We’re hiring: ROV Technician

Job title: ROV Technician

Reports to: Telemetry Operations Manager

Salary: $63,648 – $80,594

Term Duration: 1 year, with strong possibility of renewal

Location: Halifax, NS

The Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) is an aquatic research organization headquartered at Dalhousie University, and one of six Major Research Facilities funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)—and the only CFI national research infrastructure based in Atlantic Canada. Since 2008, OTN has been deploying innovative ocean monitoring equipment and marine autonomous vehicles (gliders) across key ocean and freshwater locations in Canada and around the world.

OTN is a pan-Canadian and global leader in marine animal tracking and oceanographic monitoring, supporting key federal priorities in ocean science, innovation, climate resilience, and economic development. Through its technical expertise, infrastructure, and cross-sectoral partnerships, OTN underpins these national priorities by advancing ocean observing capabilities, supporting evidence-based marine management, and training a highly skilled workforce.

JOB PURPOSE:

OTN has over 8,000 users globally and partners with researchers, governments, industry, and Indigenous and coastal communities to advance how we understand and study the ocean. OTN’s telemetry team provides highly specialized technical support to partners across Canada and internationally and utilize cutting edge equipment to revolutionize how we understand the ocean.

Working on the OTN telemetry team, the ROV Technician is a key part of ensuring the smooth operation of OTN’s field program. This position is responsible for the operation, preparation, deployment, maintenance and data retrieval of the OTN fleet of ROVs, side scan sonar, telemetry moorings, and other equipment. The position requires regular travel and extended periods of time in the field and at sea. The individual must be able to work well independently and as part of a team while adapting to changing conditions in the field.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Field Operations and Mission Lead (35%)

  • Plan, prepare, and lead at-sea missions.
  • Conduct mission logistics, mobilization, transportation and operations.
  • Perform ROV hardware integration and mission preparation.
  • Complete mission reports and documentation.
  • Lead ROV Demonstrations, workshops and exercises.

Equipment Operations and Maintenance (35%)

  • Operate, deploy, and retrieve ROVs, side scan sonar, telemetry moorings, and associated equipment.
  • Perform and document regular and emergency maintenance on OTN ROVs, side scan sonar, and other equipment as required.
  • Become a product expert for new and existing equipment and devices, including sourcing, integration, operation, identifying limitations and conveying best practices to OTN team.

Data Management and Documentation (20%)

  • Record and complete mission metadata.
  • Process and archive mission outputs including video, sonar, and related datasets.
  • Work with the OTN Data Centre (OTNDC) to upload data and footage to OTN servers.
  • Ensure proper documentation, organization, and storage procedures are followed.

Training and Technical Support (10%)

  • Train OTN field staff on the proper use and care of ROVs, side scan sonar, and associated equipment.
  • Support telemetry mission as a field technician as required.
  • Provide technical guidance related to ROV and side scan sonar operations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

  • Undergraduate degree in marine biology, engineering, oceanography, or related field; advanced diploma in ocean technology preferred.
  • Minimum two years of experience operating and maintaining ROVs, side scan sonar, and related ocean monitoring equipment in a variety of marine environments.

Specialized knowledge

  • Working knowledge of ROV and side scan sonar operations, maintenance, and data processing.
  • Understanding of acoustic telemetry research and technology.
  • Familiarity with oceanographic monitoring equipment such as CTDs, temperature and tilt loggers.
  • Knowledge of the interdisciplinary ocean research and management landscape.

Skills and Abilities

  • Comfortable working at sea in inclement weather conditions.
  • Physically fit and able to safely lift greater than 30kg.
  • Able to operate small vessels for ROV and telemetry operations.
  • Possess a valid drivers license and be comfortable operating 1-ton trucks while towing trailers.
  • Experience launching trailered vessels up to 30 feet in length
  • Ability to operate a forklift.
  • Safe operation of hand and power tools.
  • Able to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong situational awareness and ability to identify, assess, and mitigate hazards.
  • Good communication skills and ability to liaise with fishers, vessel captains, researchers, industry representatives, and other stakeholders.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities and the ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges in field environments.
  • Able to pass Mariners medical Examination.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates should apply via PeopleAdmin by November 6, 2026: https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/22456

NOTE: This is a unionized position. Non-probationary bargaining unit employees (PSAC Local 86001) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.