Oceanographic Specialist (Marine Research Support)
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Key skills for this role
About the Role
KAUST seeks an Oceanographic Specialist to lead technical programs on scientific cruises, advise on oceanographic projects, and maintain instrumentation. Requires 10+ years in oceanographic surveys, ROV pilot certification, and commercial diving qualification.
Key Skills for This Role
Responsibilities
- Responsible for budgeting, asset management, equipment planning, and ensuring safety of all sea going equipment
- Oversees fieldwork planning to guarantee proper implementation in compliance with safety standards and operational protocols
- Coordinates with users, ship crew, and onshore personnel to ensure each research project has necessary resources, training, and approvals
- Collaborates with users to co develop oceanographic projects including GIS mapping, bathymetric surveys, water and sediment sampling, and use of ROVs and AUVs
- Plans, sources, and deploys subsea equipment for operations involving commercial or scientific diving, as well as ROV and AUV utilization
- Leads maintenance activities and performance assessments of all scientific and lifting equipment installed on vessels
- Manages collection, processing, and distribution of all scientific data gathered during cruises
- Oversees operation and performance of various sampling instruments such as CTD, Rosette/Niskin samplers, multi sensor moored assemblies, ROVs, plankton nets, and sediment corers
- Provides post cruise reports on equipment performance including recommendations for modifications, repairs, calibrations, or other interventions
- Assists with underwater interventions during emergency situations as required
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology or closely related discipline
- Minimum 10 years of professional experience in oceanographic survey operations
- Minimum 10 years of demonstrated experience in multibeam hydrographic surveys, seabed mapping, bathymetric data acquisition, and environmental marine survey programs
- Certified ROV Pilot with minimum 10 years of experience in deployment, operation, and integration of ROVs, AUVs, and USVs
- Professional certification as HSE Commercial Diver (Offshore) or equivalent with minimum 10 years of offshore diving experience
- Proficient in English, both written and spoken
- Capable of working at sea for extended periods
- Strong knowledge of marine safety standards, offshore HSE requirements, and industry best practices
Full Job Posting
Position Summary
- The Oceanographic Specialist ensures successful execution of technical programs during all scientific cruises.
- Advises scientists on oceanographic projects including program design and method development.
- Identifies, prepares, and mobilizes appropriate equipment; maintains optimal and safe performance of oceanographic instrumentation.
- Provides training to users on proper use of scientific equipment at sea.
- This position requires significant time spent at sea.
Major Responsibilities
- Responsible for budgeting, asset management, equipment planning, and ensuring safety of all sea going equipment.
- Oversees fieldwork planning to guarantee proper implementation in compliance with safety standards and operational protocols.
- Coordinates with users, ship crew, and onshore personnel to ensure each research project has necessary resources, training, and required authority approvals.
- Collaborates with users to co develop oceanographic projects, which may include GIS mapping, bathymetric surveys, water and sediment sampling, and use of ROVs and AUVs.
- Plans, sources, and deploys subsea equipment for operations involving commercial or scientific diving, as well as ROV and AUV utilization.
- Leads maintenance activities and performance assessments of all scientific and lifting equipment installed on vessels, including documentation and reporting.
- Manages collection, processing, and distribution of all scientific data gathered during cruises.
- Oversees operation and performance of various sampling instruments such as CTD and Rosette/Niskin samplers, multi sensor moored assemblies, remotely operated vehicles, plankton nets, and sediment corers.
- Provides post cruise reports on equipment performance, including recommendations for modifications, repairs, calibrations, or other necessary interventions.
- Assists with underwater interventions during emergency situations as required.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Marine Biology or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in oceanographic survey operations, including planning, execution, and management of marine field surveys.
- Minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience in multibeam hydrographic surveys, seabed mapping, bathymetric data acquisition, and environmental marine survey programs.
- Certified ROV Pilot with a minimum of 10 years of experience in deployment, operation, and integration of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) for offshore survey and inspection activities.
- Professional certification as an HSE Commercial Diver (Offshore), or equivalent internationally recognized commercial diving qualification, with a minimum of 10 years of offshore diving experience.
- Strong knowledge of marine safety standards, offshore HSE requirements, and industry best practices applicable to oceanographic, hydrographic, and subsea survey operations.
Competencies
- Proficient in English, both written and spoken.
- Capable of working at sea for extended periods.
- Extensive knowledge in organizing oceanographic cruises and fieldwork surveys.
- Excellent knowledge in operating CTDs, water sampling equipment, plankton nets, sediment sampling tools, ROVs and AUVs.
- Strong skills in marine survey execution, map production, and technical report writing.
- Able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multi cultural research team.
- Demonstrated competence as Safety Officer in marine operations.
- Basic understanding of electronics and mechanical engineering principles.
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