Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) is a world-leading organization supporting ocean discovery and technological innovation. ONC is as a not-for-profit society that operates and manages innovative cabled observatories on behalf of the University of Victoria that supply continuous power and Internet connectivity to various scientific instruments located in coastal, deep-ocean, and Arctic environments. ONC's cable arrays host hundreds of sensors distributed in, on and above the seabed along with mobile and land based assets strategically located, instruments that address key scientific and policy issues (subsea earthquakes and tsunamis, ocean acidification, marine biodiversity, etc.) within a wide range of environments.
ONC's Observatory Operations' division is mandated to provide a reliable and relevant digital and coastal and sub-sea infrastructure that facilitates the goals of the observatory user communities. As a department within Observatory Operations, Marine Operations supports this mandate through the installation, maintenance and repair of the cabled arrays, mobile systems and land-based assets that comprise the coastal sub-sea infrastructure. In this regard, Marine Operations utilizes a team-based, client-focused approach that promotes a safe work environment and fosters an environment of mutual respect, cooperation and support. Together the Field Services, Testing & Development and Operations Support units within Marine Operations work to efficiently, effectively and safely fulfill their core purpose. The Marine Technology Centre (MTC) in Sidney serves as the department's base of operations.
The Testing and Development unit designs, develops and maintains instruments and equipment, tests and qualifies both prior to deployment, and supports the planning and execution of field operations related to the observatories maintenance. The Field Services unit is primarily responsible for preparing for and executing field service operations related to the day-to-day workings of the cabled observatories and other mobile and land based assets. Both units' responsibilities include ship based activities that occur multiple times a year for up to four weeks duration, as well as day and multi day trips to service land and marine systems.
The Project Engineer provides technical expertise, consulting on and leading projects designing, planning and implementing new systems and equipment that work reliably and meet the needs of the science user community. The Project Engineer also contributes to the maintenance of the wet plant and existing systems that make up the ONC observatories. The Project Engineer reports to either the Testing & Development Manager (TDM) or the Field Services Manager (FSM). However, the Project Engineer may receive systems-related guidance or direction from either the TDM or FSM.
This position is expected to maintain Professional Engineering standards and certifications in forklift and crane operation, standard first aid or marine basic first aid, and a Transport Canada approved marine safety course.
This position, as with all Marine Operations positions, will on a rotating basis serve as the Marine Operations Safety Coordinator whose role it is to coordinate internal tasks required to ensure safety equipment, training and records are in place to meet Marine Operations workplace safety requirements. The Safety Coordinator sits on the ONC Joint Local Safety Committee.
