Environmental Monitoring Buoy Technician

Maria Mitchell Association•Nantucket, MA

32d•$25 - $35

About The Position

The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Environmental Monitoring Buoy Technician to advance the organization’s mission of supporting a life-long passion for science through education, research, and first-hand exploration of the sky, land, and sea of Nantucket Island. The experienced Environmental Monitoring Buoy Technician at the MMA will be an integral part of our team, serving as the point of contact for our Environmental Monitoring Buoy ensuring reliable operation of the buoy system throughout the monitoring season. The technician will also be on call during inclement weather or system alerts to check on and secure buoy equipment as needed. The position ensures that MMA’s buoy operations meet NECAN/NERACOOS QA/QC standards for calibration, documentation, and maintenance. Duties potentially include, for the qualified candidate, staff training and leading educational programming centered around the Environmental Monitoring Buoy. This position offers a unique opportunity to establish and maintain relationships with collaborative organizations as well as to develop and continue community and youth engagement through special programs.

Requirements

Background in marine technology, oceanography, environmental science, or a related field.
Experience with marine fieldwork, small-boat handling, or instrument maintenance preferred.
Mechanical and technical aptitude; familiarity with electrical or solar systems desirable.
Comfortable and experienced entering water in field conditions to inspect and maintain equipment.
Reliable, safety-conscious, and comfortable working outdoors and on the water.
Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently.
Willingness to respond to occasional on-call or short-notice field needs during severe weather events.
Familiarity with oceanographic QA/QC protocols (e.g., NECAN, NERACOOS, IOOS) or willingness to receive training in those standards.
Self-motivated and self-directed person capable of seeing a job that needs doing and completing it with a minimum of supervision.

Nice To Haves

Interest or experience in mentoring or teaching interns in field settings.
Experience with and passion for teaching a wide range of ages desired but not required.
Emergency response and management experience desired but not required

Responsibilities

Conduct routine field visits, following a defined preventive maintenance schedule (e.g., bi-weekly inspections, post-storm checks, monthly sensor service), to inspect, clean, and maintain environmental monitoring buoys, moorings, and sensors to ensure consistent data quality and minimal fouling.
Deploy, retrieve, and service buoy platforms and instruments in coordination with MMA’s marine staff.
Inspect and maintain ground shackles, mooring lines, and buoy bases, including entering the water when necessary.
Troubleshoot and repair minor mechanical, electrical, or communications issues in the field or workshop.
Maintain detailed, time-stamped maintenance and calibration logs consistent with NECAN/NERACOOS QA documentation standards, including calibration certificates, sensor verification records, and field observations.
Monitor weather and sea conditions; respond to alerts or severe weather events to ensure buoy security and system integrity. Document all storm responses with a brief field report noting date, actions taken, and any impacts on equipment or data.
Coordinate field operations with MMA staff for vessel use and safety protocols.
Lead field training or demonstrations for interns and students on buoy systems, oceanographic instrumentation, and field safety.
Assist with winterization, de-rigging, cleaning, and secure storage of sensors and buoy components.
Conduct or coordinate post-season calibrations and bench tests to assess drift or fouling.
Support preparation of off-season maintenance and calibration reports.
Conduct pre- and post-deployment calibration and verification of sensors per manufacturer and NECAN/NERACOOS best practices.
Handle and store optical and chemical sensors (e.g., YSI EXO, SUNA V2) per manufacturer protocols to prevent contamination or drift.
Maintain a digital QA/QC log with calibration certificates, maintenance records, and field notes in MMA’s shared archive.
Collaborate with MMA’s data analyst to review time-series data for anomalies, instrument drift, and maintenancerelated gaps; apply or note QC flags.
Participate in annual QA summary reporting, sensor inventory, and equipment readiness checks before redeployment.