Manager, Telemetry Operations

at  Dalhousie University

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Senior Operations Manager, this position oversees the operations and maintenance of OTN’s acoustic array infrastructure. The manager is responsible for resource planning, supporting procurement of field supplies and equipment, and scheduling of personnel time for missions. Excellent management skills, including leadership, communication, and team building, are essential.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in biology, oceanography or equivalent, with a minimum of seven years’ experience working with acoustic telemetry and related technologies, with progressively senior responsibilities.
• Expert understanding of acoustic receiver technology and animal tracking, including tagging.
• Highly knowledgeable about working in an at-sea environment in a wide variety of conditions, with an emphasis on marine safety. Experience with spatial mapping programs, GPS technology, plotting coordinates, and navigation.
• Excellent communication skills. Able to communicate effectively in various forms (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) and to various audiences, including internally (team, colleagues, management) and externally (fishermen, vessel operators, scientists).
• Demonstrated leadership skills. Able to effectively build and maintain trust with team members.
• Highly process-oriented with good attention to detail. Able to proactively develop and implement practices and workflows that enhance operational effectiveness.
• Good financial literacy. Able to understand financial processes, including budgeting and procurement.
• Physically capable of conducting manual labour and able to lift >30kg.
• Possess a valid driver’s licence. Able to be certified to handle small boats, including inflatables, and forklifts.
• Able to travel locally and internationally.

• Supervise OTN field staff, including field technicians, ROV staff, and various students, interns, and volunteers. Lead by example and serve as a mentor to staff to foster career growth and development.
• Develop an annual schedule of all field activities for all field team staff and making sure these are communicated to the team well in advance of missions. Actively support staff to ensure work plans and understood and delivered upon successfully. Utilize OTN’s core collaborative working platforms to coordinate work efficiently, including Asana, Gitlab, and One Drive, and ensure field personnel are utilizing platforms as expected.
• Work closely with the finance and operations manager to prepare and update an annual budget forecast.
• With guidance from the senior management team, prepare and update a long term (3-5 year) forecast for field operations.
• Fulfill core field technician duties as required, including leading and preparing for missions at-sea, assisting with equipment refurbishments, and maintaining a safe and tidy workshop.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures to ensure OTN field activities are aligned with industry best practices, fulfill organizational needs, and meet institutional requirements.