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:
On this page you will find:
- About the UNOLS Technician Pool
- Request a UNOLS Technician
- Rates and Sponsorship
- Joining the UNOLS Technician Pool
- Why Join the UNOLS Technician Pool?
- Who Can Apply?
- How It Works
- How to Apply
- UNOLS Technician Pool Resources
- Guidelines & Expectations
- Submitting an Invoice
- Key Resources
- Community
- https://#joining-unols-technician-poolJoining the UNOLS Technician Pool
- #why-join-unols-technician-poolWhy Join the UNOLS Technician Pool?
- #who-can-applyWho Can Apply?
- #how-it-worksHow It Works?
- #how-to-applyHow to Apply
- #unols-technician-pool-resourcesUNOLS Technician Pool Resources
- #guidelines-and-expectationsGuidelines & Expectations
- #submitting-invoiceSubmitting an Invoice
- #key-resourcesKey Resources
- #communityCommunity
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 such as sensors and communication systems.
- Networking: Design, setup, and maintenance of onboard network infrastructures to ensure seamless data transmission between scientific instruments, data acquisition systems, and ship‑to‑shore communication links.
- Data Acquisition: Managing and troubleshooting data acquisition systems, including integration and calibration of scientific instruments used to measure physical, chemical, and biological parameters.
- Instrumentation: Installation, operation, and maintenance of instruments such as CTDs, meteorological sensors, ADCPs, sub‑bottom profilers, multibeam systems, flow‑through systems, and other oceanographic sensors.
- Rigging and Deployments: Safe rigging and deployment of equipment such as multicores, dredges, moorings, multinets, floats, gliders, AUVs, and ROVs, including recovery operations in challenging conditions.
These technicians are trained to work in demanding environments, providing invaluable support for the safe, efficient, and effective execution of oceanographic research operations. Whether maintaining complex systems, troubleshooting technical issues, or ensuring successful deployment of research equipment, they are equipped to support your mission. 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 Geochemical and Environmental Research Group (GERG). It connects vessel‑operating institutions 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 is 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:
- 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. - Contact the Technician Pool
Reach out to Tara Clemente at https://mailto:tara@unols.orgtara@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 and proceed directly to step 4. - Receive Technician Recommendations
The UNOLS Technician Pool will review your needs 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. - Review and Confirm
Once a technician is selected, the hiring manager will complete a https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeiQexLVNdVrBsvAa226Stldtqf4li…Service Supplement form. Upon submission, TAMU will process the form and begin the hiring process. - Finalize the Request
Once the technician has been selected and project details confirmed, a contract will be issued by TAMU to finalize the request and arrange 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 needed 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.
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 provides important details regarding the scope of work, safety protocols, and 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 (mailto:kreed@tamu.edukreed@tamu.edu) and Tara Clemente at the UNOLS Office (mailto:tara@unols.orgtara@unols.org). This will ensure timely payment for their services.
How to Apply
Interested? Learn more and apply by contacting Tara Clemente at mailto:tara@unols.orgtara@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 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdc81fQRU4_wxOoQuuc_7NoyKE5Jq6… Technician Skill Questionnaire to help us understand your skill set better
Join us in supporting the future of ocean science!
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 https://docs.google.com/document/d/14TefU-8iydAJgpsUctkB2xNVgYBNxbBM/ed… Technician Pool Guidelines for details on responsibilities, expectations, travel, invoicing, and best practices.
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 https://docs.google.com/document/d/14TefU-8iydAJgpsUctkB2xNVgYBNxbBM/ed… 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 https://docs.google.com/document/d/14Xvj63Ei92FZEwMaUG4IOnwwTMCNUlgZe9H… Invoice to ensure your submissions meet UNOLS and TAMU requirements.
Key Resources
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 provides important details regarding the scope of work, safety protocols, and logistical information relevant to the project.