Part-time Ocean Observing Specialist Job Gulfport area,Mississippi USA,Research/Development

Part-time Ocean Observing Specialist

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Part-time Ocean Observing Specialist.

Location:

John

C. Stennis Space Center 1020 Balch Blvd Stennis Space Center, Mississippi, 39529 United States

Division:
Marine Science

Position Type:
Staff

Employment Status:
Part Time

Grant Funded:
Yes

Posting Close Date:
August 14, 2026

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The Ocean Observing Specialist will work independently to maintain and operate High Frequency Radar (HFR) systems, autonomous underwater gliders, metoceanographic buoys, and other ocean monitoring platforms. This position participates in proposal development, scientific data analysis, writing scientific articles and reports, and project management.

Primary

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Operates, maintains, and repairs oceanographic instruments. This includes testing, programming, running calibration checks and sending instruments out for repair and calibration as required.

Performs data quality control and processing. Responsible for scientific record keeping and data entry.

Assist in managing and performing operation and maintenance for ocean observing system operations. For gliders this includes maintenance of gliders, ballasting, deployments, recoveries, and piloting. For buoys this includes mooring design; buoy deployments and recoveries. For HFR this includes troubleshooting and optimizing HFR station performance; running antenna response pattern measurements;
Participates in planning of and data collection during cruises in cooperation with other technicians and scientists.

Participates in proposal development, scientific analyses and writing for professional journal articles, technical reports and progress reports. Supervises other technicians or students in proper maintenance and operation of marine instrumentation and autonomous vehicles. Actively contributes to student success and retention.

Travels for field work and attending relevant scientific and technical conferences and workshops.

All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in Marine Science or related discipline and 5+ years of experience operating CODAR Sea Sondes and other ocean observing assets. At least 5 conference proceedings and/or co-authorship of scientific articles on topics involving oceanic technology and its uses for scientific studies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

Should have demonstrated scientific, analytical, and numerical skills including ability to understand computer code written in C and Python.
Marine electronics troubleshooting and integration.
Ability to be flexible.
A logical and independent mind.
Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
Patience and determination.
Teamwork and interpersonal skills.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate with a diverse group of individuals.

Preferred Qualifications

PhD in Marine Science or related field and/or 10+ years related experience in operation, maintenance repair, and integration of ocean monitoring equipment. At least 10 conference proceedings and/or co-authorship of scientific articles on topics involving oceanic technology and its uses for scientific studies.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.