Hydrographer Intern posted 10/4/07

Organization: Earth Resources Technology
Location: Norfolk, VA

Description: Three internships available. Paid, full-time, 12-month duration with possible extensions.

The Atlantic Hydrographic Branch (AHB) is responsible for the quality assurance and processing of hydrographic data acquired on the East Coast and Atlantic Ocean, and the creation of products using these data which support safe navigation and the production of nautical charts. To meet this requirement, AHB personnel also participate in hydrographic surveys aboard NOAA and contract vessels.

The Office of Coast Survey and its parent organizations maintain a high level of interaction with the users and managers of the marine environment. The intern would learn about the particular marine data they help collect and about computer technology used in geographic information systems and environmental mapping. The participation of the intern in these interactions will provide experience on the issues facing the environmental community, and help establish a network of professional connections that will be useful throughout their career.

In support of the NOAA hydrographic survey effort, the intern will learn the basics of hydrographic surveying by spending up to 8 weeks per year aboard a NOAA vessel conducting hydrographic surveys at sea. This includes the acquisition and processing of hydrographic survey data using sonar, echosounders, oceanographic instruments, GPS, data acquisition and processing systems, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The intern will also learn the basics of hydrographic data processing, quality assurance, and creation of data products in the office environment. Once the intern has learned these fundamentals of hydrography, he or she will be eligible to participate in any number of projects in the office or at sea, including assisting in managing a hydrographic survey, participating in the development of new technology, systems, and procedures used in hydrography, or evaluating hydrographic surveys in the office and creating data products from those surveys. The intern will spend up to 8 weeks aboard a NOAA survey platform at sea acquiring and processing hydrographic survey data.

The intern will be trained in the use of CARIS and MapInfo GIS software, hydrographic survey data acquisition and processing techniques, and quality control procedures, by participating in both formal training classes and on-the-job training.

Requirements:

- Computer literacy - experience with personal computers and related office applications required.

- Courses or experience directly related to Geographic Information Systems, Engineering, and/or Computer Aided Design software are highly desired.

- Any experience with hydrographic surveys, data collection, data processing, quality control, and vessel operations is a plus.

- Bachelor’s degree in geography or related earth sciences preferred.

Contact: Please email your resume and cover letter to: careers@ertcorp.com

ERT is an equal opportunity employer.