Coastal Operations Technician

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Sequim, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Coastal Operations Technician supports safe, efficient, and mission-focused marine research operations at PNNL’s Sequim Campus, home to the Marine Coastal Research Laboratory. Reporting to the Marine Operations Team Leader, the position helps maintain vessels and trailers used for scientific field activities, ensure regulatory and safety compliance, and support vessel-based research programs. The technician works with marine operations staff, researchers, and other personnel to maintain operational readiness across the marine fleet. The role supports field campaigns from preparation and mobilization through deployment and operations. It includes maintaining and troubleshooting marine vessels, engines, propulsion systems, electrical systems, trailers, and related equipment; coordinating project logistics; supporting safety checks, inspections, drills, and regulatory requirements; and assisting with scientific equipment deployment and recovery. Work takes place in offices, shops, waterfront, aboard vessels, and in field environments, including outdoor work in varying weather and occasional overnight or multi-day deployments.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED and 8 years of relevant marine experience, or a technical institute graduate/relevant AA degree and 6 years of relevant marine experience, or a BS/BA or higher in science or engineering and 4 years of relevant marine experience.
Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting marine engines and propulsion systems.
Experience trailering, towing, launching, and recovering vessels.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting research vessels or marine science programs.
Experience with marine electrical systems.
Experience with MS Office 365.
Current or former USCG QMED credential.
Rigging, lifting, or crane operation training.
Boater Education Card, or ability to obtain one.
CPR/First Aid Certification, or ability to obtain it.

Responsibilities

Support field campaigns through vessel preparation, mobilization, deployment, and operational assistance.
Organize complex information, check work carefully, and maintain accuracy while managing multiple details.
Coordinate marine project logistics, including transportation, scheduling, vessel support, and supply management.
Perform and document preventative maintenance on vessels, trailers, marine engines, propulsion systems, and associated equipment.
Conduct vessel inspections, safety checks, operational readiness reviews, and emergency drills.
Diagnose and troubleshoot marine mechanical and electrical systems.
Support compliance with marine safety requirements, environmental regulations, and laboratory policies.
Assist in developing scopes of work and coordinate activities with vendors and contractors.
Serve as vessel crew during research operations and support vessel operations consistent with training, qualifications, and organizational requirements.
Assist with deployment, recovery, staging, and transportation of scientific equipment and marine research systems.