Mooring and Instrument Technician

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Mooring and Instrument Technician to join the Physical Oceanography Department. This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position, and is eligible for benefits.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is looking for an Engineering Technician to join the Field Instrumentation and eXperiment Team (FIXIT) group within the Physical Oceanography department.
With some supervision the candidate will be working with other senior technicians learning how to assemble, test, program, and maintain electronic instruments and equipment that are deployed on deep ocean mooring systems. This position also includes working from oceanographic vessels to deploy deep ocean mooring systems using heavy equipment such as winches, cranes, and rigging equipment.

The internal working title for this position could be either Engineering Assistant I or Engineering Assistant II. The final level of the position will be determined commensurate with the selected candidate’s level of education and experience.

This is an entry level role. Approximate salary is $45,000 - 54,000.

Essential Functions:
• Perform general maintenance on oceanographic instruments and equipment.
• Assisting senior technicians with project logistics.
• Assembly of mooring instruments and components.
• Basic knowledge of Windows OS and office software/apps.
• Basic knowledge of electronics and battery powered systems.
• Ability to work independently with defined goals and objectives assigned by senior technicians.
• Is able and willing to go to sea for extended periods of time (2-4 months/year).

High school or equivalent plus four years mechanical experience; or Technical school plus two years practical experience.

Previous Experience Desired: Some mechanical or electronic experience is preferred.

• Must be able to obtain TWIC card
• Must hold a valid US Passport
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• WHOI has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy in effect, where you must register your full vaccination status [vaccination plus booster] in order to begin your employment. The registration process is confidential and entails submitting your official vaccination records, or requesting to engage in the interactive exemption process for either a medical or religious reason.

Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to ability to lift above the shoulder, shoulder to knee, knee to floor. Maximum weight to be lifted independently- 70 lbs; lifting over 50 lbs independently, one time per hour, 2 times per day; lifting under 50 lbs independently, one time per hour, 2-3 times per day; lifting 25-50 lbs, two to three times per hour, 4-5 times per day. Carrying over 50 lbs, under 50 lbs; carrying 25-50 lbs, one to two times per hour, 3-4 times per day; carrying 10-25 lbs, one to two times per hour, 3-4 times per day; carrying 0-10 lbs, three to four times per hour, 5-6 times per day. Visual abilities to include: depth perception, ability to see peripherally, ability to adjust vision to bring objects into focus, ability to distinguish basic colors. Hear forklifts, trucks, and other moving objects while working on the dock and in many loud areas at WHOI; hear and respond to radio communications. Occasional prolonged standing/walking; manual dexterity and mobility, use of hands for basic grasping and include fine manipulation, and occasional reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling and crouching. Will be exposed to excessive cold, excessive heat or humidity, dust or other irritants, grease and oils, hazardous substances or specimens, electrical/mechanical/power equipment hazards, high location, extended periods at sea, severe weather conditions, and prolonged work hours. Physical duties are subject to change.

May work at least 8 hours per day and, at times in excess of 12 hours per day, 7 days per week. Sleep and work hours can deviate from those on land. May be expected to work on watch schedule (such as 8 hours on and 8 hours off or 12 hours on and 8 hours off) for all or part of a cruise or to work as hours are needed to accomplish the planned work. May need to travel during holidays and for long distances to and from foreign ports. May experience rudimentary living and working conditions, with shared and basic living quarters and laboratories. May experience bad or extreme weather conditions, including heavy seas, winter weather or hot, tropical weather. Work on deck may occur in both hot and cold conditions around the clock. Sea conditions will lead to active ship motion. Should be able to climb steep and vertical ladders and able to enter and exit compartments through hatches, doors, and sills. Should be able to carry heavy gear and participate in the loading and unloading of the ship as well as in the activities on deck and in the labs during the cruise. Shipboard environment may include: confined areas, shared sleeping quarters (berths) and bathroom facilities, small and basic berthing, fixed meal times and basic menus. Modest levels of heating, cooling, ventilation, and illumination, limited or no email and internet access and limited off-duty and recreational facilities (library, lounge, movies). May be exposed to potential allergens and irritants, including paint fumes. May experience constant and intermittent loud noises, and slippery and uneven surfaces.