Position: Polar Network Operations Engineer
Reports to: Project Manager: Polar Services
Job ID: UVJ 221
Summary of Job
This position holds the primary UNAVCO responsibility for building and maintaining polar cGPS stations and networks (collectively ~100 remote sites): plans system configurations with UNAVCO staff and project scientists, oversees procurement and assembly of system kits, conducts system tests, coordinates shipping and field logistics, leads field installation efforts, maintains operations and maintenance inventory pool, participates in and directs field maintenance activities. Up to four months of travel per year is required, primarily in Antarctica and Greenland.
Essential Job Functions
• Works with project Principal Investigators and UNAVCO staff to implement large, complex GPS networks from initial proposal budgeting through site construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning.
• Serves as UNAVCO lead on polar continuous GPS projects: procures test and ships equipment, provides training to other field team members, maintains UNAVCO support capability including parts inventories, tools, and documentations, provides field support in both lead and support capacities.
• Technical expert on the structural, power and communication systems used for polar cGPS applications, including solar and wind power sources, Iridium satellite communications, and Ethernet radio systems.
• Supervises staff as assigned.
• Other duties may be assigned for the successful operation of the business.
To perform this job successfully, this individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Skills and Knowledge
• Proficiency in standard personal computer hardware and software, ability to master project specific hardware and software.
• Proven ability and attention to detail to plan and coordinate GPS scientific research programs and projects.
• Knowledge of GNSS instrumentation related to the UNAVCO mission.
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English.
• Project management skills in scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, and procurement.
• Proficiency in using hand and power tools and standard test and repair equipment.
• Valid driver’s license and current passport.
• Ability and willingness to work under difficult physical conditions, to: (a) travel for extended periods of time, including up to four months per year in Antarctica and other domestic and international locations; (b) lift and carry up to 50 lbs over one mile in rough terrain; (c) pass the Antarctic Program medical screening; (d) fly for periods up to 13 hours in confined aircraft; (e) provide field support at primitive and remote field camps.
Education and Experience
• Bachelor or Masters degree in engineering, geophysics, geodesy, or similar field.
• A minimum of five years experience in telecommunications, engineering, survey or geodetic operations. Polar work experience preferred.
Please submit resumes via www.unavco.org/careers.
