tech pool

UNOLS Technician Pool

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Welcome to the UNOLS Technician Pool!

This webpage provides essential information about the services offered by the UNOLS Technician Pool, including how to request technicians for your upcoming research projects, what the Tech Pool offers, and the expertise available for your operations. It also provides details for marine technicians interested in joining the pool, as well as resources for current Tech Pool members.   With the UNOLS Technician Pool, you can ensure your scientific operations at sea are supported by the expertise needed for success.

On this page you will find:

About the UNOLS Technician Pool

The UNOLS Technician Pool connects research projects with skilled marine technicians who support the technical operations of oceanographic research vessels. This network of experienced professionals brings a wide range of expertise across multiple technical disciplines, ensuring the smooth operation of complex vessel systems and scientific equipment. Marine technicians within the pool specialize in:

  • Electronics: Installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electrical systems, power distribution, and marine electronics, ensuring the reliable operation of equipment like sensors and communication systems.
  • Networking: Design, setup, and maintenance of onboard network infrastructures, ensuring seamless data transmission between scientific instruments, data acquisition systems, and remote locations, including satellite communications and ship-to-shore connections.
  • Data Acquisition: Expertise in managing and troubleshooting data acquisition systems, including the integration and calibration of scientific instruments used for measuring physical, chemical, and biological parameters, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection.
  • Instrumentation: Installation, operation, and maintenance of a variety of scientific instruments, such as CTDs (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth sensors), Meteorological Sensors, ADCPs (Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers), Sub bottom profilers, multibeam mapping systems, flowthrough systems and other oceanographic sensors, which are critical to research activities.
  • Rigging and Deployments: Experience with safely rigging and deploying scientific equipment and sampling devices, such as multicores, dredges, moorings, multinets, floats, gliders, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), ensuring proper deployment and recovery under challenging conditions.
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  • techs
    Technicians aboard R/V Sally Ride working with a Box Corer.

These technicians are trained to work in demanding environments, providing invaluable support for the safe, efficient, and effective execution of oceanographic research operations. Whether it’s maintaining complex systems, troubleshooting technical issues, or ensuring successful deployment of research equipment, they are equipped to handle it all. Whether you need technicians for specific tasks or full technical support, the Technician Pool connects you with the right experts for the job.  The UNOLS Technician Pool ensures that projects have the technical expertise needed to meet the challenges of modern ocean science.

Request a UNOLS Technician

The UNOLS Technician Pool is coordinated through the UNOLS office and Texas A&M University’s (TAMU) Geochemical and Environmental Research Group (GERG). It connects vessel-operating institutes and other sea-going projects with qualified technicians who provide essential technical support. The Technician Pool offers a range of technicians with various skill sets and experience levels to meet the needs of your project, whether it’s sea-based or shore-based. Scientists, technician managers, facilities, vessel operators and other professionals can request technicians based on their specific project requirements.

While we understand that last-minute requests are sometimes necessary and we strive to respond quickly, we encourage you to request technicians as far in advance as possible. More planning time helps ensure the availability of qualified technicians and allows for better preparation to support your project effectively.

To request a UNOLS technician, follow these steps:

  1. Identify Your Project’s Needs
    Determine the specific technical support required for your project, such as electronics, networking, data acquisition, instrumentation, rigging, or other areas of expertise.
  2. Contact the Technician Pool
    Reach out to Tara Clemente at tara@unols.org to discuss your technician requirements. Be prepared to provide details about your project, including the type of support needed, the duration of the project, and any specific qualifications or skills you require from a technician.  If you already have a preferred technician, inform Tara Clemente at tara@unols.org and proceed directly to step 4.
  3. Receive Technician Recommendations
    The UNOLS Technician Pool will review your needs, reach out and recommend available technicians with the appropriate skill sets for your project. We strive to match the right technician to your project to ensure the best outcome.
  4. Review and Confirm
    Once a technician is selected, the hiring manager will complete a Service Supplement form. Upon submission, TAMU will process the form, initiating the hiring process.
  5. Finalize the Request
    Once the technician has been selected  and project details have been confirmed, a contract will be issued by TAMU to finalize the request and arrange the deployment logistics. The technician will then be scheduled to support your project according to the agreed-upon timeline.

Rates and Sponsorship

Rates for technicians vary depending on the technician's skillsets. For more detailed information or to inquire about technician availability, please contact Tara Clemente at tara@unols.org.

