Physical Oceanography Technician

The University of Texas at Austin; Port Aransas (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A Texas research university is seeking a Physical Oceanography Technician in Port Aransas to support coastal and shelf research. The role involves planning mooring deployments, processing ADCP data, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Candidates should have an M.S. in a related field and experience with ADCP instruments and environmental data analysis. The position offers an annual salary starting at $50,000, with benefits included.

Qualifications

• Experience with ADCP data collection and processing.
• Experience in marine field environments including small boat operations.
• Familiarity with data QA/QC standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute mooring deployments and recoveries.
• Process and quality-control ADCP datasets.
• Contribute to reports and manuscripts.

Skills

ADCP data collection and processing

Environmental time-series data analysis

Mooring design, deployment, and recovery

Scientific programming (Python, MATLAB, R)

Field-based marine environments

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

M.S. in Physical Oceanography or related field

Job description

Physical Oceanography Technician

Position Open To: All Applicants – Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 – FLSA Status: Exempt – Earliest Start Date: May 31, 2026 – Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Apr 30, 2028 – Location: PORT ARANSAS, TX

Job Details

We are seeking a highly motivated physical oceanographer with experience in Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurements, environmental data processing, and mooring deployment to support interdisciplinary coastal and shelf research in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. The successful candidate will contribute to field-based and data-driven efforts focused on circulation, mixing, and physical–biogeochemical coupling across estuarine, nearshore, and continental shelf environments of the Texas Coastal Bend. This position involves a balance of fieldwork, data analysis, and collaboration.

The purpose of this role is to advance understanding of the physical drivers of coastal and shelf ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico, including the links among circulation, mixing, and biogeochemical processes. The position is located in Port Aransas, Texas. It is originally for two years but could be renewed based on performance and funding.

Responsibilities

• Field Operations
  • Plan and execute mooring deployments and recoveries in estuarine and coastal shelf environments
  • Operate and maintain ADCP systems (moored configurations) and current meters
  • Support additional oceanographic instrumentation (e.g., CTDs, temperature/salinity loggers, meteorological sensors)
  • Participate in small boat and research vessel operations under variable field conditions
• Data Processing & Analysis
  • Process and quality‑control ADCP datasets (e.g., velocity profiles, backscatter)
  • Manage and analyze time‑series environmental data from moorings and shipboard surveys
  • Develop reproducible workflows for data organization, QA/QC, and visualization
  • Contribute to the interpretation of circulation patterns, stratification, and mixing processes
• Collaboration & Reporting
  • Work closely with interdisciplinary teams (biogeochemists, ecologists, modelers)
  • Contribute to reports, manuscripts, and data products
  • Assist with training students and supporting field campaigns

Required Qualifications

• M.S. in Physical Oceanography, Ocean Engineering, Marine Science, or related field
• Demonstrated experience with ADCP data collection and processing; environmental time‑series data analysis; mooring design, deployment, and recovery; proficiency in at least one scientific programming environment (Python, MATLAB, or R); experience working in field‑based marine environments, including small boat operations; strong organizational and problem‑solving skills

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in coastal or shelf systems
• Familiarity with data QA/QC standards and metadata practices; oceanographic sensors (CTD, ADCP, wave meters, turbulence sensors, wave/current meters); small boat operation experience (or willingness to obtain certification)
• Ability to work in physically demanding field conditions

Driving Required

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant must provide a current three‑year driving record from their state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.

Salary & Benefits

$50,000 + depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions

• Regular fieldwork in hot, humid, and/or windy conditions, including small boat operations
• Occasional multi‑day research cruises
• Ability to lift and handle field equipment (20–50 lbs)

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal‑opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.