Ocean Career: CIMAR Oceanographic Data Specialist

Regular, Full-Time, RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (CIMAR), located at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.

DUTIES:

  • Supports, maintains, and develops University of Hawai‘i Data Acquisition System (UHDAS) acquisition and processing software and UHDAS installation procedures.
  • Trains technicians on using UHDAS.
  • Trains scientists about Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) data and using UHDAS at sea.
  • Trains scientists and technicians in processing data.
  • Manages, installs, maintains, supports, and upgrades Shipboard ADCP data acquisition and processing UHDAS software on National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) research ships.
  • Promotes the acquisition and scientific application of high-quality ADCP data in the NOAA fleet. Collaborates in related software development and maintenance. Maintains and improves UHDAS documentation.
  • Makes approximately five (5), week-long trips per year to install or update data acquisition system on ships in port. Analyzes and monitors status of data acquisition systems on ships via automated daily status reports.
  • Collaborates with shipboard technicians to identify and solve problems.
  • Writes ship installation status reports and contributes to annual project reports. Consults with scientific personnel before, during, and after cruises on matters related to the data acquisition and processing systems, and suggests most effective use of their data.
  • Analyzes ADCP datasets to identify problems and improve processing algorithms.
  • Assists in system administration of the group’s Linux and Macintosh computers.

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Physical Science, or Engineering, or closely related field. (Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Physical Science or Engineering with three to five (3-5) years of experience which includes the following: installation, maintenance, and operation of shipboard research equipment, research instruments and data acquisition systems; troubleshooting computer systems (program and system level) and hardware (PC/Windows, UNIX/Linux); and scientific programming in Python may substitute for a Master’s Degree).

EXPERIENCE: One to three (1-3) years of work experience which includes the following: installation, maintenance, and operation of shipboard research equipment, research instruments and data acquisition systems; troubleshooting computer systems (program and system level) and hardware (PC/Windows, UNIX/Linux); and scientific programming in Python.

KNOWLEDGE: Strong knowledge of computer networking, Linux system administration, modern methods of open source development (revision control, code review and testing), and basic Computer Science. Working knowledge of navigation fundamentals and instruments. Working knowledge of software installation methods on Mac, Linux, and Windows. Working knowledge of HTML and web programming, and of standard serial communications hardware and software protocols.

ABILITIES & SKILLS: Demonstrated ability to write scientific data modeling or analysis programs in Python using Numpy and Matplotlib. Ability to write well-structured, well-documented, reusable code, compatible with existing code base. Ability to write high-quality technical documents suitable for oceanographic technicians and scientists. Ability to contribute to maintenance and development of an existing code base. Must have good verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated skill in working with a range of technical, administrative, and scientific personnel. Ability to go to sea. Must possess a valid driver’s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to meet and maintain US Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) security requirements for working in a federal facility, which includes being fingerprinted and having a federal background check prior to working on/in NOAA facility or vessels and then maintained throughout duration of employment. Must be able to complete the UH Information Security Awareness Training (ISAT) within two (2) weeks from date of hire, and re-certify every twelve (12) months.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to obtain NOAA Medical Clearance for embarking/working on NOAA vessels or other appropriate vessels which includes providing proof of required immunizations and/or obtaining the necessary immunizations as required by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations.

POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i’s and/or business entity’s policies, procedures, and trainings. Violation of RCUH’s, UH’s, or business entity’s policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Oceanography or Meteorology. Experience developing, maintaining, and supporting open source software. Experience with ocean current measuring devices and datasets. Experience with ocean acoustic instrumentation.

MONTHLY SALARY RANGE: $5,500 – $9,600/Mon.

CLOSING DATE: June 3, 2024, or until filled. Applications received after this deadline may be considered only if the position is not filled or up to the date a selection has been approved by the RCUH (whichever comes first).

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.

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