At-Sea Engineering Technician (Senior Engineering Assistant I)

Job Summary

Job Description

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is seeking an At-Sea Engineering Technician to join the Operational Scientific Services Department. This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position and is eligible for full benefits. The internal working title for this position is Senior Engineering Assistant I. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate’s level of education & experience.

Senior Engineering Assistant I:

Reporting to the Group Operations Leader (Manager) of the Shipboard Scientific Services Group (SSSG), this position provides at-sea electronic and mechanical technical support for science programs utilizing WHOI ships. The individual selected will be expected to perform with little supervision, tackling both routine non-routine assignments their own initiative. Strong work ethic and ability to learn new skills quickly and with a limited formal training process is mandatory. Incumbents will assist with training of other Marine Technicians (Engineering Assistant IIIs).

This is a sea-going position requiring up to 8 months per year aboard research vessels. There is no requirement to relocate to Woods Hole, MA. All travel to ships is covered by WHOI.

Essential Responsibilities:

The essential responsibilities of this position involves the installation, maintenance, calibration and operation of shared-use science equipment provided with WHOI's research vessels. Responsibilities include but are not limited to maintaining, supporting, and troubleshooting the following systems:

• Assist with training of new technicians (EAIII) on ship specific systems i.e. various ship-to-shore communications (satellite communications and internet connectivity); ethernet network electronics; data logging and display computers; navigation instrumentation; echo sounding/bottom profiling sonars; acoustic beacons and transponders; meteorological, sea surface, and water column parameter and profiling sensors; sensor interface hardware and electronics

• Lead collaborative efforts with WHOI Information Services (IS) in support of shipboard CI/CS needs

• Participate in cruise mobilization/demobilization

• Remotely participate in pre-cruise planning meetings, as able

• Assemble and deploy heavy oceanographic instruments from a ship's deck   Execute light rigging and wire termination, both mechanical and electrical

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Participate in training opportunities to grow skills by submitting own proposals

• Independently troubleshoots ship systems, including potential fabrication/construction of complex components requiring extraordinary care and accuracy (including ship's networks)

• Dedicates time to update detailed documentation of shipboard systems

• Communicates all changes to shipboard systems to designated POC onshore  

• May sail with non-WHOI technical staff as “2nd tech” when core team is unavailable (ie. act as lead WHOI SSSG with a tech pool or tech exchange second)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

• Strongly desired to have B.S. in technical field, or natural/physical sciences, or engineering; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. High school or Technical school training plus 6 years related experience will be considered.

• Considerable related experience on WHOI vessels, or equitable experience on other research vessel platforms is required.

• Ability to work cooperatively with the ship personnel and cruise scientific investigators is required.

• Experience with or aptitude to understand the operation and maintenance of personal computers; familiarity with computer programming (Windows and UNIX operating systems) and related equipment interfacing is required.

• Strong work ethic and ability to learn new skills quickly and with a limited formal training process is required.

• Knowledge and experience relating to scientific laboratory practices and procedures, particularly those applicable to promoting safe working conditions is desired.

Special Requirements

• Must be able to obtain a TWIC card.

• Must be able to pass the equivalent of an Antarctic Medical Exam.

Additional Job Requirements

Salary Range: $34.00 - 44.00/hour

The salary range provided for this position reflects the expected minimum and maximum base pay for new hires. Actual compensation will be determined based on factor