Oceanographic Specialist (Marine Research Support)

Position Overview

The Oceanographic Specialist plays a crucial role in the effective implementation of technical programs during scientific marine expeditions. This position entails advising researchers on the planning and methodological design of oceanographic projects while ensuring the correct equipment is chosen, prepared, and mobilized. Maintaining the functionality and safety of oceanographic instruments and providing training for scientific gear usage during sea operations are key responsibilities. The role demands considerable sea time commitment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage budgeting, oversee asset control, and plan equipment acquisition, ensuring all sea-going tools are safe and operational.
• Lead the organization of fieldwork operations guaranteeing adherence to safety protocols and operational procedures.
• Coordinate with researchers, vessel staff, and onshore teams to supply necessary resources, training, and obtain required permissions for each project.
• Partner with users to develop oceanographic projects including GIS-based mapping, bathymetry, water and sediment sampling, plus remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicle deployments.
• Plan and deploy subsea apparatus suitable for scientific or commercial diving projects and remotely operated or autonomous vehicles.
• Supervise maintenance routines and assess performance of all scientific and lifting equipment aboard vessels, documenting these activities thoroughly.
• Manage data acquisition, processing, and dissemination of scientific information gathered during cruises.
• Oversee the operation of sampling devices such as CTD sensors, Rosette/Niskin samplers, multi-sensor moorings, ROVs, plankton nets, and sediment corers.
• Produce post-expedition reports detailing equipment functionality, proposing repairs, calibrations, or upgrades as needed.
• Contribute to emergency underwater interventions when necessary.

Required Competencies

• Fluent in English, both spoken and written.
• Ability and willingness to spend prolonged periods at sea.
• Comprehensive expertise in organizing oceanographic cruises and performing field surveys.
• Proficiency in using CTDs, water and sediment sampling equipment, plankton nets, ROVs, and AUVs.
• Strong skills in conducting marine surveys, preparing maps, and drafting technical reports.
• Capability to work both autonomously and within diverse cultural teams.
• Qualified and experienced as Safety Officer for marine operations.
• Basic knowledge of electronics and mechanical engineering concepts.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology or a closely related field from a recognized institution.
• At least 10 years of professional involvement in oceanographic survey operations, including planning and managing marine fieldwork.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience specializing in multibeam hydrographic surveys, seabed mapping, bathymetric data collection, and environmental marine survey programs.
• Certified ROV Pilot with over 10 years handling deployment, operation, and integration of ROVs, AUVs, and USVs for offshore survey and inspection tasks.
• Commercial diving certification (HSE or internationally recognized equivalent) with no less than 10 years of offshore diving practice.
• Extensive knowledge of marine safety regulations, offshore HSE standards, and industry best practices for oceanographic and subsea survey activities.