"Field Research Operations Associate"

The Conrad Blucher Institute for Surveying and Science at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is inviting applications for a Field Research Operations Associate. This position will work as part of an integrated research operations team. The candidate selected will have demonstrated experience in the civil trades and an ability to perform the physical requirements of the position. The candidate will learn all aspects of the environmental, meteorological, and oceanographic data collection including the installation, maintenance, and repair of stations and systems installed in remote locations along the Gulf Coast. This position is contingent upon external funding.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safely operate university vehicles/vessels/machinery or rental vehicles/vessels/machinery in support of field operations.
• Perform tasks related to mobilization and demobilization in accordance with established laboratory and operational procedures.
• Assists with the installation, maintenance, and operation of environmental data collection stations along the Gulf Coast.
• Uses a variety of hand and power tools to perform necessary work.
• Assists with the deployment of various types of data collection systems, sensors, and components.
• Perform field activities in extreme weather conditions (hot or cold) and may require duties to be performed from a vessel.

Instrumentation:

• Assists with setup and testing various types of electronic data collection systems, sensors, and components.
• Utilizes software packages to configure, calibrate, and test various instruments.
• Assists in identifying issues and performing corrective actions to restore proper function of sensors and systems.
• Larns to review data on dedicated web platforms to monitor and ensure data quality and system performance.
• Assists in operations lab processes including inventory, calibration, sensor handling, etc.

Teamwork & Collaboration:

• Builds relationships with colleagues both within and outside of the institute.
• Develops a basic understanding of the work conducted by the institute.
• Utilizes resources, asks questions, and troubleshoots to complete job duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Additional experience may be used as a substitute for the minimum education requirement: Associate's Degree and Two (2) years of related experience.
• Maintain a valid driver's license.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively, including extended overnight travel and work outside of normal business hours.
• Skilled in using hand and power tools including measuring, cutting, and basic assembly tasks.
• Proven ability to follow spoken or written instructions.
• Experience working outdoors in a variety of environments and weather conditions, including exposure to extreme heat, cold, sun, wind, and rough terrain.
• Physical ability to: Walk up to 3 miles while carrying up to 20 pounds; Lift and carry up to 50 pounds; Sit, stand, bend, twist, and maneuver in small spaces, on vessels, and on offshore buoys.
• Ability to obtain Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) within three (3) months of employment and retain credentials during the course of employment.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent task management and organization skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• High level of articulation and professionalism.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Critical thinking and proactive problem solving.
• Ability to take initiative and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ability to either work in a team environment or independently with minimal guidance.
• Ability to manage and prioritize tasks, resources, and time effectively.
• Ability to present information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to perform effectively under conditions of fluctuating workload and competing deadlines.
• Genuine care for workplace wellbeing including what is physical and tangible and those unseen contributions that facilitate an efficient and effective work environment.
• Position requires extensive travel, to off-site locations, for the performance of job duties, which may include work outside of normal business hours. Field activities often occur in extreme weather conditions (hot or cold) and may require duties to be performed from a vessel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with electronic sensors, data collection systems, or field instrumentation.
• Familiarity with environmental monitoring technologies or data loggers.
• Basic knowledge of software tools for configuring or testing instrumentation (e.g., Campbell Scientific, Vaisala, or similar).
• Experience interpreting wiring diagrams and assembly instructions from equipment manufacturers.
• Understanding data quality control and basic troubleshooting procedures.
• Boating experience or willingness to obtain necessary training/certifications.
• Open water dive certified.