Lead Engineer, Shoals Marine Laboratory

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The key objective of the Shoals Marine Lab (SML) Lead Engineer (LE) is to oversee 2-3 seasonal island engineers and coordinate the daily operation and maintenance. Work with the SML Director of Facilities and Sustainability (DFS) to ensure the regulatory compliance of SMLs facilities. In addition, the LE supports SML’s academic, research and public engagement in relation to our facilities and engineering endeavors. The LE will participate in the hiring, supervision and management of two to three seasonal non-academic staff engineers. The LE will work with SML’s DFS to manage and develop preventative maintenance programs for SML equipment and will source and purchase project materials ensuring fiscal soundness and efficiency against department budgets.

Reporting to SML Director of Facilities and Sustainability (DFS), the LE ensures work safety and conduct in accordance with University and facility policies and procedures. They will work with the DFS to manage SML’s engineering department maintenance and repair expenditures and develop prioritization of projects. The successful candidate will assist with grant writing to support facilities and sustainability initiatives when appropriate. The LE will also support and assist SML’S Sustainable Engineering Internship (SEI), in close collaboration with SML’s Director of Facilities. They will give public lectures about SML, SEI, and general sustainability programs and initiatives. SEI and general sustainability programs. The LE will assist with academic/research projects, which utilize or impact facility operations, contributing to the project as appropriate. The LE will also serve as a crew member aboard the SML’s research vessels and Coast Guard Inspected passenger vessels.

Duties/Responsibilities

Operations (45%)

• Lead monitoring, maintenance, and operation of diesel generators, reverse osmosis system, freshwater, saltwater and wastewater systems, vehicles (trucks, backhoe and tractor), kitchen equipment, and other machinery.
• Assist SML waterfront department to maintain and repair laboratory vessels, floats, and dock as needed.
• Assist SML program department to maintain laboratory equipment as needed.
• Work with SML Director of Facilities and Sustainability during open-up and close-up of SML island facilities.
• Collaborate with the SML Director of Facilities and Sustainability in construction, maintenance, and repair of island infrastructure including acquisition of materials, cost estimations and oversight of contractors.
• Perform and supervise work with a priority toward human and environmental safety.
• Support maintenance of SML information technology (IT) infrastructure, in close collaboration with SML Director of Facilities and Sustainability and contractors
• Document SML facilities operations including island open-up and close-up and basic maintenance of all components (drinking water, wastewater, saltwater, electrical, waterfront).
• Work with DFS to plan and manage volunteer weekend facilities projects
  
  

Supporting SML’s Sustainability Education and Research Activities (25%)

• Assist the Director of Facilities and Sustainability in program planning, as well as student recruiting and mentoring in the Sustainable Engineering Internship program.
• Provide support and instruction to SML students, researchers, and faculty to related to sustainable engineering infrastructure and facilities equipment.
• Develop engineering solutions to support SML research and education.
• Provide educational tours and presentations about SML’s sustainable engineering facilities and programs.
  
  

Human Resources (20%)

• Working with the guidance of SML Director of Operations and Director of Facilities and Sustainability: Recruit, train, and supervise SML’s seasonal engineering staff
• Ensure 24 hrs./day, 7 days/week engineering staffing during the operating season
• On call at all times during the operating season for engineering related emergencies
• Oversee and train student staff engaged in light facilities activities.
  
  

Regulatory Compliance (10%)

• Work with DFS to represent SML’s engineering department during annual inspections of SML’s United States Coast Guard Inspected Passenger vessels. Assist boat captains in correcting mechanical deficiencies aboard laboratory vessels.
• Work with the SML Director of Operations to ensure regulatory compliance with State of Maine Drinking water standards; sample, evaluate, and submit drinking water monitoring reports as required. Represent SML during periodic inspections of drinking water facilities by State regulators.
• Work with SML Director of Operations to represent SML’s engineering department during Health Department inspections of commercial kitchen facilities; correct facilities related deficiencies.
  
  

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 3 years experience in a closely related position
  
  

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Periodic background checks and successful participation in SML’s substance- abuse testing program required.
• Must be able to attain a Class I Water Distribution and Class II Water Treatment certifications for drinking water in the State of Maine within 2 years of hire. (SML will support training.)
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• A combination of experience and training including: general construction, carpentry, diesel engines and generators, electrical and plumbing systems, drinking water, seawater and wastewater systems, vehicles, and small motors.
• Ability to lead a team of seasonal and student staff in an isolated residential environment that is physically demanding involving long hours.
• Must be willing and able to assist with moving, packing, loading, and unloading of baggage, materials, and supply runs both on Appledore and on the mainland.
• Ability to set-up staging and rigging to safely access difficult locations.
• Willingness to respond to off-hour calls for emergencies.
• Good communications skills, both oral and written.
• Sufficient strength and physical dexterity to perform duties and responsibilities of this job, including heavy work (up to 75 lbs.) with exposure to inclement weather conditions for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to wear and use appropriate personal protective equipment as necessary.
• This position is residential during SML’s operating season; 5 nights per week in residence on the island during our operating season from May to September; and 4-5 nights per week in residence on Appledore Island is expected during preparations for opening, preparation for closing, work on infrastructure projects, which are expected in April, September and October.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Remote field station or marine laboratory experience
• AAUS scientific diver certified
• Advanced emergency and medical training (SML will support)
• State of Maine Drinking Water Certification (or ability to apply within 1 year of hire)
  
  

Required Applicant Materials

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for 3 Professional References
  
  

Incomplete applications that are missing any of the required items may not move forward for consideration. Additional uploaded documents not requested in the position announcement will not be reviewed.

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/Affirmative Action 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.

Location:

Durham

Salary Grade

Exempt Staff 18