Gear Technician

POSITION DESCRIPTION :

The Gear Technician  will support  NOAA to collect vital data for fisheries management, stock assessments, and conservation of marine species. This position ensures that all safety, sampling, and electronic gear used by NOAA-certified fishery observers is maintained, calibrated, and ready for deployment in support of sustainable fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and Caribbean.

As the Gear Technician, you'll play a hands-on role in maintaining essential field and safety equipment, training observers in gear use, and supporting the technological systems that enable accurate, high-quality marine science data collection.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Maintain, repair, and track all observer sampling and safety gear used in the SEFOP, including electronic devices, scales, immersion suits, and emergency beacons.
• Conduct gear research and development , identifying improvements and supporting the testing of new technologies for field use.
• Issue and retrieve gear from observers, ensuring proper inventory control and timely updates to SEFOP databases.
• Inspect and service safety equipment , including Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) , immersion suits, and motion-compensated scales to ensure full operational readiness
• Update and maintain observer electronics , including laptops and tablets-installing software, performing repairs, and troubleshooting issues as needed.
• Assist with observer training , demonstrating proper use of sampling and safety gear.
• Maintain organized gear storage areas , ensuring equipment is properly stored, documented, and easily accessible.
• Support NOAA field staff by providing responsive technical assistance and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of deployed observers.
• Primarily on-site technical and logistical work , with occasional offsite travel to support gear delivery, retrieval, or training events.
• Collaborative work alongside NOAA staff, project managers, and field observers.

REQUIREMENTS :

• Associate's degree or equivalent experience in marine technology, computer systems, or a related technical field.
• Experience maintaining or repairing field, laboratory, or marine equipment.
• Knowledge of electronics and computing systems , including installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of laptops or tablets.
• Strong attention to detail and proficiency in inventory tracking and documentation.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds and work in warehouse or dockside environments.
• Experience supporting federal or marine research programs , especially NOAA or similar agencies.
• Familiarity with EPIRB maintenance, immersion suit inspection , and calibration of electronic sampling instruments.
• Knowledge of marine safety standards, NOAA policies, and federal acquisition procedures.
• Ability to conduct hands-on technical training for field personnel.

Please contact if you have any questions or concerns.