How to Be Oceanographic Instrumentation Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Oct 22, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Oceanographic Instrumentation Technician is a highly skilled professional responsible for maintaining and installing oceanographic instruments. They work with researchers, engineers, and other professionals to ensure that the instruments are properly installed and functioning. This is an important role, as the data obtained from these instruments is used to analyze and study the ocean's ecosystems, climate, and many other phenomena.

The technician must understand the principles of electrical engineering and electronics as well as be familiar with the specific instrument systems in order to maintain them properly. By ensuring that the instruments are in working order, the technician helps to create accurate and reliable data which can be used to further our understanding of the oceans.

Steps How to Become

Earn a bachelor's degree in a related field. Oceanographic instrumentation technicians typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as oceanography, engineering, or physical science.
Develop specialized skills. Oceanographic instrumentation technicians must be knowledgeable of oceanography and the tools used in oceanography. They should also be familiar with engineering concepts, use of computers and software, and testing and calibration procedures.
Gain experience. Many employers prefer to hire technicians with at least three years of work experience in oceanographic instrumentation. Internships and volunteer work can provide valuable experience for aspiring technicians.
Obtain certification. Professional certification is not required for oceanographic instrumentation technicians, but it may give applicants an edge when competing for jobs. The Association for Marine Professionals offers the Certified Marine Technician (CMT) credential.
Seek employment. Job openings for oceanographic instrumentation technicians may be advertised on job boards, in trade publications, and on employer websites. Networking and cold-calling potential employers may also help job seekers find employment.

Oceanographic instrumentation technicians play a vital role in ensuring reliable and efficient oceanographic data collection. They use their expertise to assemble, maintain, and repair instruments that measure ocean conditions such as temperature, salinity, currents, and pressure. In order to keep these instruments working properly, technicians must be knowledgeable about the latest tools, technologies, and best practices.

They must also be able to diagnose any malfunctions and make the necessary repairs quickly and accurately. Furthermore, they must be able to ensure the data collected is accurate and up-to-date. By using their skills and knowledge, oceanographic instrumentation technicians can ensure reliable and efficient data collection, which is critical for scientists to better understand our oceans and the life within them.

You may want to check Ocean Liner Captain, Marine Environmental Technologist, and Marine Toxicologist for alternative.

Job Description

Set up and maintain oceanographic instrumentation systems in the field.
Monitor instrumentation performance and make adjustments as necessary.
Troubleshoot and repair instrumentation systems, including data acquisition and analysis systems.
Perform routine maintenance on instrumentation systems.
Calibrate instruments to ensure accuracy of data.
Collect and analyze data to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Prepare reports and presentations on instrumentation performance and data analysis results.
Develop software applications to support the operation of oceanographic instrumentation systems.
Train staff on the use of instrumentation systems and software applications.
Prepare documentation related to instrumentation systems and software applications.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of oceanographic instrumentation, procedures and protocols
Ability to analyze and troubleshoot complex oceanographic systems
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, drawings and schematics
Ability to accurately document and maintain records of instrumentation maintenance
Understanding of safety protocols and procedures related to instrumentation installation and repair
Ability to install, maintain, and repair a variety of oceanographic instruments
Knowledge of basic computer systems and software programs related to instrumentation
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
Understanding of basic electrical and electronic principles
Excellent communication and customer service skills

Having a strong understanding of oceanographic instrumentation is essential for a successful Oceanographic Instrumentation Technician. This is because these technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting instruments that measure and analyze oceanic conditions such as temperature, salinity, currents, and seismic activity. They must also be able to interpret data from the instruments and use it to inform scientific or engineering decisions.

To be successful, technicians must have a strong knowledge of electronics, engineering principles, mathematics, computer programming, and data analysis. They must also have excellent problem-solving skills and effective communication skills in order to effectively communicate with colleagues and customers. Having strong technical skills also allows technicians to troubleshoot and repair any issues that arise with the instruments they are responsible for.

Finally, having a detailed understanding of the ocean environment is essential for a successful technician in order to properly interpret data from the instruments they are using.

