Field Operations Data Acquisition Coordinator

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

The Ocean Tracking Network (OTN, http://oceantrackingnetwork.org/) is an international marine and freshwater monitoring platform that focuses on tracking the movements of aquatic animals in the context of a changing global environment. Established in 2008, OTN is one of six Major Research Facilities supported by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). Reporting directly to the Data Services Manager and indirectly to the Telemetry Operations Manager, the Field Operations-Data Acquisition Coordinator facilitates inter-departmental linkages between OTN’s Telemetry and Data teams to ensure the smooth and timely exchange of data and information.

• Lead and coordinate the acquisition, processing, quality control, and management of telemetry data and associated metadata in accordance with established data policies and procedures.
• Liaise with collaborators and external partners to support data submissions, resolve data quality issues, and guide the development and implementation of data management plans.
• Collaborate with project partners, data providers, and database developers to design and improve data pipelines, quality procedures, systems, and data products.
• Develop and deliver data management training and workshop materials for partners, network participants, and data contributors.
• Coordinate field operations and related logistics, including equipment and shipment tracking, mission planning, mobilization, transportation, at-sea activities, and mission reporting.
• Ensure field data, metadata, equipment records, and ancillary mission outputs are accurately documented, tracked, archived, and stored in accordance with established requirements.

This role will travel within Canada and internationally two to three times per year in addition to any ship-based field work. Considerable fluctuation of work hours is expected, especially during the field season.

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

• Undergraduate degree in marine biology, informatics, or an equivalent technical degree, with five years experience in a related role (or an equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Strong knowledge of bioinformatics, animal telemetry, oceanographic or biological data, with experience performing quality control on human-generated data and working with programming languages such as R and Python.
• Demonstrated experience conducting field missions to deploy telemetry, acoustic receiver, ROV, and/or other oceanographic equipment, including experience operating or working aboard small vessels in varied at-sea conditions.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, follow established protocols and procedures, maintain accurate documentation, and adapt to unforeseen challenges in field environments.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and facilitation skills, with the ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders, conduct training, facilitate meetings, and deliver technical workshops.
• Demonstrated ability to work safely in marine and field environments, including operating hand and power tools and towing trailers; must hold a valid driver’s license, be able to travel internationally, meet the physical requirements of the position, and pass a Mariner’s Medical Examination.

• Advanced diploma in ocean technology.
• Experience with geospatial data.
• Experience with marine data collection.
• Fluency in French or Spanish.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies, in particular:

- Respect & Inclusion
- Adaptability
- Knowledge & Thinking Skills
- Communication
- Service

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans, a wellness allowance, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Non-probationary bargaining unit employees (PSAC Local 86001) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.

Full-time students currently enrolled at an educational institution are not eligible for regular Grant-Paid positions.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please review our Employment Equity information.If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.