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Job Description

• Downloading, processing, analyzing, and managing oceanographic and instrumentation data;
• Multivariate data analysis and interpretation, programming, and reporting;
• Under the guidance of senior staff, preparation and review of designated sections of the Marine Monitoring Annual Report, including the generation of data for compliance determinations;
• Participation in a variety of field sampling activities including collection of seawater using a conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) rosette, benthic sediments for geochemistry and infaunal communities using a Van Veen sampler, trawling to assess fish and large invertebrate communities, and fishing to assess the accumulation of contaminants in fish tissues for permit compliance, regional projects, and/or special studies;
• Support for field sampling activities such as operation, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance of oceanographic instrumentation including CTD units, acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCP) and oceanographic moorings, preparation of sampling equipment and sample containers, adherence to QA/QC procedures, maintenance of sample inventory, data recording, analysis and reporting, and management of individual program components;
• Other duties may include serving on various technical, advisory, or professional committees such as Bight regional monitoring committees, the Southern California Association of Marine Invertebrate Taxonomists (SCAMIT), and the Southern California Association of Ichthyological Taxonomists and Ecologists (SCAITE); and
• Perform related duties as required.

• Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education with major coursework in biology, chemistry, microbiology, environmental science, marine biology, statistics, and/or quality assurance, or a related field;
• Three (3) years of work experience in a testing laboratory, field collection environment, pretreatment program, and/or related environmental compliance.
• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License.

• Coursework in invertebrate zoology, marine biology/ecology, or oceanography is highly desired; a graduate degree in any of these disciplines is a plus.
• The ability to collect, organize, manipulate, analyze, and interpret large and complex environmental or oceanographic datasets;
• The ability to perform or learn programming for environmental data analysis using applications such as R or Matlab;
• General knowledge of statistical methods and applications to evaluate environmental data;
• Knowledge and experience with oceanographic field work, sampling equipment (grab samplers, trawl nets) and the calibration, maintenance, and deployment of oceanographic instrumentation (e.g., CTDs, ADCPs, moorings);
• General knowledge of the biology, ecology, and oceanography of the Southern California Bight;
• The ability to utilize taxonomic keys to perform identifications of fish and invertebrates is highly desired;
• The ability to perform safe operations onboard an ocean vessel;
• Experience with the operation of deck winches and cranes to deploy/retrieve scientific sampling gear;
• Strong computer skills with applications such as the Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook, Word and Excel, and ESRI ArcGIS Pro or similar GIS software; and
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Mobility to work in a laboratory and standard office setting and use laboratory and standard office equipment, including a computer; standing in work areas and walking between work areas is required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
• Mobility to work in the field and to take samples and conduct inspections at various OC San sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary access points; ability to operate a motor vehicle to travel to various OC San sites, projects, and/or meetings.
• When assigned to work on OC San’s marine vessel, must be capable of working in wet, unstable conditions, at times while the vessel is under way to the next sampling location.
• Perform medium to heavy physical work; standing in work areas and walking between work areas, within treatment plants, and in the field and to conduct inspections and take samples is required.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 51 pounds.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 200 pounds, or heavier weights up to 300 pounds on an occasional basis, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; color vision to identify chemical and biological solvents and substances.
• Vision to inspect and operate equipment.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate laboratory and standard office equipment.
• Finger dexterity to operate and repair tools and equipment.

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust, and air contaminants.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

• May be required to work extended hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays when necessary.
• Probationary Period: All OC San employees, except classifications considered “at-will”, are subject to the probationary period provisions as specified in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding, policies, and/or resolutions. Employees who have not yet successfully completed their initial probationary period serve “at-will” and may be released from employment without cause or recourse to any appeal or grievance procedures.
• Pre-Employment: All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of OC San’s pre-employment process, which includes a background investigation, a physical examination, and a drug screen.
• Work Location Assignment: Employees will be assigned to a work location based on business needs which may be located at any/all of OC San locations; this work location may be changed at any time.

• Verification/Reference from current and past employers
• Confirmation of necessary licenses, certificates, and degrees.