Marine Research Technician

University of Southern Mississippi; Gulfport (MS); On-site; USD 48,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Southern Mississippi invites applications for the Marine Research Technician position at the Marine Research Center in Gulfport, MS. The role supports testing and evaluation of uncrewed systems, ocean observing tech, and related instrumentation.

Responsibilities include configuring and operating marine systems, coordinating field operations, analyzing data, and preparing technical reports. The role requires an associate degree or technical certificate and US citizenship.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or technical certificate in hydrography, electronics technology, marine technology, or related field is required.
• Two years of related experience involving oceanographic instrumentation or marine systems; US citizenship and valid driver's license are required.

Responsibilities

• Configures, installs, operates, and troubleshoots oceanographic sensors and autonomous marine vehicles.
• Plans and coordinates boat and field operations and prepares systems for deployment.
• Evaluates equipment readiness prior to deployment and documents performance data.

Skills

Ocean technology knowledge

Instrumentation handling

Data analysis

Technical reporting

Field operations

Education

Assoc. degree/technical cert in hydrography/electronics/marine tech

Job description

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Marine Research Technician.

Location Marine Research Center

1030 West Pier, Port of Gulfport
Gulfport, Mississippi, 39501
United States

Division Ocean Enterprise

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Salary Range 48,177.00 - 65,180.00

Pay Grade

E10

Posting Close Date October 30, 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).

Job Summary

The MarineResearch Technician performs specialized technical and research activitiessupporting the testing and evaluation of uncrewed systems, autonomous andsemi-autonomous platforms, ocean-observing technologies, and associatedinstrumentation at the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise. Theposition is responsible for configuring, operating, troubleshooting, andevaluating marine systems and oceanographic instrumentation used in research,development, testing, and evaluation activities. The position plans andcoordinates assigned field and vessel operations, evaluates equipment readinessprior to deployment, collects and analyzes research and system-performancedata, and prepares technical reports and research materials. The MarineResearch Technician applies technical knowledge and judgment to identifyequipment and system issues, determine appropriate troubleshooting actions, andsupport successful field operations. The position works collaboratively withproject directors, principal investigators, University researchers, andexternal research partners.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Configures, installs, operates, and troubleshoots oceanographic sensors, instrumentation, uncrewed systems, and autonomous and semi-autonomous marine vehicles used in research, testing, and field operations.
• Plans and coordinates assigned boat and field operations, including determining equipment and instrumentation needs, preparing systems for deployment, and coordinating technical activities necessary to support testing and data collection.
• Evaluates the calibration, operational condition, and readiness of oceanographic equipment and instrumentation prior to deployment. Identifies equipment or system deficiencies and determines appropriate troubleshooting or corrective actions within established technical standards and procedures.
• Operates uncrewed systems and remotely operated vehicles during testing and extended field operations. Monitors system performance and makes technical adjustments necessary to support safe and effective operations within established protocols.
• Collects, processes, analyzes, and interprets data generated through research, experiments, testing, and field activities. Identifies performance issues, trends, anomalies, and other findings requiring additional review or testing.
• Analyzes system-performance results and prepares technical reports, research documentation, figures, tables, and other materials supporting scientific studies, publications, project deliverables, and research activities. Provides technical findings and recommendations to project directors, principal investigators, researchers, and other project personnel.
• Maintains assigned oceanographic equipment, instrumentation, tools, and technical resources and collaborates with University researchers, technical professionals, and external research partners in support of research, testing, and evaluation activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate'sdegree or technical certificate from an accredited college or university inHydrography, Electronics Technology, Marine Technology, or a related field andtwo years of related experience involving oceanographic instrumentation, marinesystems, electronics, research testing, or evaluation. Must have United Statescitizenship and a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of research methods, technical procedures, and practices associated with ocean technology research, testing, and evaluation activities.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret research publications, professional journals, technical procedures, and other technical documentation.
• Ability to organize and maintain tools, equipment, instrumentation, and other technical resources used in research and field activities.
• Skill in preparing technical reports, research documentation, maps, tables, figures, and other illustrative materials.
• Ability to communicate technical information effectively and respond to questions from researchers, technical professionals, customers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively with project directors, principal investigators, University researchers, and external research partners.
• Ability to travel and perform fieldwork aboard large and small vessels.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor'sdegree in a related technical or scientific field. Two to four years ofexperience working with ocean-observing instrumentation, electronic systems andcircuits, uncrewed marine systems, or research testing and evaluationactivities. Experience conducting field operations aboard research or othermarine vessels.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

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

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

We produce graduates ready to enterfields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs suchas computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation ofbusiness leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages byproducing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition ofexcellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nationaccredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, ourstudent-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion andpersistence, 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its service, programs, and activities.

If reasonable acomodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other beneifts and privileges of employment, please contact:

The Office of Equal Employment Opportunity & Labor Regulatory Compliance

[e-mail]

McLemore Hall (MCL) 310 | 118 College Drive #5111 | Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Phone: [phone] | Fax: [phone] | TTY/TDD: 1.800.582.2233

Employment Notices

Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

If you have questions, please email the Human Resources department at [e-mail].

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

The University of Southern Mississippi is committed to the safety andsecurity of the USM community. The annual federal required compliancedocument which contains policy statements and crime statistics for theUniversity is available on the UPD website at http://www.usm.edu/police/ .You may also request a copy by contacting the University PoliceDepartment at Bond Hall, 1st Floor West, Hattiesburg, MS 39406 [phone]. The policy statements address the University's policies,procedures and programs concerning safety and security, for example,policies for responding to emergency situations and sexual offenses.Three years' of statistics are included for certain types of crimes thatwere reported to have occurred on campus, in or on off-campus buildingsor property owned or controlled by the University and on publicproperty within or immediately adjacent to the campus.