POSITION OVERVIEW: We are seeking a part-time Maritime Field Research Technician to support Project Oceanology’s work on the Lobster Trap Recovery and Assessment Partnership(L-TRAP). L-TRAP is a collaborative research and conservation effort focused on locating, retrieving, documenting, and appropriately disposing of lost or abandoned lobster traps from Long Island Sound. 

The Marine Field Research Technician will work as a member of the L-TRAP field team aboard vessels operating on Long Island Sound. The position will assist with field research, deployment and retrieval of grappling equipment, recovery and handling of lobster traps, collection and recording of project data, and other activities necessary to safely and successfully conduct L-TRAP field operations.

This is a part-time, project-based position with a variable schedule based on vessel availability, weather, field conditions, and project needs. 

ABOUT US: Project Oceanology is a non-profit marine science education and research facility. Our mission since 1972 has been to nurture interest and inspire enthusiasm for science and for our planet’s marine environment from our waterfront facility in Groton, Connecticut. Project Oceanology is a year-round, marine science educational organization governed by local school districts and in collaboration with universities and other educational institutions. Our vision is to be the center of excellence for inquiry and place-based science and marine education serving the evolving needs of our global community. 

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Marine Field Research Technician supports field operations for the Lobster Trap Recovery and Assessment Partnership(L-TRAP). Working as part of a vessel-based research team, the Technician assists with the deployment and retrieval of grappling equipment used to locate and recover lost or abandoned lobster traps from Long Island Sound. 

The Technician assists with hauling and handling recovered traps and associated fishing gear, tagging and documenting recovered equipment, collecting and recording research data, moving, preparing, cleaning, organizing equipment required for field operations, and preparing recovered traps for recycling. 

This position requires significant work aboard vessels and involves physically demanding activities in a marine environment. Field operations are weather-dependent and may be modified or canceled on short notice due to weather, sea conditions, vessel availability, or other operational considerations.  

This position requires in-person work that is primarily based out of our Groton, CT facility. As required, the candidate must be able to work at other sites in Connecticut. Field days may include early morning reporting times and extended vessel trips. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

- Conduct field research and assist with scientific data collection aboard vessels operating on Long Island Sound.

- Assist with deployment and retrieval of grappling equipment used to locate and recover lost or abandoned lobster traps.

- Assist vessel crews and research staff with hauling recovered lobster traps and associated fishing gear aboard the vessel.

- Assist with tagging, identifying, documenting, measuring, and processing recovered lobster traps and associated gear according to established L-TRAP protocols.

- Collect and accurately record field observations, location information, gear information, biological observations, and other project data as required.

- Assist with the preparation, loading, unloading, cleaning, organization, and storage of grappling equipment, recovered fishing gear, research equipment, and other project materials.

- Assist the research team with moving and handling heavy equipment necessary to conduct L-TRAP operations.

- Follow established research protocols to support accurate and consistent data collection.

- Follow all vessel safety requirements and instructions provided by the vessel captain and designated research staff.

- Maintain situational awareness while working around lines, grappling equipment, traps, hauling equipment, and other vessel operations.

- Maintain safe, clean, and organized work areas aboard vessels and at shore-based locations.

- Work collaboratively with Project Oceanology staff, vessel crews, commercial fishermen, research partners, and other project participants.

- Represent Project Oceanology professionally when interacting with project partners and members of the maritime community.

- Perform related L-TRAP duties and responsibilities as required.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE: 

Education, Experience and Training

- High school diploma or equivalent is required.

- Previous experience working aboard boats is preferred.

- Experience with commercial fishing, marine field research, fisheries research, environmental monitoring, marine operations, or similar field work is preferred.

- Knowledge of Long Island Sound species, habitats, and fisheries is preferred.

License or Certificate

- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to assigned work locations is required.

- Current first aid and CPR certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross is preferred.

- Boating, maritime safety, or related training is preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

- Ability to work safely and effectively aboard vessels in a marine environment.

- Ability to follow oral and written instructions and established scientific research protocols.

- Ability to accurately collect, record, and communicate field data.

- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a vessel-based research team.

- Ability to maintain attention to detail while working in a fast-paced and physically demanding environment.

- Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying conditions including heat, cold, wind, rain, sun, wet conditions, and vessel motion.

- Ability to safely lift and carry up to 70 pounds and assist with moving heavier or awkward equipment as part of a team.

- Ability to stand for extended periods and to bend, kneel, climb, and work safely on wet, moving, or uneven surfaces aboard vessels and at waterfront facilities.

- Ability to work safely around lines, traps, grappling equipment, hauling equipment, and other gear associated with L-TRAP field operations.

- Ability to adapt to changing schedules, weather conditions, vessel operations, and field conditions.

- Ability to maintain situational awareness and follow directions promptly during vessel and field operations.

- Strong reliability, punctuality, organizational skills, and attention to detail.

- Ability to maintain effective and courteous working relationships with coworkers, vessel crews, commercial fishermen, research partners, and other project participants.

WHAT WE OFFER: 

- Part-time, hourly, project-based position.

- Hourly pay of $18.50-$20.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.

- Hands-on experience conducting applied marine research and conservation work on Long Island Sound.

HOW TO APPLY: Send your resume and cover letter to admin@oceanology.org using the subject line “Marine Field Research Technician”. In your cover letter, please describe why you are interested in this position and any relevant experience. 

Project Oceanology is committed to a diverse workplace and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities. Project Oceanology does not discriminate based on ethnicity, race, gender, or sexual orientation and encourages all qualified individuals to apply. We provide reasonable accommodation for applicants and employees as required by law