Research Technician

Position: Hydrodynamic Research Technician
Organization: Saint Mary's University - TransCoastal Adaptations Centre for Nature-based Solutions
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

TransCoastal Adaptations Centre for Nature-Based Solutions (TCA) at Saint Mary’s University is seeking a full-time Hydrodynamic Research Technician. The Hydrodynamic Research Technician will be based at Saint Mary’s University, working within the TransCoastal Adaptations team which is led by Dr. Danika van Proosdij, Professor in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies Department. They will work alongside a dedicated and dynamic team of staff and students on various applied research projects related to nature- based solutions for climate change adaptation, tidal wetland restoration and sediment dynamics in coastal systems.

This position will be based out of TCA’s Intertidal Coastal Sediment Transport Research Unit (In_CoaST), the successful candidate will work alongside TCA’s lab manager to care for scientific instruments within the In_CoaST lab as well as support other lab and field operations. Main responsibilities include: coordinating calibration and repairs of scientific instruments, maintaining an equipment inventory, updating instrument log books, providing training on equipment use, updating standard operating procedures for equipment use, and leading analysis of hydrodynamic data sets.

Position Title: Hydrodynamic Research Technician
Anticipated start date: January 6, 2025
Salary: $45,000 - $50,000 commensurate with experience, plus benefits
Status: Full-time (35 hrs/week)
Duration: End Date March 31, 2027
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

TransCoastal Adaptations (TCA) is a Centre of Expertise for nature-based adaptation to climate change at Saint Mary’s University. Our mission is to help build climate resilient coastal communities and ecosystems by protecting, enhancing, and restoring natural processes through innovative research and collaboration, implementing nature-based adaptation solutions (http://www.transcoastaladaptations.com). The Intertidal Coastal Sediment Transport Research Unit (In_CoaST) is one of the core research facilities within TCA conducting applied research in nature-based climate solutions to mitigate coastal erosion and flooding, human and natural drivers of coastal change and habitat restoration. In_CoaST supports collaborative research with academic, NGO, government, and industry partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research, procure, test, and maintain scientific equipment such as weather stations, wave loggers, bathymetric sensors, ADCP’s, turbidity sensors, and others;
• Leading data analysis and reporting for hydrodynamic data, including developing scripts to streamline data processing;
• Coordinating hydrodynamic equipment deployments in muddy intertidal zones to collect environmental data. Including but not limited to deploying sensors to measure waves, currents, water levels, bathymetry, turbidity; taking sediment and water samples; and assisting with other field work led by In_CoaST.
• Maintaining an equipment inventory and scheduling use of field equipment;
• Supervision of students and interns for both lab and field activities;
• Oversee safety in both field and lab;
• Analyze data using R or Matlab;
• Contribute to technical reports by providing analysis, figures, and summaries;
• Maintain a safe and organized working space;
• Other duties as required.

PROFILE

We are looking to hire a dedicated and flexible professional who thrives in a dynamic, academic environment and who strives to support the success of our projects and the research team. The Hydrodynamic Research Technician will be comfortable troubleshooting and gaining hands-on experience with our monitoring equipment, enjoy working outdoors, and is passionate about the environment.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Completion of a post-secondary degree or diploma in Oceans Technology, Oceanography, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Biology, or related discipline;
• Experience operating scientific equipment such as current meters, bathymetric sensors or wave loggers an asset;
• Experience using a variety of computer applications such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), R, and Matlab;
• Ability to troubleshoot unexpected problems and develop innovative solutions;
• Attention to detail and safety protocol, and following SOPs (standard operation procedures);
• Must be able to undertake strenuous activities, work long hours in the field, navigate difficult terrain, must be comfortable working in/near mud and water, and must be able to carry ~50 lbs;
• Flexibility to occasionally work outside normal office hours, including evenings and weekends;
• Proven ability to problem solve and to take initiative to complete tasks;
• Must be adaptable within a changing work environment;
• Capable of learning new skills; particularly in data analysis and field methods;
• Capable of thinking analytically;
• Demonstrated ability to work with a multi-disciplinary research team;
• Must have strong organizational, time management skills;
• Must be highly motivated, independent and hard-working;
• Valid driver’s license;
• Must be a Canadian citizen or legally entitled to work in Canada;

APPLICATION

To apply: If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter describing your background and fit to the position, along with a resumé or CV and list of references, merged into
one document, via email to TCA Lab Manager, Leah Rudderham, leah.rudderham@smu.ca and cc the TCA Operations Manager, Madison Marshall, madison.marshall@smu.ca .

Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.ca.

Application deadline: Open until filled. We thank all applicants, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

At Saint Mary's University, equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we welcome applications from women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity and others who might contribute to the growth and enrichment of our community. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please reach out to Leah Rudderham leah.rudderham@smu.ca