Research Hydrographer / Ocean Mapping Specialist

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The Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping (CCOM) at the University of New Hampshire invites applications for an hourly Research Hydrographer / Ocean Mapping Specialist to support applied technical development in hydrographic data acquisition, marine geospatial systems, and next-generation navigation products.

This position supports grant-funded efforts focused on hydrographic system performance, data quality assurance, and the advancement of S-100–based maritime data frameworks. The role emphasizes applying operational hydrographic expertise to research, tool development, and workforce training. The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty, students, and external partners, including NOAA, to translate operational experience into practical tools, workflows, and guidance. This is a non-benefited, hourly position and is not considered essential staff.

Duties/Responsibilities

Hydrographic Data Acquisition & System Performance (40%)

• Support applied work on hydrographic system performance, including characterization, calibration, and quality assurance of multibeam and integrated sensor systems.

• Assist in refinement of SAT/QAT testing methodologies and performance metrics.

• Provide operational insight into survey planning, execution, and data quality challenges.

• Contribute to development of tools and documentation for system performance and data quality workflows.

S-100 Framework & Marine Geospatial Data Systems (30%)

• Support workflows for S-1xx data transformation, integration, and interoperability.

• Contribute to validation and usability of S-100 products (e.g., S-101, S-102, S-104).

• Assist in development of prototype tools and workflows to improve production and validation efficiency.

• Provide expertise on ECDIS systems and user interaction with layered geospatial data products.

Curriculum Development & Professional Training (30%)

• Support development of training materials and professional education content in hydrography and ocean mapping.

• Contribute operational expertise to curriculum development reflecting current technologies and standards.

• Assist with mentoring and applied instruction for graduate students and trainees

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• Master’s degree in Ocean Engineering, Hydrography, Geospatial Science, or a closely related field.

• At least 6 years of experience in hydrographic surveying, ocean mapping, maritime navigation systems, or related domains (graduate research may count toward this requirement).

• Experience with hydrographic data acquisition, processing, and quality control workflows.

• Experience working with marine geospatial data systems.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong analytical skills related to hydrographic system performance, uncertainty, and data quality.

• Advanced knowledge of hydrographic survey systems, including multibeam sonar and navigation sensors.

• Familiarity with marine geospatial data standards, including awareness of S-100 concepts.

• Proficiency with hydrographic and geospatial software tools (e.g., CARIS, QPS, Hypack, GIS).

• Ability to apply operational experience to technical development and problem solving.

• Effective communication and collaboration skills in applied research environments.

• Ability to contribute to technical documentation and project outputs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• IHO Category A Hydrographer certification.

• Experience with NOAA hydrographic operations, specifications, or data workflows.

• Experience with S-100 product development or implementation (e.g., S-101, S-102, S-104).

• Experience with ENC/ECDIS systems.

• Experience supporting training or curriculum development.

• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.

Applicant Instructions: 

Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the My Experience: Resume/CV section of the application: (Maximum of 5 Documents)

• Resume/CV

Compensation Pay Range:

$54.00/hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Please be advised that this position is supported by external sponsor funding. As such, continued employment in this role is contingent upon the availability of those external funds. If, for any reason, the sponsor funding is reduced or discontinued, employment may be subject to modification or termination in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. 

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources

Location:

Durham

Salary Grade:

Adjunct Hourly Staff 00