Amundsen Science is responsible of the scientific mandate of the Canadian research icebreaker CCGS Amundsen. Amundsen Science maintains and operates the ship’s central pool of scientific equipment, coordinates the deployment of the icebreaker for science, provides technical support at sea for user programs, and manages data from the central science systems. The Amundsen’s pool of specialized equipment comprises more than 85 scientific systems, including a light work-class Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) named “ASTRID” to study deep-sea environments. Procured in 2020 from Forum Energy Technologies, the ROV has been upgraded over the years to serve multiple scientific objectives, including the sampling of soft organisms, high-resolution video surveys, and water/sediment sampling.
Amundsen Science is currently seeking a motivated and experienced ROV technician to take the lead in the planning, maintenance, field deployment/recovery of the Amundsen’s ASTRID ROV. This position will offer the chance to work aboard a Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker and other vessels with a highly experienced team of Arctic technicians, professionals and researchers.
JOB SUMMARY:
The technician will work under the supervision of the executive director and in close collaboration with other technicians of the team and external collaborators. The responsibilities are as follows:
- Working in a team setting to install, repair and maintain the Amundsen Science’s ASTRID ROV system prior, during and after the annual CCGS Amundsen expedition, including during the sea trials and as part of the main Arctic expedition.
- Working in a team to ensure safe and efficient operations of the ROV system with an offshore team comprised of professionals to deliver the required ROV tests at sea for system integration.
- Maintain the job safety assessment and safe working procedures up to date for the deployment and recovery of the ASTRID ROV aboard the CCGS Amundsen.
- Organize and manage safety of the offshore team, accident reporting, effective use of safety management system, undertake regular safety meetings and risk assessments.
- Troubleshoot and repair ROV electrical, hydraulic, and IT systems onshore and offshore.
- Update the ROV part inventory (keeping track of parts, maintenance and repair requirements).
- Liaise with external partner organizations for the implementation and continuous improvements of technical procedures regarding the execution of ROV operational tasks.
- Writing of operational reports for deployments detailing sampling procedures, equipment problems encountered and troubleshooting techniques applied.
- Working in a team to make the ASTRID ROV system transportable and adapt the ROV systems (including winch and container) to other research vessels, primarily the RV Coriolis II, as part of an ongoing Phase 2 of the project.
- Monitor technological developments to improve the capability of the ROV system.
- Respond to and support scientific researchers and students from the Amundsen’s ROV/benthic community in achieving their scientific objectives.
- On an opportunity and availability basis, work as part of the Amundsen Science team to maintain, repair and operate other systems of the CCGS Amundsen at sea, such as the CTD-rosette, multibeam system, and Hugin 1000 AUV system.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Diploma in ROV pilot technician or any related discipline (e.g. electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, oceanography technician).
- Experience in the piloting, maintenance, repair, and mobilization of ROV systems.
- General electronic and mechanical skills, use of diagnostic tools.
- Welding and hydraulic skills would be an asset.
- General computer and networking/IT skills. Programming skills would be an asset (Matlab, Python).
- Knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite.
- Willingness to work 4 to 8 weeks per year at sea in the Canadian Arctic Ocean
- Excellent ability to work independently as well as in a dynamic team with multiple partners.
- Ease of adaptation and ability to solve problematic situations creatively.
- Be safety aware, accountable and maintain behavior in compliance with HSE
- Good working ability in English (oral & written).
- Willingness to learn basic French and to work in a francophone environment.
- Be willing to live and work in Quebec.
WORKPLACE:
Amundsen Science is based out of Université Laval and affiliated warehouses in Quebec City, Canada. The maintenance and repair of the ROV is done in Quebec City and a willingness to live and reside in Quebec City is essential. The position also involves work at-sea and alongside on the research icebreaker CCGS Amundsen (4 to 8 weeks per year in general). Despite working in a French-speaking environment, many tasks related to this job will be carried out in English. Bilingualism is a strong asset for the position.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Salary to be determined based on experience and skills, according to the salary structure of Amundsen Science. Health benefit package available and collective pension plan. Professional training available if required. Starting date: as soon as possible. Full time. Annual or multi-year contract, renewable.
Submit your cover letter and resume by 30 January 2025 to:
Amundsen Science – ROVT
Université Laval
In accordance with stipulated requirements regarding immigration in Canada, priority will be given to Canadian citizens as well as permanent residents of Canada.
