Oceanographic Technician & Data Analyst - 135459

Under general supervision, manage software programming efforts for the CalCOFI Technical Group at SIO and direct the work of CalCOFI SRA 2 employees and Lab Assistants assisting in these efforts. Manage all aspects of final data processing, quality control, publication and existing Visual Basics data acquisition and analysis software drawing from a background in advanced coding. Duties at sea (for up to 120 days per year at sea) are to organize and oversee watch activities (watch-leader), such as prepare and deploy a CTD-rosette system, collect and oversee seawater sample collection, biological sampling with nets and pump systems, radioactive primary productivity measurements and data entry. Setup and manage seagoing data acquisition PC network and sample analysis instrumentation. Perform high precision quantitative analyses of seawater samples including salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, and dissolved nutrients. Mentor volunteers and train them to assist in CTD deployment and recovery, water sampling, and sample processing. Monitor data and metadata collection at sea ensuring data quality by performing preliminary processing and analysis, including, troubleshooting data processing and creating preliminary figures.

Duties as computer programmer and data analyst include processing data collected at sea, merging independent data sets, performing quality control, preparing data reports for publications, and creating figures. Perform data quality control which requires a basic interpretation of data, drawing on experience from the field and from having a strong background in marine science. Use and adapt software tools to process and merge data, quality control and generate data products using Visual Basics, Python and MatLab. Create programming scripts to automate and improve data processing and figure generation. Ensure proper communication between software, analytical instrumentation, oceanographic sensors, ship systems and networks. Train others how to use and troubleshoot programs. Update and improve older programming routines. Generate and manage data and metadata products for distribution and publication online; website content creation; and data archiving. Preparing and overseeing preparation of analytical equipment and chemicals to go to sea. Duties as data processor ashore are to process data collected at sea, merging independent data sets, perform quality control on these and preparing data reports for publications online. Keeps abreast of new technologies for physical and chemical analysis of sea water and develop new methodologies for use on research ships, software and instrumentation for data acquisition and handling, derived oceanographic data products, and develop new protocols for improved and safer processing, storing and sharing of CalCOFI data.

• Possess a BA or BS in science with a strong marine science background, or equivalent combination of education and experience, and possess advanced computer science skills. Minimum of 2 years demonstrated experience at sea and knowledge of how to operate sea-going data collection and analytical equipment including: salinometer, oxygen titration rig, CTD-Rosette, underway data logging systems, plankton nets, fluorometers, handle radioisotopes, operate computer software, servers and networks. Demonstrated advanced knowledge of how all instruments operate sufficient to troubleshoot the problem and make minor repairs.

• Demonstrated advanced Python programming skills. Ability to design GUIs. Ability to understand Visual Basics scripts, debugging and generate new code for correcting issues.

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of oceanography, chemistry, biology, statistics and engineering principles needed for data collection, analysis, data product calculations and quality control.

• Demonstrated experience in performing sample analysis. Experience in carrying out chemical and biological analyses at sea and in the laboratory, such as rates of primary production using radioisotopes, chlorophyll a, oxygen (automated Winkler), and salinity. Demonstrated experience reading, interpreting and applying protocols in conducting research. Proven ability to follow step wise experimental protocols in addition to developing modifications as needed.

• Extensive experience using Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office Suite, writing queries in Access and using Excel, Adobe Illustrator, mapping and statistical software. Demonstrated experience with setup, networking, and operating computer systems and servers and basic troubleshooting.

• Demonstrated experience with Matlab and R. Proven experience in creating website content.

• Knowledge and experience with oceanographic instrumentation such as Seabird CTD. Proven ability setting up, interfacing with ship's infrastructure, deploying and recovering oceanographic instrumentation including CTDs.

• Experience in operating general laboratory and analytical equipment, including ability to perform titrations, collect high quality data, and perform minor troubleshooting and repairs on laboratory analytical equipment.

• Knowledge of physical oceanography. Extensive experience processing oceanographic data; knowledge to assess hydrographic data quality and perform quality control. Demonstrated experience curating data and serving data products. Demonstrated experience analyzing and interpreting oceanographic data.

• Demonstrated experience in processing, publishing, and management of data; write technical/scientific reports, laboratory records and methodology; collect and compile metadata, and manage files in digital and online formats.

• Sound knowledge of chemical principles and regulations needed to oversee safe handling and storage of chemicals and radioisotopes.

• Must be able to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing.

• Demonstrated experience work-directing volunteers and ability to direct lower level SRA's and Lab Assistants.

• Ability to interact using tact and diplomacy with diverse personalities including academic, staff, student and volunteer employees and institutions/organizations.

• Ability to adapt to strict organizational protocols, methods, and practices.

• Ability to train and oversee diverse scientists, technicians, and volunteers in safe operations and high quality data collection.

• Experience interacting with scientific programs and the public.

• Experience collecting and preserving eDNA samples using aerosol, bottle and passive sampling devices.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Must be prepared to go to sea for 120 days per year.

• Must be able to give and hear verbal commands in a noisy environment at sea.

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50lb.

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