Job Description

Part-time Ocean Observing Specialist

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

Position Details 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 Pay Grade 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).


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

1. Operates, maintains, and repairs oceanographic instruments. This includes testing, programming, running calibration checks and sending instruments out for repair and calibration as required.
2. Performs data quality control and processing. Responsible for scientific record keeping and data entry.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Travels for field work and attending relevant scientific and technical conferences and workshops.
6. All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Master’s
degree in Marine Science or related discipline and 5+ years of experience
operating CODAR SeaSondes 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.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern
Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing
students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students
in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the
Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We
are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of
the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in
polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing
language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national
leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,
nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter
fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such
as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of
business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by
producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of
excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation
accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our
student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and
persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu

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