Marine Research Technician

The University of Southern Mississippi•Gulfport, MS

4d•$48,177 - $65,180•Onsite

About The Position

The Marine Research Technician performs specialized technical and research activities supporting the testing and evaluation of uncrewed systems, autonomous and semi-autonomous platforms, ocean-observing technologies, and associated instrumentation at the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise. The role configures, operates, troubleshoots, and evaluates marine systems and oceanographic instrumentation used in research, development, testing, and evaluation activities. It plans and coordinates assigned field and vessel operations, assesses equipment readiness before deployment, collects and analyzes research and system-performance data, and prepares technical reports and research materials. The technician applies technical knowledge and judgment to identify equipment and system issues, determine suitable troubleshooting actions, and support successful field operations. The position works collaboratively with project directors, principal investigators, University researchers, and external research partners.

Requirements

Associate's degree or technical certificate from an accredited college or university in Hydrography, Electronics Technology, Marine Technology, or a related field.
Two years of related experience involving oceanographic instrumentation, marine systems, electronics, research testing, or evaluation.
United States citizenship.
Valid driver's license.
Knowledge of research methods, technical procedures, and practices associated with ocean technology research, testing, and evaluation activities.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret research publications, professional journals, technical procedures, and other technical documentation.
Ability to organize and maintain tools, equipment, instrumentation, and other technical resources used in research and field activities.
Skill in preparing technical reports, research documentation, maps, tables, figures, and other illustrative materials.
Ability to communicate technical information effectively and respond to questions from researchers, technical professionals, customers, and other stakeholders.
Ability to work collaboratively with project directors, principal investigators, University researchers, and external research partners.
Ability to travel and perform fieldwork aboard large and small vessels.
Applicants must be authorized to work full-time in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in a related technical or scientific field.
Two to four years of experience working with ocean-observing instrumentation, electronic systems and circuits, uncrewed marine systems, or research testing and evaluation activities.
Experience conducting field operations aboard research or other marine vessels.

Responsibilities

Configure, install, operate, and troubleshoot oceanographic sensors, instrumentation, uncrewed systems, and autonomous and semi-autonomous marine vehicles.
Plan and coordinate assigned boat and field operations, including determining equipment and instrumentation needs, preparing systems for deployment, and coordinating technical activities for testing and data collection.
Evaluate the calibration, operational condition, and readiness of oceanographic equipment and instrumentation before deployment.
Identify equipment or system deficiencies and determine appropriate troubleshooting or corrective actions within established technical standards and procedures.
Operate uncrewed systems and remotely operated vehicles during testing and extended field operations.
Monitor system performance and make technical adjustments to support safe and effective operations within established protocols.
Collect, process, analyze, and interpret data generated through research, experiments, testing, and field activities.
Identify performance issues, trends, anomalies, and other findings requiring additional review or testing.
Analyze system-performance results and prepare technical reports, research documentation, figures, tables, and other materials supporting scientific studies, publications, project deliverables, and research activities.
Provide technical findings and recommendations to project directors, principal investigators, researchers, and other project personnel.
Maintain assigned oceanographic equipment, instrumentation, tools, and technical resources.
Collaborate with University researchers, technical professionals, and external research partners in support of research, testing, and evaluation activities.
Perform other duties as assigned.