Physical Oceanography Technician

Physical Oceanography Technician

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.

Responsibilities

• Field Operations
  • 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
• Data Processing & Analysis
  • 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
• Collaboration & Reporting
  • Work closely with interdisciplinary teams (biogeochemists, ecologists, modelers)
  • Contribute to reports, manuscripts, and data products
  • Assist with training students and supporting field campaigns

Required Qualifications

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

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

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. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).

Salary Range

$50,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

• Regular fieldwork in hot, humid, and/or windy conditions, including small boat operations
• Occasional multi-day research cruises
• Ability to lift and handle field equipment (~20–50 lbs)

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest