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

Mar 23, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Oceanographic technicians are responsible for collecting and analyzing data related to the ocean's environment. Through the use of specialized equipment, they measure and record physical characteristics of the ocean, such as temperature, depth, salinity, and pressure. By doing so, they can help assess the health of marine ecosystems and make informed decisions about how to best protect them.

The data gathered by oceanographic technicians can also be used to inform policies on oil drilling and other activities that may impact the ocean. their data can be used to forecast weather patterns and study the effects of climate change. The work of oceanographic technicians is essential for understanding the complexities of the ocean's ecosystem and promoting its health.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Oceanographic technicians typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent to be considered for a position in this field.
Pursue an associate's degree in oceanography or a related field. This could include marine biology, geology, physical oceanography, and related fields. In some cases, an employer may accept relevant work experience in lieu of an academic degree.
Receive on-the-job training. Many employers provide training to ensure that their technicians are knowledgeable in the specialized techniques and equipment used in the field.
Obtain certifications. In some cases, technicians may need to obtain certifications such as a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to operate specialized vehicles. Other certifications may also be required depending on the job duties.
Participate in professional development activities. Oceanographic technicians should stay current with the latest developments in their field by attending relevant conferences and workshops and reading industry publications.

Being an Oceanographic Technician requires staying up to date on the latest technological advancements in the field. To ensure that you're capable of using the latest tools and techniques, it's important to stay informed about developments in the field. Follow blogs, attend conferences and seminars, and read industry publications to stay abreast of new methods and technologies.

make sure to take advantage of any educational opportunities available that can help broaden your knowledge base and increase your skill set. Doing so will enable you to become a more competent and reliable Oceanographic Technician, helping you stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving field of oceanography.

You may want to check Coastal Conservation Scientist, Oceanic Archaeologist, and Oceanic Ecologist for alternative.

Job Description

Monitor and operate oceanographic instruments and systems.
Perform maintenance and repair of scientific equipment.
Collect, analyze and interpret oceanographic data.
Track weather conditions and sea state parameters.
Assist in the preparation and deployment of oceanographic equipment.
Prepare reports, summaries and graphs for review by scientists.
Assist in the collection of specimens for laboratory analysis.
Prepare and maintain operational logs and records.
Operate small boats during marine operations.
Assist with the operation of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of oceanography, marine biology, and related sciences.
Ability to operate, maintain and repair scientific instrumentation.
Proficient in data collection techniques, such as sampling, using probes, and other related equipment.
Ability to read, interpret and understand technical manuals.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures for working with scientific instruments and on boats.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks.
Proficient in computer software applications related to the field.

Having strong technical skills is essential for an Oceanographic Technician. Technical acumen involves being able to use and maintain scientific instruments, such as sonar equipment, in order to track oceanic movements and analyze data. Data analysis is critical for predicting changes in the ocean and allowing for proper planning of research trips.

the ability to troubleshoot issues with equipment and interpret data is key for successful data collection. Lastly, being able to work in a team setting and collaborate with other researchers is essential for successful research and data analysis. Having strong technical skills allows an Oceanographic Technician to make the most of their research trips and draw meaningful conclusions from their data.

Coastal Ecologist, Marine Equipment Operator, and Oceanographer Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with oceanographic equipment?
What challenges have you encountered when collecting data from the ocean?
How familiar are you with oceanographic processes and terminology?
Describe a project or task that you completed that demonstrated your technical skills as an Oceanographic Technician.
How do you ensure the accuracy of collected data?
How do you stay up to date on the latest oceanographic trends and developments?
How do you handle difficult situations when working in harsh and unpredictable ocean environments?
What safety protocols do you follow when working in the ocean?
Are there any oceanographic sampling or analysis methods that you are unfamiliar with?
How do you handle conflicts or disagreements between team members when working on a project?

Common Tools in Industry

Seismic Recorder. Records sound waves generated by earthquakes, explosions, or other seismic activity. (eg: RefTek 130-01 Seismic Recorder)
Submersible. A deep-sea vehicle that can be remotely operated or self-propelled to collect data and samples from the ocean floor. (eg: Alvin Submersible)
Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). A device that measures current velocity, direction and water temperature by bouncing sound waves off particles in the water. (eg: Teledyne RDI Workhorse ADCP)
Net Sampler. A device used to collect sediment and plankton samples from the water column. (eg: Van Veen Grab Sampler)
CTD (Conductivity, Temperature and Depth). A device used to measure temperature, salinity, and depth in the water column. (eg: Sea-Bird SBE 19Plus CTD)
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). An unmanned submersible that can be programmed to collect data and samples from the ocean. (eg: Bluefin Robotics Bluefin-21 AUV)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO)
International Association for the Physical Sciences of the Oceans (IAPSO)
Marine Technology Society (MTS)
European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet)
Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS)
Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO)
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES)
Acoustical Society of America (ASA)
Society for Underwater Technology (SUT)
American Geophysical Union (AGU)

We also have Marine Biochemist, Marine Conservation Officer, and Ocean Liner Captain jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Marine Biology. The study of the life forms in the ocean, including their behavior, interactions, and environment.
Oceanography. The branch of science that studies the physical and biological processes of the ocean.
Hydrography. The study of the physical features of a body of water, including depth, currents, and temperature.
Fisheries. The practice of catching and harvesting fish, shellfish, and other aquatic life.
Marine Pollution. The contamination of a body of water by harmful chemicals, sewage, and other pollutants.
Ocean Acoustics. The study of sound in the ocean, including its use to detect objects or measure properties such as depth and temperature.
Navigation. The practice of using maps and other navigational aids to determine one's position and direction in a body of water.
Oceanography Equipment. Specialized tools used to measure and study the ocean, such as buoys, sonar systems, and underwater cameras.
Data Analysis. The process of interpreting data collected from oceanographic studies to gain insights into the ocean environment.
Remote Sensing. The use of satellite images or aerial photographs to measure things such as water temperature, currents, and pollution levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Oceanographic Technician?

An Oceanographic Technician is a professional who conducts research and collects data related to the ocean and its environment. They may be employed in the marine sciences, environmental science, or other related fields.

What Qualifications Do Oceanographic Technicians Need?

Oceanographic Technicians typically need to have a degree in marine science, environmental science, oceanography, or a related field. They should also have experience working with and operating scientific equipment.

What Tasks Does an Oceanographic Technician Perform?

An Oceanographic Technician typically performs tasks such as collecting and analyzing data, conducting experiments, and preparing reports. They may also be involved in the maintenance and repair of oceanographic equipment, as well as mapping and charting activities.

How Much Does an Oceanographic Technician Earn?

The average salary for an Oceanographic Technician is around $45,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

What Industries Employ Oceanographic Technicians?

Oceanographic Technicians are typically employed by government agencies, universities, research institutes, and oil and gas companies.

Web Resources

Oceanographic Equipment Technician 2201429 | SoMAS you.stonybrook.edu
Job Opportunity: PacIOOS Oceanographic Technician - Pacific www.pacioos.hawaii.edu
New PacIOOS Oceanographic Technician | PacIOOS www.pacioos.hawaii.edu