Marine Field Research Technician

POSITION OVERVIEW :
We are seeking a part-time Maritime Field Research Technician to support Project Oceanology’s work on the Lobster Trap Recovery and Assessment Partnership(L-TRAP). L-TRAP is a collaborative research and conservation effort focused on locating, retrieving, documenting, and appropriately disposing of lost or abandoned lobster traps from Long Island Sound.

The Marine Field Research Technician will work as a member of the L-TRAP field team aboard vessels operating on Long Island Sound. The position will assist with field research, deployment and retrieval of grappling equipment, recovery and handling of lobster traps, collection and recording of project data, and other activities necessary to safely and successfully conduct L-TRAP field operations.

This is a part-time, project-based position with a variable schedule based on vessel availability, weather, field conditions, and project needs.

ABOUT US :
Project Oceanology is a non‑profit marine science education and research facility. Our mission since 1972 has been to nurture interest and inspire enthusiasm for science and for our planet’s marine environment from our waterfront facility in Groton, Connecticut. Project Oceanology is a year‑round, marine science educational organization governed by local school districts and in collaboration with universities and other educational institutions.

Our vision is to be the center of excellence for inquiry and place‑based science and marine education serving the evolving needs of our global community.

JOB DESCRIPTION :
The Marine Field Research Technician supports field operations for the Lobster Trap Recovery and Assessment Partnership(L-TRAP). Working as part of a vessel‑based research team, the Technician assists with the deployment and retrieval of grappling equipment used to locate and recover lost or abandoned lobster traps from Long Island Sound.

The Technician assists with hauling and handling recovered traps and associated fishing gear, tagging and documenting recovered equipment, collecting and recording research data, moving, preparing, cleaning, organizing equipment required for field operations, and preparing recovered traps for recycling.

This position requires significant work aboard vessels and involves physically demanding activities in a marine environment. Field operations are weather‑dependent and may be modified or canceled on short notice due to weather, sea conditions, vessel availability, or other operational considerations.

This position requires in‑person work that is primarily based out of our Groton, CT facility. As required, the candidate must be able to work at other sites in Connecticut. Field days may include early morning reporting times and extended vessel trips.

• Conduct field research and assist with scientific data collection aboard vessels operating on Long Island Sound.
• Assist with deployment and retrieval of grappling equipment used to locate and recover lost or abandoned lobster traps.
• Assist vessel crews and research staff with hauling recovered lobster traps and associated fishing gear aboard the vessel.
• Assist with tagging, identifying, documenting, measuring, and processing recovered lobster traps and associated gear according to established L-TRAP protocols.
• Collect and accurately record field observations, location information, gear information, biological observations, and other project data as required.
• Assist with the preparation, loading, unloading, cleaning, organization, and storage of grappling equipment, recovered fishing gear, research equipment, and other project materials.
• Assist the research team with moving and handling heavy equipment necessary to conduct L-TRAP operations.
• Follow established research protocols to…