Engineering Assistant III - At Sea Engineering Tech

Job Summary

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is searching for 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 titles for this position could be either Engineering Assistant III or At-Sea Engineering Technician. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate’s level of education & experience.

Engineering Assistant III:

Reporting to the Director of Scientific Services 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 minimum supervision, tackling both routine and non-routine assignments on their own initiative. Strong work ethic and ability to learn new skills quickly and with a limited formal training process is mandatory.

THIS IS PRIMARILY A SEA-GOING POSITION AND REQUIRES AS MUCH AS 8 MONTHS PER YEAR ABOARD RESEARCH VESSELS. THERE IS NO NEED TO RELOCATE TO THE WOODS HOLE AREA (travel costs to ships is covered by WHOI).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES:

Below are functions and duties completed to ensure ship users collect world-class data supporting their scientific missions and are able to communicate about their data and mission both internally on the ship, and externally to shore. The primary responsibilities of this position (for both levels) 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:

• Various ship-to-shore communications systems (satellite communications and internet connectivity)
• Ethernet network electronics and systems
• Data logging systems and display computers
• Navigation instrumentation systems
• Echo sounding/bottom profiling sonar systems
• Acoustic beacons and transponders
• Meteorological, sea surface, and water column parameter sensors and profiling systems
• Sensor interface hardware and electronic systems

Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Remotely interface with SSSG shore support on weekly calls
• Collaborate 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 of heavy oceanographic instruments from a ship's deck
• Execute light rigging and wire termination, both mechanical and electrical

• The Engineering Assistant III will be performed with some guidance from higher-level Marine Technicians while at-sea on WHOI vessels.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrates 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.
• High School diploma or equivalent plus six years' mechanical or electronics experience, or Technical School training plus four years' practical experience, or two to three years' progress toward an engineering or related degree.
• Desired for candidates to have BS in technical field, or natural/physical sciences, or engineering; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge at sea is highly desirable.
  

Special Requirements

• Must be able to obtain a TWIC card.
• Must be able to pass the equivalent of an Antarctic Medical Exam

Physical Requirements

• Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to, ability to lift less than 25 lbs independently, 2 times per day; carry 10-25 lbs, 2 times per day. Visual abilities to include near, far, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to distinguish basic colors. Hearing requirements include the ability to hear and respond to instructions, communicate effectively in loud areas (pier/dock, warehouse). Other physical tasks include occasional prolonged standing/walking; use of hands for basic /fine grasping and manipulation, repetitive motion, reaching above and below the shoulders, pushing, pulling, kneeling, bending, twisting, and stooping. Other occupational requirements include talking, traveling, working around others, and with others. Will be exposed to dust or other irritants and electrical/mechanical/power equipment hazards. Physical duties are subject to change.
  Sea Duty
• May work at least 8 hours per day and, at times in excess of 12 hours per day, 7 days per week. Sleep and work hours can deviate from those on land. May be expected to work on watch schedule (such as 8 hours on and 8 hours off or 12 hours on and 8 hours off) for all or part of a cruise or to work as hours are needed to accomplish the planned work. May need to travel during holidays and for long distances to and from foreign ports. May experience rudimentary living and working conditions, with shared and basic living quarters and laboratories. May experience bad or extreme weather conditions, including heavy seas, winter weather or hot, tropical weather. Work on deck may occur in both hot and cold conditions around the clock. Sea conditions will lead to active ship motion. Should be able to climb steep and vertical ladders and able to enter and exit compartments through hatches, doors, and sills. Should be able to carry heavy gear and participate in the loading and unloading of the ship as well as in the activities on deck and in the labs during the cruise. Shipboard environment may include: confined areas, shared sleeping quarters
• (berths) and bathroom facilities, small and basic berthing, fixed mealtimes and basic menus. Modest levels of heating, cooling, ventilation, and illumination, limited or no email and internet access and limited off-duty and recreational facilities (library, lounge, movies). May be exposed to potential allergens and irritants, including paint fumes. May experience constant and intermittent loud noises, and slippery and uneven surfaces.

Additional Job Requirements

COMPENSATION:

• Competitive base salary for 40-hr work week, plus standard 30+ hrs overtime per calendar week at sea
• Shore leave earned at 3.23 hrs for each weekday worked, at the hourly rate of the position worked

Salary Range: $30.50 - $39.37
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 factors such as relevant skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as internal equity and market conditions. In addition to base salary, eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package. 

WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.

EEO Statement

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.