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Ocean Mapping Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$120K - $160K/yr

Our products are used in a wide array of applications to create digital maps of the seafloor, secure assets and people, detect objects in the ocean, navigate safely, provide security around the globe ...

Prepare ocean, sea and waterway charts and maps for anything from basic navigation to search-and-rescue efforts * Maintain the military's primary master clock, which provides the most precise time ...

Prepare ocean, sea and waterway charts and maps for anything from basic navigation to search-and-rescue efforts * Maintain the military's primary master clock, which provides the most precise time ...

Prepare ocean, sea and waterway charts and maps for anything from basic navigation to search-and-rescue efforts * Maintain the military's primary master clock, which provides the most precise time ...

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Ocean Mapping information

What are the typical work environments and team structures for professionals in ocean mapping?

Professionals in Ocean Mapping often split their time between fieldwork at sea and data analysis in office or laboratory settings. Fieldwork involves operating survey equipment aboard research vessels, sometimes for extended periods and in challenging weather conditions, while office work focuses on processing and interpreting collected data. Ocean Mapping specialists frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including marine biologists, engineers, and GIS analysts, to ensure comprehensive project outcomes. Being comfortable working both independently and as part of a team is valuable, and opportunities for advancement often include moving into project management or research leadership roles.

What is an ocean mapping?

An Ocean Mapping job involves using specialized equipment and software to create detailed maps of the seafloor and underwater features. Professionals in this field collect and analyze data from sonar, satellites, and other sensing technologies to support navigation, environmental research, and marine resource management. Ocean mappers work in industries such as marine science, offshore exploration, and government agencies. Their work helps improve our understanding of ocean ecosystems, underwater hazards, and climate change impacts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in ocean mapping?

To thrive in Ocean Mapping, candidates typically need a background in marine science, geography, or a related field, along with strong analytical and spatial data interpretation skills. Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), multibeam sonar, remote sensing, and hydrographic survey equipment, as well as certifications like hydrographer accreditation, are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These qualities are critical for accurately collecting, interpreting, and presenting complex seafloor data in support of marine navigation, research, and conservation efforts.

More about Ocean Mapping jobs
What cities are hiring for Ocean Mapping jobs? Cities with the most Ocean Mapping job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ocean Mapping jobs? The most popular types of Ocean Mapping jobs are:
What states have the most Ocean Mapping jobs? States with the most job openings for Ocean Mapping jobs include:
Infographic showing various Ocean Mapping job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Research Hydrographer / Ocean Mapping Specialist

University System of New Hampshire

Durham, NH • On-site

$54/hr

Part-time

Posted 15 days ago


University System Of New Hampshire rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

USNH Employees should apply within Workday through the Jobs Hub app

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

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