Marine Field Technician
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Marine Field Technician

Vesta is a USA-based company and research organization with a mission to remove billions of tons of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide through Coastal Enhanced Weathering of olivine. Enhanced weathering is a nature-based negative emission approach that accelerates the weathering rate of naturally occurring silicate minerals. When ground to the size of beach sand, olivine weathers thousands of times faster than would naturally occur in ultramafic rocks, leading to significant CO2 sequestration from the atmosphere on human timescales. Vesta is a fast-growing company that currently employs a team of full-time scientists and engineers. conducting laboratory and field studies at domestic and international locations. We are conducting laboratory, mesocosm, and pilot experiments at locations across the USA and internationally to determine if CEW can be a safe, effective, and affordable means of permanently sequestering excess atmospheric CO2.



Job Description

Vesta is seeking to hire a Marine Field Technician, who will be responsible for the oceanographic equipment (e.g. ADCP’s, wave buoys, landers) used on-site in an upcoming deployment in Duck, NC, USA. This is a 2-year position and will be located in Duck, NC, with the option to extend following that time at Vesta’s other global locations.



The role will report to the project’s Senior Scientist, also based at the field site, and will lead efforts to calibrate, maintain, deploy, and recover scientific sensor packages. Working with Vesta’s Ocean Engineer, they will document all hardware issues encountered and fabricate the solution. As needed the Field Technician will assist the Senior Scientist in laboratory work (e.g. sediment extrusion) as well as project management to coordinate resources needed to execute the field trial. This role will also work closely with scientific collaborators at the USACE’s Field Research Facility in Duck, NC.



This is a field-going position with frequent work outside on small open vessels in the Atlantic Ocean.



Applicants may be required to lift loads of up to 50 lb.




The responsibilities of this position include:

Follow provided SOPs for maintaining custom marine electromechanical systems, and update them with any process improvements.
Develop new SOPs for oceanographic hardware, in coordination with Vesta’s Ocean Engineer, on an as-needed basis.
Diagnose hardware and software issues with equipment, and work with the Ocean Engineer to remedy.
Document recurring issues to drive future iteration in hardware and software design.
Coordinate recurring diving, vessel, and field support efforts for deployment and recovery of equipment.
Lead or participate in frequent ocean-based fieldwork to deploy and recover hardware, as well as collect sedimentological, ecological, and water samples.
Assist the Sr. Scientist in processing sedimentological, ecological, and water samples (e.g. sediments) as needed.
Recover and manage data from ocean sensors along with preliminary data processing and quality control.



Personal

A deep sense of dedication to combating the climate crisis.
Ability and passion to learn quickly and solve challenges independently and creatively.
A commitment to harmonious and productive collaboration.
Professionalism under all circumstances.
Meticulous attention to detail in planning and procedure.
Enthusiasm for the Vesta mission and ethos.
Dedication to fair and equitable treatment of all individuals on the team.
Excitement and enthusiasm to assist in meeting the challenges of running a first-of-a-kind field pilot experiment, including developing relevant protocols and methods as required.



Required Skills and Experience



High School diploma and 5 years relevant work experience
Possess a valid drivers license
US citizen
Experience in engineering systems that include mechanical, electrical, and software components
Experience in seamanship, rigging, deck operations and over-the-side deployment and recovery of scientific equipment
Working knowledge of common oceanographic equipment (CTD, ADCP, sediment coring)
Basic fabrication skills including the use of power tools
Basic electrical engineering knowledge (e.g. interfacing different power stages, serial communications)
Advanced computer literacy with basic Python scripting and Arduino programming abilities
Ability to operate autonomously with strong organizational and communications skills
Desire to be part of a start-up environment; deeply passionate about driving impact


Preferred Skills and Experience



Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science, Physics, or Engineering with 3 years relevant experience
Experience with geochemical sensors of any of the following parameters: pH, pCO2, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll A, etc.
Experience with CAD software
Experience in the carbon capture technology industry
CPR and First Aid Certification
Commercial or Technical Diving Qualifications. Experience with ADCI and OSHA compliant dive operations.




Employment Terms

Hiring is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen.

Vesta offers a competitive salary with benefits. Information available on request.

Vesta is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We celebrate diversity and demand equal opportunity employment. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills- because reversing climate change is going to require a diverse and unprecedented workforce. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

To be considered for this position, please submit a resume and a cover letter telling us more about yourself.

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