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Ocean Observatory Trainee
Monterey Bay Aquariam Research Institute
Posted on Jan 23, 2026
Founded in 1987 by the late David Packard, MBARI is a nonprofit oceanographic research center advancing marine science and engineering to understand our changing ocean. Located in Moss Landing, California, the heart of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, MBARI offers ready access to the open ocean and deep sea. Ongoing research programs range across autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicle systems, control technologies, ocean physics, chemistry, geology, biology, ocean instrumentation, and information management. MBARI hosts approximately 200 employees, with shore facilities that include state-of-the-art science and engineering laboratories, manufacturing and electrical fabrication shops, and dock facilities for MBARI vessels.
Reporting to Jared Figurski, the Ocean Observatory Trainee will assist in the construction, deployment, recovery, and maintenance of oceanographic moorings. This position will be required to carry out tasks related to preparing oceanographic sensors for deployment and for assisting in the disassembly of a mooring. There will be opportunities to go to sea on the R/V Paragon and other research vessels. Tasks include using hand and power tools, power washing, painting, database management, and sensor setup.
This is a temporary position, for a period of about 3-6 months, to start in April 2026. Trainees are required to work onsite. Schedule can be flexible, typically require at least 2-3 days per week.
Required qualifications:
- Ability to work with either general or detailed instructions on daily activities.
- Must be able to work independently and productively with minimum supervision and able to manage multiple tasks.
- Desire to learn new skills.
- Team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Must be service-oriented, flexible, and enjoy working with a variety of staff.
- Ability to go to sea.