Coastal Ecologist, Oceanic Biologist, and Oceanic Geophysicist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with oceanographic instrumentation?
How do you stay up to date on the latest advances in oceanographic instrumentation?
Describe a time when you successfully troubleshot an issue with oceanographic instrumentation.
What is your experience with subsea data acquisition systems?
Describe your experience with underwater communications systems.
What safety protocols have you implemented when working with oceanographic instrumentation?
How do you ensure that the data collected from oceanographic instrumentation is accurate and reliable?
How do you prioritize tasks when working with oceanographic instrumentation?
Describe a time when you successfully calibrated and maintained oceanographic instrumentation.
What challenges have you faced when working with oceanographic instrumentation and how did you overcome them?

Common Tools in Industry

Multi-parameter Sondes. Multi-parameter sondes measure variables such as water temperature, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen. (Example: YSI EXO2)
CTDs. Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth (CTD) instruments measure the ocean environment in three dimensions. (Example: Sea-Bird SBE19Plus V2)
Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs). ADCPs measure the speed and direction of ocean currents using sound waves. (Example: Teledyne RDI Workhorse Sentinel)
Tide Gauges. Tide gauges track sea level changes to measure tidal movements. (Example: Valeport MiniTide)
Underwater Video Cameras. Underwater video cameras capture images of organisms and objects in the deep sea. (Example: Seaeye Falcon DR ROV)
Bathymetric Sonars. Bathymetric sonars measure the shape and topography of the seafloor. (Example: Reson SeaBat 8101)
Plankton Nets. Plankton nets are used to collect plankton for analysis. (Example: Neuston Net)
Acoustic Transducers. Acoustic transducers send and receive sound pulses to communicate with underwater objects or measure sound waves in the ocean. (Example: Teledyne TSS Micro Modem)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Marine Technology Society (MTS)
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Association of Marine Technicians and Technologists (AMTT)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Marine Equipment Trade (MET)
International Association for Marine Electronics Professionals (IAMEP)

We also have Marine Technician, Marine Equipment Operator, and Marine Radio Operator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Hydrographic Survey. A survey of a body of water used to measure and map the depths, bottom contours, and other characteristics of the water body.
Sonar. A type of sound-based navigation and communication system used to measure distances, identify objects, and track movement.
Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). A device used to measure the speed and direction of water current.
Ocean Bottom Seismometer (OBS). An instrument used to detect seismic activity in the ocean bottom.
Seismic Survey. A survey of an area of the ocean floor to determine its geologic structure.
Submersible Vehicle. An unmanned vehicle designed to operate underwater for extended periods of time.
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). An unmanned submarine designed for underwater exploration and manipulation of objects.
Data Logger. A device used to store data from instruments for remote or long-term analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Oceanographic Instrumentation Technician? A1: An Oceanographic Instrumentation Technician is a professional who is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of oceanographic instrumentation and data collection systems. Q2: What skills are needed for an Oceanographic Instrumentation Technician? A2: An Oceanographic Instrumentation Technician needs to have knowledge of electronics, computer programming, and instrumentation systems. They must also possess problem-solving skills and be able to troubleshoot technical issues. Q3: What duties are associated with an Oceanographic Instrumentation Technician? A3: The duties of an Oceanographic Instrumentation Technician include installing, maintaining, and repairing oceanographic instrumentation and data collection systems, performing system tests and calibrations, and troubleshooting any technical issues that may arise. Q4: What qualifications are required to become an Oceanographic Instrumentation Technician? A4: To become an Oceanographic Instrumentation Technician, individuals must have a diploma or degree in electronics, computer science, or a related field. Additionally, experience working with instrumentation systems is preferred. Q5: What salary can an Oceanographic Instrumentation Technician expect to earn? A5: The salary for an Oceanographic Instrumentation Technician will vary depending on the location and experience level. Generally, salaries range from $45,000 to $60,000 per year.

Web Resources

Oceanographic Instrumentation Experts@Minnesota experts.umn.edu
Mooring & Instrumentation Technician Career Services | Fort careers.fortlewis.edu
Ocean Instrumentation and Technology - Scripps Institution of ... scripps.ucsd.edu