Description

Posting Details

Posting Summary

Job Title Coastal Operations Specialist
Division Research & Economic Development
Department Patuxent Environmental & Aquatic Research Laboratory
Work Status Full Time
Position Category Staff
FLSA Exempt
Pay Range
Salary Range $55,000 - $65,000 / year
Fund Source State Support
Job Summary
The Coastal Operations Specialist will lead field operations, including vessel operation, gear deployment and retrieval, and hands-on support for field and laboratory activities in support of Morgan State University's PEARL and SCMNS research programs.

Job Duties
Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct field operations, including research vessel operation, gear deployment and retrieval, and laboratory support for Morgan State University's PEARL and School of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (SCMNS) research programs.
• Operate and navigate research vessels in challenging coastal environments, ensuring the safety of all personnel and compliance with established safety protocols.
• Provide technical and logistical support to undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty conducting coastal and marine science research.
• Engage effectively with and leverage the unique coastal resources of the rural PEARL facility, the urban Baltimore campus, and other regional sites to support and advance research and student training initiatives

Requested Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION:

• A bachelor's degree, an advanced degree, or specialized training in a relevant scientific discipline
• Valid Driver's License

EXPERIENCE:

• Maryland Boater Safety Certificate (or ability/willingness to obtain one)
• Experience operating boats/vessels for work or research purposes
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Willingness to work in challenging physical conditions (rain, cold, heat, wind)
• Physical strength and dexterity to captain a vessel while guiding the retrieval of crab pots, oyster cages, and other field equipment as necessary
• Experience with data management
• Experience with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Other Preferences for Consideration

• U.S. Coast Guard Operator license (also known as 6-pack license)
• Experience working in a field station or biological research laboratory setting
• Support/involvement in environmental research involving undergraduate and graduate students and university faculty
• Knowledge of equipment, systems and features in marine biological research laboratories, including flow-through seawater systems, wet laboratories, and shellfish hatcheries
• Experience with the collection and management of scientific data
• Ability to diagnose/maintain/repair/operate laboratory and field equipment
• Experience launching and trailering vessels

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of coastal and marine research methods, vessel operation, and laboratory support procedures within a university research environment. Skilled in safely operating research vessels, deploying and maintaining field equipment, and providing technical and logistical support to faculty and students. Ability to ensure compliance with safety protocols, mentor students in field techniques, and effectively leverage coastal and urban research resources to advance Morgan State University's PEARL and SCMNS research initiatives.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number ST01557
Number of Vacancies 1
Job Open Date 03/13/2026
Application Review Date
Job Close Date 04/13/2026
Special Instructions to Applicant
Applicants should submit the following materials:

• A cover letter that details educational and professional experience relevant to the research operations support in coastal environments.
• A resume or curriculum vitae.
• Contact information for three professional references.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have a bachelor's degree, advanced degree, or specialized training in a relevant scientific discipline?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have a valid driver's license and a Maryland Boater Safety Certificate, or are you willing to obtain one?
   • Yes
   • No
3. * Do you have experience operating boats or vessels for work or research purposes?
   • Yes
   • No
4. * Are you able to lift up to 50 pounds and work in challenging physical conditions (rain, cold, heat, wind)?
   • Yes
   • No
5. * Do you have experience with data management and using Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)?
   • Yes
   • No
6. * Are you a current, past, or retired Morgan State University employee?Are you a current, past, or retired State employee?If YES to current, past, or retired STATE employee, please state the agency.If not applicable, put N/A.
   (Open Ended Question)
7. * How did you hear about this employment Opportunity?
   • The Chronicle of Higher Education
   • EDULedger (formerly Diverse Issues in Higher Ed)
   • Higher Ed Jobs
   • Inside Higher Ed
   • Insight into Academia (formerly Insight into Diversity)
   • LinkedIn
   • Mid-Atlantic HERC (Higher Education Recruitment Consortium)
   • Other Online Advertising
   • Agency Referral
   • Website
   • MSU Careers Website

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Certification
3. License