We’re hiring: Glider Technician I

Job title: Glider Technician I

Reports to: Adam Comeau, Manager, Glider Operations

Faculty/Department: Biology, Ocean Tracking Network

Starting salary: $53,470 – $67,685

Expected start date: November 1, 2026

Location:  Halifax (Dartmouth), NS 

The Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) is an international marine and freshwater monitoring platform that focuses on tracking the movements of aquatic animals in the context of ocean conditions and climate change. Established in 2008, OTN is one of six Major Research Facilities supported by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). The OTN operates the largest academic fleet of uncrewed ocean-going vessels in Atlantic Canada. These vessels are used to observe, understand and predict physical, biogeochemical and ecological change in the ocean. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Manager, Glider Operations, the Glider Technician I is a key part of the OTN glider team and helps ensure the smooth operation of glider activities. The Glider Technician I will be responsible for the maintenance, troubleshooting, and piloting of gliders (Wave and Slocum), as well as participating in field operations, metadata entry, data analysis and deploying other oceanographic equipment, as required. 

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person from the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. 

The position may require extended periods of travel (local, national, and international), and long days spent in the field and at sea. Candidates should be prepared to be at sea for multiple days at a time. Some evening, weekend, and holiday work will be required as well as routine glider pilot standby shifts.   

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist with planning mission logistics, preparing gliders for deployment, and operating and piloting deployed gliders. 
  • Participate in at sea deployments and recoveries of gliders, small vessels, and other equipment. 
  • Assist with maintenance and repair of gliders and other equipment. 
  • Assist with testing and integration of instruments.  
  • Analyzing glider performance and sensor data to ensure optimal functionality. 
  • Collect data from gliders and other instruments, record project metadata and work closely with data managers to ensure data records are complete.  
  • Recruit and oversee part-time glider pilots in accordance with clearly established processes, as needed. 

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Undergraduate degree in marine biology, oceanography, engineering or related field, or equivalent advanced technical certification. 
  • Minimum 2 years’ experience with ocean technology, acoustic telemetry, tagging, oceanographic data collection, or equivalent combination of training and experience.  
  • Demonstrated experience maintaining, operating, troubleshooting, and piloting autonomous underwater vehicles. 
  • Comfortable working in an at-sea environment in a wide variety of conditions.  
  • Experience operating and/or working on small vessels.  
  • Able to prioritize and complete multiple simultaneous projects while following protocols and procedures, documenting activities and ensuring checklists are followed.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to liaise with a wide variety of stakeholders including fishermen, ship captains, researchers, and industry.    
  • Strong problem-solving abilities with the ability to adapt and respond quickly to unforeseen challenges in a field environment.   
  • Able to travel internationally.  
  • Possess a valid driver’s license. 
  • Able to safely lift >20kg.  
  • Must pass a Mariners Medical Examination.  

ASSETS:

  • Experience overseeing glider missions from start to finish. 
  • Understanding of acoustic technology and research, including study design, mission planning, and field operations.  
  • General knowledge of oceanographic sensors, such as CTDs, oxygen sensors, hydrophones, echosounders and data loggers. 
  • Experience with spatial mapping programs, GPS technology, plotting coordinates, and navigation.
  • Conversational French language skills.
  • Experience towing a trailer.
  • Hold Transport Canada certificates of completion for Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) and Small Non-pleasure Domestic Vessel Basic Safety (SDV-BS) or MED-A3. 

To Apply: Applications are due September 17, 2026. Applicants should apply through Dalhousie’s PeopleAdmin career portal: https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/22108