Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) seeks a full-time Lab Technician to support National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) Chesapeake Instrument Lab (CIL) in Chesapeake, VA. CO-OPS is the authoritative source for accurate, reliable, and timely tides, water levels, currents, and other coastal oceanographic and meteorological information.
If you are looking to be an instrumental part of a growing, employee and customer-focused company working on exciting issues in environmental science and other marine/coastal resources, we want to hear from you!
Key Responsibilities:
Provide support to ongoing Engineering and the Field Operations activities by preparing NWLON systems, platforms, and sensors for field installation, operation, and maintenance. Specific task requirements may include, but are not limited to:
- System/sensor integration
- Calibrate sensors that measure water level, wind, temperature, air pressure, and other parameters to ensure proper field operation
- Identify and troubleshoot system and sensor problems on NWLON measurement systems and associated telecommunication equipment manufactured by multiple vendors
- Provide technical support and training to CO-OPS field crews and partner agencies
- Maintain the NWLON instrumentation and supply inventory
- Conduct firmware and software updates to keep systems performing optimally
- Perform component and system upgrades per manufacturer specifications
- Assist with the assembly, experiment preparation, and conduct of laboratory and field testing of new NWLON measurement systems, including setting up data acquisition systems and conducting data processing in preparation for post-test data analysis
- Remote and on-site troubleshooting to include assessment of electronic systems and sensors by connecting directly to the observing system via computer and using system verification techniques and protocols to isolate problems or faults and restore data service at the station
- Test sensors that measure water level, wind, temperature, air pressure and other parameters to determine suitability for CO-OPS field use
- Analyze firmware and software updates for equipment to assess system functionality.
- Assess potential system improvements to include recommended component and system upgrades to identify possible negative effects on data
- Support of field operations to include the installation, maintenance, and repair of sensors, both in a non-travel status and travel status
- Provide technical equipment training to field crews on all CO-OPS NWLON observing system sensors
- Investigate and resolve problems in engineering, system operations, and installation procedures
Functional Responsibilities:
- Perform preventative maintenance and calibration of equipment and systems; identify and resolve equipment malfunctions; and assemble, test and maintain electronic test equipment or electronic components according to instructions
- Troubleshoots environmental monitoring systems and sensors
- Uses modern water level measurement technology and modern water way current measurement technology
- Uses environmental monitoring sensors in the meteorological and oceanographic fields
- Application of the principles of communications systems and the principles behind electronic equipment and components
- Use personal computers and various applications to perform word processing, create spreadsheets, and manipulate data
Required Skills /Education/ Certifications & Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in Electronic Engineering, Oceanography, Physical Science or related field (or equivalent experience).
- One year of experience at the Electronics Technician III level in the field of environmental monitoring technology.
- Knowledge of Data Collection Platforms (DCP) in remote environmental monitoring systems
Location: Chesapeake, VA
Start Date: As soon as security clearance can be completed
Salary: This is a full-time position. Wage range is $15.00 to $17.21 per hour. Overtime is not anticipated. Comprehensive benefits package.