Whether your project is a research cruise, shore-based, or another type of sea-going operation, the UNOLS Technician Pool is here to provide you with the skilled technical support you need to ensure the success of your mission.

Joining the UNOLS Technician Pool

Are you a skilled Marine Technician looking for exciting opportunities in oceanographic research? The UNOLS Technician pool was created to retain specialized expertise and provide resources and support to the U.S. Academic Research Fleet’s marine technical services during staff shortages. It consists of technicians coordinated through the UNOLS office and Texas A&M University (TAMU).

The UNOLS Technician Pool is actively recruiting experienced and aspiring Marine Technicians to support research vessel operations across the UNOLS fleet.

Tara Clemente
Deep Moored Sediment Trap recovery off of R/V Kilo Moana.

Why Join the UNOLS Technician Pool?

  • Hands-On Experience – Work aboard state-of-the-art research vessels supporting cutting-edge oceanographic science.
  • Career Flexibility and Development – Take on projects as they become available, with no long-term commitment. Gain training and experience across multiple UNOLS institutions.
  • Networking Opportunities – Connect with a broad community of marine professionals and researchers.
  • Travel & Adventure – Participate in research cruises worldwide.

Who Can Apply?

We welcome applications from individuals with backgrounds in:

  • Marine Science, Oceanography, or Engineering
  • Shipboard technical support (electronics, IT, instrumentation, ROVs, etc.)
  • Data collection and field research operations

How It Works

It’s important to note that projects are not guaranteed and often arise as urgent, last-minute requests. Due to the nature of the work, technicians must be prepared to respond quickly to deployment opportunities. As private contractors, technicians are responsible for securing their own health insurance coverage.

Once contracted with TAMU, technicians will receive a Services Supplement that outlines the specific requirements, expectations, and duties for the deployment. This document will provide important details regarding the scope of work, safety protocols, and any other logistical information relevant to the project.

After accepting their first project, technicians are responsible for coordinating and booking their own travel arrangements in collaboration with the hiring institute's project manager. It is essential that technicians work closely with the project manager to ensure all logistics are properly handled.

For payment processing, technicians must submit invoices to both Kendra Reed at TAMU (kreed@tamu.edu) and Tara Clemente at the UNOLS office (tara@unols.org). This will ensure timely payment for their services.

How to Apply

Interested? Learn more and apply by contacting Tara Clemente at tara@unols.org.

Available projects are advertised via the UNOLS Tech Pool Listserv. If you’d like to be included, please send:

  • A copy of your resume/CV
  • Two or three references who can speak to your sea-going and technical experience
  • A short cover letter summarizing your expertise (e.g., experience in IT, multibeam surveys, mooring deployments, or other marine technical fields)
  • A completed Marine Technician Skill Questionnaire to help us understand your skill set better

Join us in supporting the future of ocean science!

  • Tara Clemente
    Tony D'Aoust dredging off of R/V Kilo Moana.

UNOLS Technician Pool Resources

The UNOLS Technician Pool is a dynamic network of skilled Marine Technicians supporting oceanographic research across the UNOLS fleet. The following  information and links provide essential resources to help you navigate your role, understand expectations, and manage logistics.

Guidelines & Expectations

As a member of the UNOLS Technician Pool, you play a vital role in ensuring the success of research cruises. Be sure to review the UNOLS Technician Pool Guidelines for details on responsibilities, expectations, travel, invoicing and best practices.

Submitting an Invoice

For guidance on invoicing and reimbursement, refer to this Example Invoice to ensure your submissions meet UNOLS and TAMU requirements.

Key Resources

Community

We’re excited to announce new bi-annual UNOLS Tech Pool Meet & Greet sessions (January and July). These informal gatherings are designed to foster connections among Tech Pool technicians. They offer a great opportunity to:

  • Meet and network with fellow Tech Pool technicians and aspiring members
  • Share experiences, challenges, and insights
  • Learn more about the UNOLS Tech Pool’s mission and operations
  • Discuss upcoming opportunities and initiatives

We encourage you to bring your questions, ideas, and enthusiasm as we kick off this new initiative to strengthen our community and enhance collaboration. If you have specific topics or questions you'd like addressed during the meeting, feel free to send them to tara@unols.org in advance.  We look forward to seeing you there and to developing a strong and connected team!

For any questions or additional support, please reach out to Tara Clemente at tara@unols.org.