Geoscience Internship Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

The School of Oceanography has an outstanding opportunity for a Project Manager (program operations specialist) to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Working under the supervision of the Director of SEASAM. the SEASAM Project Manager provides administrative oversight of the Seafloor Sampling Facility, serving as a key interface between the scientific and and logistical functions of the facility. Grounded in strong scientific and professional experience with physical seafloor sampling operations, including shipboard characterization and archival, the Project Manager is the first and central point of contact for supported researchers, other facilities (including vessel operations) and vendors. The Project Manager has budget authority and oversees all purchasing for the facility including travel, consumables, maintenance, and repair of equipment. Crucially, the Project Manager leverages their experience to facilitate internal and external communication and oversee scheduling logistics, ensuring facility operations are both effective and efficient.

Key Responsibilities

Cruise Planning 30%:

Serve as the first and central point of contact for the SEASAM Facility, including for researchers preparing proposals, funded Principal Investigators (PI), vessel and other facility operators (e.g., Multidisciplinary Instrumentation in Support of Oceanography (MISO) Facility, National Deep Submergence Facility (NDSF)) that require scientific or operational support from the SEASAM Facility. Track the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) Marine Facilities Planner (MFP) to identify funded projects that may need support and initiate PI contact. Set up internal and external meetings and maintain accessible documentation of meeting outcomes. Work with Operations Manager to develop support budgets for external users of the facility and as-required for the National Science Foundation. Bring scientific and logistical expertise to operational decisions regarding equipment and personnel.

Operational and Shipping Logistics 30%:

Utilize operational and logistical expertise to represent SEASAM in UNOLS scheduling meetings as required. Maintain an updated calendar of cruise dates, mobilization and demobilization information, personnel assignments, and synopses of equipment and consumable needs. Work with Operations Manager and Expedition Leads to coordinate shipping and travel related to SEASAM Facility activities. Collate shipping quotes and handle documentation of competition when applicable. Procure over-the-side insurance for equipment as required. Navigate radiation safety use considerations and documentation for shipping of radiation sources required for shipboard operations (e.g., sealed 137Cs source, CT-scanner, portable X-ray sources). Manage shipping and travel bookings for SEASAM equipment and personnel, including return shipping of recovered samples to designated repositories.

Inventory and Consumable Management 30%:

Manage assets and records of physical inventory status and location, both internally and on the UNOLS MFP. Contribute scientific and operational expertise to decisions surrounding equipment maintenance and development priorities. Coordinate with Operations Manager and Expedition Leads in budgeting for consumables, maintenance and repair of equipment. Oversee vendor contracts, including establishment of purchase orders and invoice submissions.

Community Liaison and Workforce Development 10%: Work collaboratively with the Impact Manager, Operations Manager, and Director to facilitate community input, workforce development (PI training, sea-going interns, etc.) and discovery of facility resources and data products. Collate technician post-cruise feedback and documentation on operational experiences to build institutional knowledge of seafloor sampling operations from UNOLS and non-UNOLS platforms.

Other duties as assigned.  

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

·       Bachelors’ degree in Earth or environmental science (e.g., marine science, geology, geography, etc.) or equivalent experience.

·       Four years\' experience in the broad field of marine geoscience, including:

• Engagement with laboratory and shore-side research reliant on seafloor samples
• Experience with seafloor sampling operations, including:
• Cruise planning and logistics, including international shipping
• Shipboard operation and deployment of seafloor sampling equipment, including jumbo piston corers
• Operation and maintenance of instrument track systems (e.g., multi-sensor core loggers, CT-scanners, etc) used for characterization of samples at sea
• Shipboard curation and archival of seafloor samples, including jumbo piston cores

Additional Qualifications

·       Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to act as a liaison between scientists, vessel operators, and marine technicians

·       Experience maintaining records, shared files, calendars, and basic documentation systems

·       Proficiency with standard office software, including email, calendars, spreadsheets, and word processing

Preferred Qualifications

·       Familiarity with the UNOLS system, its major facilities and the capabilities and limitations of its diverse research vessels

·       Operational proficiency with the UNOLS MFP

·       Familiarity with the NSF marine geology repositories

·       Experience with training and documentation required for shipping and shipboard use of radioactive sources

·       Leadership experience in oceanographic and/or marine geoscience facilities, including demonstrated management skill and ability to work successfully with diverse individuals and viewpoints

·       Experience supporting budgeting, procurement, or financial tracking

Working Conditions

·       Ability and willingness to travel as needed up to two weeks per year 

·       The facility is still to be determined, but given its national scope, the PIs involved, and the fact that much of the work will be conducted aboard ship, this employee is eligible for remote employment.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.