experience.

Preferred education, professional skills and experience

Preferred Knowledge:
  • Closed and open recirculating aquaculture systems.
  • Automated monitoring systems.
  • Water quality relating to the needs of aquaculture.
  • Sand filters, UV sterilizers, foam fractionators, and chillers.
  • Fluid dynamics and pump dynamics to achieve maximum flow desired.
  • AC and DC electrical system design and function.
  • Electrical trades at a level sufficient to analyze electrical systems, determine needs, and design and implement the system.
  • Integrating AC and DC circuitry.
  • Specialized electrical components such as time delay relays and variable speed drives.
  • Electrical formulas to calculate power consumption, volts, amperage and efficiency.
  • Modern re-circulating aquaculture systems.
  • Construction functions as applied to aquaculture including electrical, mechanical, and fluid dynamics.
  • Hydraulic systems and high and low pressure air compressors.
Preferred Skills:
  • Electrical: Voltmeter and ammeter for diagnosis and repair replacement.
  • Mechanical: Repair electric motors, hydraulic lift equipment, low or high pressure air compressors, and small gasoline engines/generators.
  • Plumbing: Repair leaks, rebuild valves, fabricate or modify sections of piping under pressure.
  • Fiberglassing: Repair existing seawater tanks or components in aquaculture system or to repair hull of small boat.
  • Carpentry: Build and repair walls or partitions and to construct pump houses and additions to current small building and sheds.
  • Engineering: Design and assembly of closed and open aquaculture/mariculture recirculating systems.
Preferred Abilities:
  • Perform as an independent, self-directed professional with minimal instruction.
  • Access/diagnose malfunctioning equipment for mechanical, electrical, or fluid flow problems.
  • Read and understand blue prints and electrical diagrams.
  • Demonstrate and understand appropriate terminology involved in mechanical, carpentry, electrical and plumbing trade work.
  • Exercise good judgement and initiative in meeting facility goals.
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, and contractors.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Understand the fundamentals of the various scientific experiments in process and identify potential events that would negatively impact the research.
  • Perform physical work in inclement weather and for long periods of time.
  • Use computers and other electronic devices for writing memos and e-mail, and for monitoring complex electronic systems.
Required Certifications or licensure
NC Drivers License required.




Contact Information

Unversity of North Carolina Wilmington, Center for Marine Science



https://jobs.uncw.edu/postings/35927

Post Date: 4/15/2025 11:53:24 AM
Closing Date: 5/5/2025 12:00:00 AM