National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Hiring Junior Survey Technician
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, is seeking a Junior Survey Technician, a position responsible for supporting at-sea oceanographic research operations in Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary as well as manage equipment and data related to oceanographic monitoring.
The Junior Survey Technician will support work that is part of the scope of a cooperative agreement between the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
Working day-to-day as a member of the OCNMS Research Team, the Junior Survey Technician is primarily responsible for assisting the Survey Technician with performing the following functions: 1) oceanographic and hydrographic survey data acquisition and processing operations; 2) technical assistance to program personnel; 3) administering the safekeeping and transmittal of data; and 4) maintaining oceanographic and hydrographic survey instruments; along with other responsibilities as assigned to support site operations.
The position will be based in NOAA’s Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary office in Port Angeles, WA. A belief in our mission, excellent project management skills, as well as a strong team mentality, is a must.
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes for current and future generations.
Apply through the Foundation’s online portal. A cover letter, resume, and three professional references are required with your application. Applications received by February 16th, 2026 will be preferred.
Salary Range: $55,000.00 To $59,000.00 Annually
Location: Port Angeles, WA
Status: Full-time, Non-exempt, No direct reports
What You’ll Do
Conduct Annual Field Operations
- Assist in the maintenance, operation, and monitoring of mission equipment utilized on the vessels including oceanographic and hydrographic instrumentation (including all aspects of the oceanographic mooring arrays)
- Assist in preparation, installation, deployment, and recovery of oceanographic and/or hydrographic survey equipment and instruments
- Annotate records and record data according to site data management plan
- Assist in preparations for and completion of oceanographic and hydrographic survey operations
- Assist with performing maintenance on facilities and trailers as needed
- Organize existing documentation and create new Standard Operations Procedures (as needed) that outline the tasks necessary to conduct operations annually
Maintenance, Acquisition, and Operational/Analytical Improvement
- Coordinate calibration and service of oceanographic and hydrographic instruments
- Assist in upkeep and capital improvements of the research platforms as required to accomplish site management goals
- Assist in coordination and collaboration with partner organizations and other NOAA offices in support of oceanographic monitoring, hydrographic surveys, and to accomplish organizational goals
Data Management
- Assist Survey Technician in performing initial quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) for field collected data as it is submitted to OCNMS
- Organize existing documentation and create new Standard Operations Procedures (as needed) that outline the tasks necessary to ensure proper data management and public availability according to the NOS Data Management guidelines
Who You Are
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, geography, oceanography, ecology, marine biology, or related field.
- Experience in marine technology, field physical science or at least one year of experience in vessel-based research operations.
- Demonstrated proficiency in equipment operation and vessel-based science activities.
- Familiarity with GIS, sonar and remote sensing instruments and/or data acquisition and processing.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and carry out assignments independently.
- Strong project management skills.
- Flexibility to maintain a varying work schedule as needed, including occasional weekends, evenings, and nights.
- Willingness to travel in support of sanctuary activities.
- Position occasionally includes varied mealtime hours, and requires lifting up to 50 pounds, working outdoors, and working offshore in adverse ocean and weather conditions.
- Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license.
- Regular attendance required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science and one year of experience