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Unols Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Maintain working knowledge of UNOLS Appendix A and B and their implications for overboarding sampling devices, shipboard operations, and technical procedures. Professional Development (10%): ...

New

Maintain working knowledge of UNOLS Appendix A and B and their implications for overboarding sampling devices, shipboard operations, and technical procedures. Professional Development (10%):Represent ...

New

A minimum of 6 years' experience with research vessel management as a Port Engineer (or equivalent) at another UNOLS facility or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine ...

A minimum of 6 years' experience with research vessel management as a Port Engineer (or equivalent) at another UNOLS facility or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine ...

Unols information

What is the typical work environment like for a Marine Technician or Research Vessel Coordinator within the Unols system?

Professionals working in UNOLS-affiliated positions, such as Marine Technicians or Research Vessel Coordinators, often split their time between land-based preparation and extended periods at sea onboard research vessels. While at sea, you can expect a dynamic work environment that requires flexibility, quick problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate closely with scientists and crew to meet mission objectives, sometimes working irregular hours. Teamwork is essential, as the crew relies on each other's expertise to troubleshoot equipment, collect data, and maintain research schedules. When ashore, the focus shifts to planning future cruises, maintaining equipment, and supporting logistical needs. This unique mix of hands-on technical work and close-knit collaboration makes for a rewarding and challenging career path in oceanographic research.

What is a Unols?

A UNOLS job refers to a position aboard or supporting research vessels within the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS). These jobs can include roles such as marine technicians, ship crew, scientists, and support staff who facilitate oceanographic research. UNOLS vessels are operated by academic and research institutions, conducting scientific missions worldwide. Positions vary in requirements, but many involve travel, time at sea, and expertise in marine science or vessel operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Unols position?

UNOLS (University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System) is not a job title, but rather an organization that coordinates and supports the U.S. academic research fleet and oceanographic research operations. Roles within UNOLS-affiliated cruise operations, such as Marine Technician or Research Vessel Coordinator, require a background in marine science or engineering, experience with shipboard equipment, and knowledge of safety protocols. Familiarity with specialized oceanographic instrumentation, data acquisition software, and maritime certifications like STCW are typically needed. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills are essential to efficiently support scientific missions and ensure vessel operations run smoothly, facilitating successful research outcomes at sea.

What are the most commonly searched types of Unols jobs? The most popular types of Unols jobs are:
Infographic showing various Unols job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Project Manager

Uw

Olympia, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


University Of Washington rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

143rd of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description

The School of Oceanographyhas 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 Managerprovides 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 meetingsand 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-cruisefeedback 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

PreferredQualifications

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:

$84,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$105,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

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.


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