Telemetry Technician

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 to the Telemetry Operations Manager, the Telemetry Technician will be responsible for the operation, preparation, deployment, maintenance, and data retrieval of OTN’s acoustic monitoring infrastructure and related oceanographic equipment.

• Plan, prepare, and lead at-sea missions, often in harsh and remote environments. Conduct mission logistics, mobilization, transportation, and operations.
• Prepare, pack, and ship equipment around the globe, in accordance with Dalhousie and Transport Canada standards, including abiding by dangerous goods protocols. Ensure all documentation is provided with each shipment.
• Refurbish equipment in-house according to manufacturer specifications. Troubleshoot equipment failures and repair accordingly. Become a product expert for new and existing equipment and devices.
• Design mooring systems to ensure safe and effective receiver placement. Retrieve data from acoustic receivers and upload to the OTN database. Work with the OTN data and project management teams to maintain up to date reporting and inventory.
• Record and complete mission metadata. Process and archive mission outputs including video, sonar, and related datasets. Complete mission reports. Ensure proper documentation, organization, and storage procedures are followed.
• Train external partners on the proper use, deployment, and recovery of acoustic receivers and associated equipment. Provide technical guidance related to telemetry equipment.

This position requires regular travel in remote field sites and at sea for up to 2-3 weeks at a time during the field season (typically March-November), and including working at sea in inclement weather conditions. A typical field season will include 1-2 longer missions (>1 week) and 4-5 shorter missions (<1 week), subject to operational requirements. Scheduling and compensation will be in accordance with the collective agreement.

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

• Undergraduate degree in marine biology, engineering, oceanography, or related field plus approximately two years’ experience working with acoustic telemetry, tagging, oceanographic monitoring, or related areas (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Knowledge of acoustic telemetry research and technology, including study design, mission planning and field operations; the interdisciplinary ocean research and management landscape; and oceanographic monitoring equipment such as conductivity, temperature and depth (CTDs), temperature and tilt loggers.
• Strong problem-solving and communication (verbal and written) skills with the demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing conditions in the field, both independently and as part of a team.
• Able to independently safely lift loads of up to 30kg. Standing, walking, bending, pulling and lifting frequently during field deployments, shop work, and vessel operations.
• Valid NS driver’s license, Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) training certificate, and ability to pass Mariners medical examination and dangerous goods certification within 6 months of hire.
• Strong situational awareness and ability to identify, assess, and mitigate hazards with the ability to operate safely in varying sea states and weather conditions small vessels, forklift, hand and power tools, and 1-ton trucks while towing trailers. Experience launching trailered vessels up to 30 feet in length.

• Advanced diploma in ocean technology.

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

- Self-Awareness & Professionalism
- 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.