Senior Marine Research Technician - 140377

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Vacation/Holidays

Life Insurance

Retirement Plan

Job summary

UC San Diego is seeking a Senior Marine Research Technician to oversee deck operations and maintain research ship equipment and sampling systems on field expeditions. You'll support data collection, data handling, and on-board instrumentation with an emphasis on safety and reliability.

The role also involves training junior staff, coordinating in-port and at-sea logistics, and ensuring accurate data archiving and communication with shore.

Qualifications

• Degree in natural or physical science or engineering with 3+ years leading deck operations on research ships or equivalent.
• Experience operating large mechanical devices (cranes, forklifts, winches).
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical seagoing equipment.
• Proficient with oceanographic data and sample collection/processing.
• Understanding of basic electronics troubleshooting techniques.
• Experience setting up data acquisition equipment and training users.
• Experience leading operations involving large equipment with high safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee deck operations, equipment stowage and handling of scientific samples on research ships.
• Manage shipment of science equipment to and from ships and coordinate loading/unloading at sea.
• Assist with ship-to-shore communications and data transfers; archive data post-cruise.

Skills

Deck operations

Mechanical equipment

Oceanographic data

Electronics troubleshooting

Data acquisition setup

Training & delegation

Safety standards

Education

Science or engineering degree

Tools

CTD & XBT systems

Job description

Work Schedule

Variable, 8 when onsite. Variable when out at sea, Mon-Fri when onsite. Variable when out at sea

Payroll Title

MARINE TCHN 3

Department

SHIPBOARD TECH SUPRT

Hiring Pay Scale

$80,058 - $90,155/ Annually

Worksite

Point Loma

Appointment Type

Career

Appointment Percent

100%

Union

RX Contract

Total Openings

1

Work Schedule

Variable, 8 when onsite. Variable when out at sea, Mon-Fri when onsite. Variable when out at sea

#140377 Senior Marine Research Technician

Filing Deadline: Fri 9/25/2026

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 08/03/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

THIS POSITION REQUIRES A VALID U.S. PASSPORT AND ABILITY TO WORK AT SEA UP TO 6 MONTHS PER YEAR.

Description

UNDERSTANDING AND PROTECTING THE PLANET SINCE 1903

Scripps Institute of Oceanography (SIO) at UC San Diego is one of the most important centers for global earth science research and education in the world. Scripps scientists work to understand and protect the planet by investigating our oceans, Earth, and atmosphere to find solutions to our greatest environmental challenges.

Supporting SIO, Shipboard Technical Support (STS) provides specialized expertise, personnel, instrumentation and support services to scientists that use oceanographic research vessels. STS is composed of multiple groups that each provide a distinct set of services and expertise. These services include technical services on SIO vessels, specialized services on vessels within the U.S. Academic Research Fleet, and technical services on the USCGC HEALY through the Ship-based Technical Support in the Arctic (STARC) program.

During Field Research Projects, this position oversees deck operations, equipment stowage, and handling of scientific samples. Manages and/or assists with shipment of science equipment to and from research ships in port. Oversees loading and unloading of science equipment on research ships. Assembles, operates and maintains oceanographic sampling equipment for collection of geological, physical, chemical and biological data. Operates and maintains underway data instruments including digital echosounders, towed magnetometers, coring equipment, rock dredges, trawls, plankton nets and uncontaminated seawater systems. Operates and maintains CTD and XBT systems. Assists with management of data during cruise and archiving of data at end of cruise. Assists with ship-to-shore communications via voice, email and data transfers.

The Senior Marine Research Technician trains scientists, students, crew, and technical staff in the proper and safe use of shipboard systems and equipment. Functions as a subject matter expert to the Restech team and trains junior technicians in best practices and techniques. Performs on the job training and provides feedback to supervisors about the performance of personnel in training as well.

The Senior Marine Research Tech manages assigned maintenance, fabrication, engineering, inventory, documentation, and field research projects. Works with supervisors to set goals, productivity standards, and establish timelines for completion of long and short-term projects. Coordinates in-port and at-sea logistics between all internal and external stakeholders.

Education

Our employees enjoy competitive compensation packages and educational opportunities in a diverse, stimulating workforce. This position is also eligible for full:

• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Vacation/Holidays
• Life Insurance
• UC Retirement Plan.

You are encouraged to review additional information about our organization at the following:

Scripps Institute of Oceanography: https://scripps.ucsd.edu/home

About Shipboard Operations and Marine Technical Support: https://scripps.ucsd.edu/ships

NOTE: Salary placement is determined by the top candidate’s overall qualifications/relevant experience, market data and internal equity.

Qualifications

• Degree in natural or physical science or engineering and three (3) or more years of experience leading deck operations on research ships, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience operating large mechanical devices, e.g. cranes, forklifts and winches.
• Demonstrated skill to troubleshoot problems with mechanical seagoing equipment.
• Proficient in oceanographic data and sample collection and processing techniques.
• Understanding of basic electronics troubleshooting techniques.
• Experience in setting up data acquisition equipment and training users.
• Experience leading operations involving large equipment while ensuring that high safety standards are maintained.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Must be able to work cooperatively with a wide variety of people with diverse backgrounds and education.
• Proven ability to train, delegate work and assess performance.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• U.S. Passport
• Must be willing and able to spend up to 6 months of the year at sea in 1- 2 month increments.
• Must be capable of lifting and moving moderate weights in port and at sea. Must be physically fit to perform duties without causing risk to self or others.
• Must be able to travel globally without restrictions.
• Must obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter pursuant to the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and requires immediate reporting of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect of anyone under the age of 18. It is the responsibility of the Mandated Reporter to ensure that they obtain proper training in order to fulfill their reporting responsibilities as required by the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and University policy, and to complete and submit the required reports to the UC San Diego Police Department without delay.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $75,449 - $121,324 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $36.13 - $58.11

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace