Role summary
Blue Carbon builds off-grid, wave/solar-powered oPod systems (Mini, Aqua, Air) to monitor, forecast, and locally mitigate harmful algal blooms (HABs) and water-quality risks. We're hiring a hands-on Marine Scientist & Sensor Deployment Specialist who can own buoy deployments end-to-end and turn observations into usable inputs for our predictive models. You'll bring a PhD focused on phytoplankton/HAB dynamics and deep familiarity with sensors, safety, and data quality.
What you'll do
Deploy & operate in-situ networks (oPod Mini)
* Own buoy missions: site selection, permits, vessel planning, mooring design, deck leadership, safe deployment/recovery, and post-cruise debriefs.
* Write/enforce SOPs & JHAs; run toolbox talks; manage lift plans, LOTO, and emergency/abort criteria; keep training up to date.
* Select, calibrate, and integrate sensors (CTD, chl-a/fluorometers, turbidity/backscatter, DO, ADCP, temperature strings, GPS/IMU) and telemetry (cellular/satellite).
* Set sampling depths/schedules and alert pathways; manage antifouling and spares; drive uptime and reliability.
Data quality & analysis
* Build/maintain QC/QA pipelines (flags, drift correction, cross-sensor checks, satellite/model inter-comparison).
* Deliver clean, documented datasets and summary indicators (chlorophyll proxies, DO stability, temperature stratification).
Phytoplankton/HAB science
* Interpret physical drivers (mixing, stratification, heat stress) controlling phytoplankton abundance; design short, targeted studies around pens/intakes.
* Co-define and validate HAB risk indicators (e.g., local accumulation near assets, Karenia proxy trends).
Support the predictive team
* Translate raw observations into model-ready features; help tune thresholds and validate 5–7-day risk indices.
* Close the loop: use model results to refine sensor placement, sampling cadence, and alert logic.
Operational support
* Provide rapid situational briefs during bloom pulses (what we see, confidence, suggested actions).
* Maintain neat field logs, asset registers, calibration records, and versioned code/notebooks.
What you'll bring
* PhD in Oceanography/Marine Science (phytoplankton/HAB focus) or equivalent research experience.
* Hands-on mooring/buoy deployments and deck leadership; strong safety culture.
* Sensor experience: CTD, fluorometry/chl-a proxies, turbidity/backscatter, DO, ADCP, temperature strings, telemetry setup.
* Solid QC/QA skills and time-series analysis; ability to compare with satellite products and model fields.
* Scientific computing: MATLAB (or Python) plus UNIX/Git; clear technical writing.
* Excellent collaboration with engineers and data scientists; crisp comms to non-technical stakeholders.
Nice to have
* Experience with bubble curtains/aeration or gentle mixing systems; biofouling mitigation on moorings.
* ROMS (or similar) familiarity; SeaDAS/ocean-colour workflows.
* Small-vessel tickets/sea survival/HUET (or willingness to obtain).
Travel & fieldwork
25–40% across gulfs and coastal rivers; offshore and small-vessel work required. Full PPE, training, and certifications provided.