Oceanographic Technician - 135458
Job Description
#135458 Oceanographic Technician
Filing Deadline: Tue 6/17/2025UC San Diego values equity, diversity, and inclusion. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 06/06/2025 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Special Selection Applicants: Apply by 06/17/2025. Eligible Special Selection clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
This position requires ability to work at sea.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The organizing principle of the Integrative Oceanography Division (IOD) resides in a shared commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary science. "Integrative" denotes our philosophy that multiple approaches are important in creating a better understanding of the ocean system. We take great pride in our membership of physical, biological, chemical and geological oceanographers, climate and information scientists, data and information managers, engineers, technicians, education specialists, administrative and management professionals. IOD distinguishes itself as scientific home for researchers working at the boundaries of traditional academic spheres, and generating growing programs in the integration of research with informatics as well as with education and public outreach. From pelagic to benthic ecology, shoreline to open ocean dynamics, data to information systems, our research encompasses field work, laboratory experimentation and computer modeling to acquire, integrate, synthesize and understand diverse data sets to elucidate the underlying dynamics of complex, multidimensional ocean systems.
DESCRIPTION
At-sea duties: The position is responsible for performing Watch Lead duties that include organizing and overseeing watch activities, training personnel/volunteers in sampling techniques, preparing/deploying/sampling CTD-rosette system, overseeing seawater sample collection, net sampling, underway pump systems and eDNA sampling. Performs analyses of dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, salinity, primary production, and nutrients. Responsible for monitoring data and metadata collection/entry, ensuring data quality, and performing preliminary processing. Processes data collected at sea and conducts quality control by interpreting data while drawing on experience from the field and having a solid marine science background.
Shore-based duties: Coordinates with volunteers, creates schedules and acts as their primary point of contact, and works with HR on volunteer appointments. Assists with merging nutrient data and primary production data with hydrographic data.
Laboratory duties: Prepares equipment and chemical reagents for research expeditions. Sets up, operates, maintains and repairs instrumentation at sea and on shore. Carries out nutrient analysis. Responsible for inventory and ordering supplies. General laboratory maintenance will include copying, filing, answering the telephone, and preparing data reports for publications online.
QUALIFICATIONS
BA or BS in marine science, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Theoretical and practical knowledge of and training in oceanography, chemistry, biology and engineering principles needed for data collection, analysis and quality control.
Experience with basic interpretation of data, drawing on experience from the field and from having a strong background in marine science.
Experience collecting and preserving eDNA samples using aerosol, bottle and passive sampling devices.
Knowledge of physical oceanography. Experience processing oceanographic data using software such as Python, Matlab, Visual Basic, or ODV; knowledge to assess hydrographic data quality and perform quality control.
Demonstrated experience measuring nutrient concentrations using automated systems, troubleshooting nutrient autoanalyzer, preparing standard solutions, processing and interpreting nutrient data.
Experience in performing sample analysis. Proven ability to carry out chemical and biological analyses at sea and in the laboratory, such as rates of primary production using radioisotopes, chlorophyll a, oxygen (automated Winkler), and salinity.
Experience in operating general laboratory and analytical equipment, including ability to perform titrations and collect high quality data.
Sound knowledge of chemical principles and regulations needed to oversee safe handling and storage of chemicals and radioisotopes.
Proven ability to operate computer systems and to perform minor troubleshooting. Knowledge of and experience using Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office Suite. Experience with a scripting programming language: Matlab, Python, Visual Basic or ODV.
Proven ability to work at sea for extended periods of time. This will include being able to work in laboratories or on deck with machinery in rough weather.
Demonstrated ability to write technical/scientific reports, laboratory records, and manage files in standard and electronic formats.
Careful attention to detail in filling out data forms and in analytical procedures.
Ability to interact using tact and diplomacy with diverse personalities including academic, staff, student and volunteer employees and institutions/organizations.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Job offer contingent upon successful completion of background check.
Must be prepared to go to sea for 120 days per year.
Must be able to give and hear verbal commands in a noisy environment at sea.
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50lb.
Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $60,260 - $96,936 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $28.86 - $46.43
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
Application Instructions
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