Physical Oceanography Technician
About The Position
We are seeking a highly motivated physical oceanographer with experience in Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurements, environmental data processing, and mooring deployment to support interdisciplinary coastal and shelf research in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. The successful candidate will contribute to field-based and data-driven efforts focused on circulation, mixing, and physical–biogeochemical coupling across estuarine, nearshore, and continental shelf environments of the Texas Coastal Bend. This position involves a balance of fieldwork, data analysis, and collaboration The purpose of this role is to advance understanding of the physical drivers of coastal and shelf ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico, including the links among circulation, mixing, and biogeochemical processes. This position is located in Port Aransas, Texas. The position is originally for two years but could be renewed based on performance and funding.
Requirements
- M.S. in Physical Oceanography, Ocean Engineering, Marine Science, or related field
- Demonstrated experience with: ADCP data collection and processing
- Environmental time-series data analysis
- Mooring design, deployment, and recovery
- Proficiency in at least one scientific programming environment (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or R)
- Experience working in field-based marine environments, including small boat operations
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in coastal or shelf systems
- Familiarity with: Data QA/QC standards and metadata practices
- Oceanographic sensors (CTD, ADCP, wave meters) turbulence sensors, wave/current meters
- Small boat operation experience (or willingness to obtain certification
- Ability to work in physically demanding field conditions
Responsibilities
- Plan and execute mooring deployments and recoveries in estuarine and coastal shelf environments
- Operate and maintain ADCP systems (moored configurations) and current meters
- Support additional oceanographic instrumentation (e.g., CTDs, temperature/salinity loggers, meteorological sensors)
- Participate in small boat and research vessel operations under variable field conditions
- Process and quality-control ADCP datasets (e.g., velocity profiles, backscatter)
- Manage and analyze time-series environmental data from moorings and shipboard surveys
- Develop reproducible workflows for data organization, QA/QC, and visualization
- Contribute to the interpretation of circulation patterns, stratification, and mixing processes
- Work closely with interdisciplinary teams (biogeochemists, ecologists, modelers)
- Contribute to reports, manuscripts, and data products
- Assist with training students and supporting field campaigns
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
