Ocean Instrument Tech

University of North Carolina at Wilmington; Wilmington (NC); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina Wilmington is seeking a Technology Support Specialist to provide end-to-end support for technology-based systems essential to research and monitoring efforts at the Center for Marine Science. The role oversees the Oceanographic Instrumentation Core Facility, including shipboard computer systems used for data collection and processing in estuarine and coastal ocean environments.

Ideal candidates will have IT training or degrees and strong communication skills, with

Qualifications

• Graduation from a two year technical college with a major in an Information Technology field and one year in the information technology field related to the position’s role; OR
• Graduation from a four year college or university and one year experience in the information technology field related to the position’s role; OR
• Graduation from a four year college or university with a major in an Information Technology area.

Responsibilities

• Provide end to end support for a range of technology-based systems critical to research and monitoring efforts.
• Oversee the Oceanographic Instrumentation Core Facility and support field and lab instrumentation.
• Coordinate with campus partners to assure IT policy compliance for instrumentation equipment.

Job description

This position is designated as Exempt from the Human Resources Act ( EHRA ).

Benefits of Working at UNCW

At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, we are driven by a clear purpose: to empower student success, advance innovation, and strengthen the communities we serve. Guided by our strategic vision and commitment to excellence, UNCW offers a dynamic and collaborative environment where employees can make meaningful contributions while growing their careers.
Located in coastal North Carolina, UNCW combines the energy of a thriving academic community with the natural beauty of nearby beaches and outdoor spaces. Here, professional opportunity is balanced with an exceptional quality of life—creating a workplace where you can thrive both personally and professionally.
As a member of the Seahawk community, you’ll benefit from a culture that values well-being, lifelong learning, and connection. UNCW offers a competitive and flexible benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional growth. From comprehensive health coverage and retirement options to generous paid leave, tuition opportunities within the UNC System, learning and development opportunities, and wellness programs, UNCW is committed to helping you thrive both at work and in your personal life.

The Technology Support Specialist is responsible for providing end to end support for a range of technology-based systems critical to research and monitoring efforts at UNCW’s Center for Marine Science. This position consults with and provides support to faculty, staff and students to meet the needs of research projects that require technology-based solutions. This role oversees the Oceanographic Instrumentation Core Facility, which houses a wide range of specialized field and laboratory instrumentation. Additional responsibilities include operation and maintenance of select shipboard computer systems used for data collection as well as serving as expert on manufacturer specific hardware and software for data collection and processing in the estuarine and coastal ocean environment. Coordination with campus partners (Networking, Security, etc.) is required to assure compliance with IT policies and procedures relevant to Oceanographic Instrumentation equipment.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• Graduation from a two year technical college with a major in an Information Technology field and one year in the information technology field related to the position’s role; OR
• Graduation from a four year college or university and one year experience in the information technology field related to the position’s role; OR
• Graduation from a four year college or university with a major in an Information Technology area.

Related information technology experience may be substituted year for year for the required education.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Graduation from a 4-year college or university and one year of experience in Marine Science or related field; or Master’s Degree in Marine Science or related field plus one year technical experience.
• Experience installing, troubleshooting, and integrating technology dependent systems on coastal research vessels.
• Strong communication skills, ability to effectively interact with hardware and software vendors, equipment manufacturers, campus clients and other IT professionals.
• Ability to independently research hardware, software, and instrumentation needed to meet research needs.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and research needs by researching evolving technologies in coastal, marine, and oceanographic research and successfully integrate systems and software.
• Ability to travel out-of-town, after hours, and on weekends to support research missions.

Required Certifications or Licensures

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Center for Marine Science ( CMS ) is recognized both nationally and internationally for conducting research that contributes to the understanding of environmental processes and problems. CMS strives to engage communities to address societal issues and promote use-inspired innovations.
Through research, education and outreach, the Center strives to increase knowledge about coastal and marine sciences and cultivate community engagement in coastal resilience. This includes a variety of fields such as physical oceanography; marine and coastal biology; marine, atmospheric and natural products chemistry; marine geology; aquaculture; environmental sciences, marine policy, human health, and sociology. Currently there are more than 100 active research programs supported by CMS and over 140 scientists, staff and students broadly associated with the unit.
The teaching and research facility located on the Intracoastal Waterway in southeastern North Carolina features state of the art core facilities in spectrometry and spectroscopy, light stable isotopes, biotechnology, aquaculture, DNA and water quality analysis as well as running seawater systems, a coastal workboat fleet and a wide range of oceanographic equipment that are available to all CMS researchers.
CMS supports educational programs related to marine science, including the Applied Coastal and Ocean Science Ph.D. program and MS Marine Science degree as well as courses and students from various marine-science related academic departments across the breadth of UNCW . It also supports several outreach entities, including NC Sea Grant, the NC National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Marine Quest, among others.

College/School Information

University Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research and service. Widely acknowledged for its world-class faculty and staff and continuously recognized at a national level for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking.
A public institution with nearly 18,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate-level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN-to- BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s only bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.
The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Number of Openings

Months Per Year 12 Months

FTE

FTE 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Type of Position

Type of Position Permanent

Job Posting Date

Job Posting Date 08/13/2026

Posting Close Date

Posting Close Date 09/03/2026