Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate I (4216)

University of Texas; California (MO); On-site; USD 43,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Texas Marine Science Institute seeks a Research Engineering / Scientist Associate I to support the MAR SWMP program through field sampling, equipment maintenance, and data handling. The role requires travel within Texas and occasional out-of-state training.

Responsibilities include troubleshooting instruments, lab prep, data submission, and supervising interns, with a focus on reliability and safety in harsh field conditions. Strong technical and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong troubleshooting, diagnostic, technical, mechanical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions and perform basic fieldwork requiring lifting, pushing and pulling of heavy objects.
• Ability and flexibility to work long and/or irregular hours.
• Ability and comfortability to work in both a field and laboratory setting.
• Ability and comfortability to swim.
• Self-directed and solution-oriented mindset.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively with others.
• Ability to conduct basic internet/literature searches.
• Ability to travel within the state and region for work on a regular basis.
• Ability to travel to a week-long annual training, out-of-state
• Computer proficiency (Microsoft 365 Suite) and knowledge of basic data management.
• High school diploma or equivalent. Candidates with alternative qualifications...

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, clean, calibrate, deploy and retrieve scientific equipment; service water quality and weather station equipment on a weekly, bi-weekly and/or monthly basis; maintain and repair SWMP station infrastructure and in situ instrumentation; coordinate and perform research activities related to sample collection; operate vessels in shallow water conditions along the Texas Coastal Bend, including trailering vessels
• Laboratory preparation and analysis of field samples
• Retrieve and submit SWMP raw data; QA/QC data checks and metadata submissions
• Maintain an organized and clean working environment; manage equipment inventory and supplies
• Training and supervision of interns, students and volunteers in support of SWMP and MAR programs
• Assist in MAR program activities across sectors
• Other duties as assigned
• Annual week-long training for NERR SWMP technicians (out of state, fully funded)

Skills

Troubleshooting

Technical

Manual dexterity

Communication

Teamwork

Self-directed

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Research Engineering/ Scientist Associate I (4216)

Hiring Department: Marine Science Institute. Position Open To: All Applicants. Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40. FLSA Status: Exempt. Earliest Start Date: May 20, 2026. Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until May 31, 2027. Location: MARINE SCIENCE INSTITUTE.

Job Details

General Notes: The Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve (MAR) at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) seeks to hire a Research Engineering / Scientist Associate I with the Research & Monitoring Program. The MAR is one of 30 reserves that make up the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, dedicated to research, monitoring, education and stewardship of estuaries and their coastal watersheds. POSITION IS LOCATED AT THE UT MARINE SCIENCE INSTITUTE IN PORT ARANSAS, TEXAS. This is a full-time, grant-funded, 12-month position. This position is subject to annual renewal, contingent on satisfactory performance and budget funding.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, clean, calibrate, deploy and retrieve scientific equipment (i.e., YSI sensors/sondes/handheld meters); service water quality and weather station equipment on a weekly, bi-weekly and/or monthly basis according to standardized protocols; maintain and repair SWMP station infrastructure and in situ instrumentation as required; coordinate and perform research activities related to sample collection (e.g., scheduling, water collection, deployment/retrieval of automated portable water sampler); operate vessels in shallow water conditions along the Texas Coastal Bend, including trailering vessels
• Laboratory preparation and analysis of field samples (e.g., prepare sampling containers/filters, water filtration, weigh filters, chlorophyll analysis)
• Retrieve and submit SWMP raw data; conduct QA/QC data checks and generate quarterly/annual metadata files for submission to the NERRS CDMO; ensure all data (water quality, meteorological, nutrient) are entered by the submission deadline
• Maintain an organized and clean working environment (e.g., wash dishes, stow equipment/supplies); manage equipment inventory and order equipment and supplies
• Training and supervision of interns, students and volunteers in support of the SWMP and other MAR programs as needed
• Assist in program activities of the MAR across all sectors
• Other duties as assigned
• Attendance at an annual, week-long training for NERR SWMP technicians (out of state, fully funded)

Required Qualifications

• Strong troubleshooting, diagnostic, technical, mechanical, and communication skills
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions and perform basic fieldwork requiring lifting, pushing and pulling of heavy objects
• Ability and flexibility to work long and/or irregular hours
• Ability and comfortability to work in both a field and laboratory setting
• Ability and comfortability to swim
• Self-directed and solution-oriented mindset
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively with others
• Ability to conduct basic internet/literature searches
• Ability to travel within the state and region for work on a regular basis
• Ability to travel to a week-long annual training, out-of-state
• Computer proficiency (Microsoft 365 Suite) and knowledge of basic data management
• High school diploma or equivalent. Candidates with alternative qualifications or who have taken a less traditional career path may be considered if an aptitude for success and a strong willingness to learn is clearly apparent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Mechanically adept with at least on year of hands‑on experience in a technical maintenance role (marine, mechanical, electrical or related field)
• Ability to read technical manuals, schematics, and wiring diagrams
• Experience trailering, serving as crew, operating and captaining vessels (up to 24 ft) in shallow water conditions
• Ability to use hand and power tools
• Knowledge of water quality sampling and analysis procedures
• Knowledge of coastal and estuarine ecosystems and processes

Driving Required

This job requires a class “C” operator’s driver’s license. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current 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. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).

Salary Range

$43,000 + depending on education and experience.

Working Conditions

A substantial portion of the work will occur outside, often under adverse weather conditions, including extremes of heat, cold, wind and rain. May work around chemicals and biohazards, as well as mechanical and electrical hazards. Candidates should be able to lift and manipulate up to 50 pounds (alone or as a team) as part of regular work activities. Candidates must be comfortable backpacking gear up a ladder to a secondary platform (approximately 15’ above the water surface) to service instruments. Weekend, evening and holiday work may be necessary.

Work Shift

M-F, 8am – 5pm with the occasional abnormal hours due to fieldwork.

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) (PDF) Right to Work Poster (English) (PDF) Right to Work Poster (Spanish) (PDF).

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) and other guidelines. If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

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Comments and Inquiries

Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone]. UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus