Ocean Engineer

TO APPLY:

Ocean Associates Inc. (OAI) is seeking an applicant to provide Ocean Engineering support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC), Milford Laboratory in Milford, CT. OAI is a Virginia corporation established in 2003 that provides consulting and technical services to the U.S. government, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and the private sector. We specialize in scientific program and project management, strategic planning, professional and technical services, and stakeholder engagement, supporting government contracts.

Background

NOAA Fisheries manages and conserves the nation's ocean resources and habitats to ensure their renewability for the future. The Milford Laboratory, a world leader in aquaculture science, was established at the request of Connecticut's oyster industry to help expand sustainable oyster harvests. Over the lab's illustrious history, NOAA scientists, working closely with industry and academia, have made fundamental contributions to the understanding of shellfish biology and reproduction. Today, the Milford Lab continues to conduct state-of-the-art science that informs management for the sustainable expansion of aquaculture, provides services to the shellfish aquaculture industry, and advances new technologies through collaborative research. The aquaculture research program evaluates current and proposed marine aquaculture practices for technical effectiveness, environmental compatibility, and sustained commercial success. With a focus on domestic seafood production, the Milford Lab continues to be a world leader in aquaculture science.

Description

This position will provide engineering support for the advancement of offshore aquaculture engineering in the U.S. The two primary focus areas are 1) developing offshore aquaculture engineering guidance documents with the intended end users being regulatory partners involved in the permitting process and associated industry members; and 2) conducting research related to entanglement risk associated with offshore aquaculture gear and marine mammals that are protected under the Endangered Species Act. To support these areas, and other similar Milford Lab engineering requirements as needed, the position will:

• Provide coordination among engineering, aquaculture and other staff both inside and outside of NOAA to support engineering tasks related to the development of Aquaculture Opportunity Areas.
• Conduct research on existing gear and develop new gear/strategies that could reduce entanglement risk with marine mammals that are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
• Develop offshore aquaculture engineering guidance documentation.
• Develop informational products in support of regulatory and industry needs.
• Present research findings and products at scientific conferences and working groups.

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Location: Milford Laboratory, Milford, CT.

Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with benefits. Salary, commensurate with experience, between $ $57.50 per hour.

Requirements

Applicants must have the following minimum requirements:

• Masters or Bachelors and 3–5 years of experience in ocean engineering or related fields. 3-5 publications preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to work as part of a research team.
• Experience with offshore aquaculture preferred.
• Proficient in using Microsoft (MS) Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point, Google suite and engineering software.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $ $57.50 per hour

Work Location: In person