Marine Operations Technician (Florida Keys)

Collects water samples and water quality information from data-sondes and Conductivity, Temperature, and depth (CTD) instruments, from sea and freshwater bodies. Assists in the installation and maintenance of water quality monitoring systems. Operates vessels and performs operations in all aspects of monitoring system installation and maintenance. Prepare datafiles and reports to Supervisor.

• Operates FIU research vessels, ranging from 16-foot mono-hull to 26-foot catamaran, involves trailering (often fifty miles to hundreds of miles per day), launching and operation of these vessels on waters surrounding South Florida, including within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Everglades and Biscayne National Parks and several State Parks and Aquatic Preserves.
• Calibrates, programs, maintains oceanographic data collection instruments, including YSI data-loggers and data-sondes, Seabird 19plus V2 SeaCAT Profiler CTD and General Oceanics Niskin bottle.
• Follows FIU standard protocols for collection, storage, and transportation of water, vegetation and sediment samples for laboratory analysis, maintaining and documenting chain-of-custody procedures throughout.
• Operates vessels and performs dive operations in all aspects of monitoring system installation, operation and maintenance.
• Assess and improve comprehensive quality assurance & quality control (QA/QC) of data collection procedures
• Operates FIU trucks and trailing boats.
• Assess, improve and maintain safety equipment and procedures on-board research vessels as well as in laboratories, offices and storage facilities.
• Collects field data from powerboats, row boats, canoes and kayaks.
• Collect and generates proof oceanographic data for analysis and maintaining a data base.
• Assists in the installation operation and maintenance of water quality monitoring systems.

High School Diploma or GED is required and 6 years of relevant work experience.

• Ability to obtain CPR certification within 2 weeks of employment.
• Ability to maintain certification as Captain of FIU vessels.
• Ability to swim.
• Must obtain Crew Chief License within 30 days of employment.
• Ability to lift/carry/pull/push up to 50 pounds.

• Field experience in the Florida Keys and Everglades
• Bachelor's degree in Marine Science, Biology, Environmental Sciences or Earth Sciences. Three years of experience in marine operations linked to environmental studies
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Staff

$38,000-$42,000

Begin time: 8:30 AM
End time: 5:00 PM

• Operating University Vehicles (all types)
• Heat and humidity, intense sun exposure.
• Able to work flexible hours in the often-harsh environment of South Florida
• Works in close proximity to sharks, crocodiles, alligators, and snakes.
• Exposure to myriad biting insects including mosquitoes and flies
• Unpredictable weather such as sudden squalls and thunderstorms.

• Driver's License Check
• Fingerprinting Check
• Criminal Background Check

• Ability to travel locally and nationally.
• Travel to FIU Campus
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
• This is a Time-Limited appointment which may be terminated at any time with 30 days’ notice.