Hydrographic Surveyor (Part-Time)

Saildrone

10d

About The Position

Saildrone is seeking a part-time Hydrographic Surveyor to join its Ocean Mapping Team. Reporting directly to the Bathymetry Operations Manager, the Hydrographer supports real-time execution, quality assurance, and processing of bathymetric surveys deployed on Saildrone uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs). The role requires ownership of survey deliverables, adaptability to remote operations, and independent attention to precision and data integrity.

This position requires dedicated weekend watch standing. Operational shifts are scheduled either Friday/Saturday from 22:00 to 10:00 UTC or Saturday/Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00 UTC. Duties include data QA/QC, equipment setup and calibration, data acquisition and processing, equipment maintenance, and production of final deliverables and reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Hydrography, Oceanography, Geomatics, Remote Sensing, or a related discipline.
• At least 3 years of experience in the survey or geoscience industry as a survey professional.
• Familiarity with multibeam systems such as Kongsberg, Norbit, or Teledyne.
• Familiarity with acquisition software such as Seafloor Information Systems (SIS), Norbit DCT, or Qinsy.
• Ability to work irregular hours, rotating weekends, and shift work.
• Detail-oriented, with a disciplined approach to communications, processes, and projects.

Nice To Haves

• Category A/B Hydrographer Certification.
• NSPS-THSOA Certified Hydrographer.
• At least 3 years of experience processing bathymetric or hydrographic data with Qimera or CARI.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience using uncrewed surface vehicles or other autonomous systems for survey operations, including remote watch-standing, telemetry monitoring, and real-time troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Stand scheduled remote watches to oversee live hydrographic data acquisition across international USV missions.
• Monitor sonar performance, sound velocity profiles, and oceanographic sensor health to maintain high-quality bathymetric data collection.
• Coordinate with Mission Pilots and the Lead Surveyor to adjust survey line plans, manage vehicle speeds, and address coverage holidays.
• Perform routine data processing, cleaning, and quality assurance checks during active survey shifts.
• Diagnose sensor or data logging errors in real time and communicate system status to technical support teams.
• Follow Saildrone SOPs, safety standards, and international hydrographic regulations.
• Provide documented status reports and shift handoffs to support continuous survey operations.
• Perform data QA/QC, equipment setup and calibration, data acquisition and processing, equipment maintenance, and production of final deliverables and reports.

Benefits

• Competitive paid time off accrual, annual holidays, and paid sick leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans with company contributions for employees and dependents.
• Equity grants.
• 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and Roth payroll contribution options.
• Annual professional development reimbursement program.
• Relocation assistance for eligible roles.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time