Author: underwaterarchaeologyjobs

Current Vacancies

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales is looking to recruit a Senior Investigator (Maritime), a key post in its Survey and Investigation team.

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/88673

Incumbent reports to the State Underwater Archaeologist, Head, Maritime Research Division. Undertakes underwater archaeological management and research by planning and conducting archaeological research, develops public educational and outreach offerings, administers the review and compliance of development projects, oversees the technical and logistical aspects of survey and diving operations, supervises the operation, use and maintenance of Division assets including boats, vehicles and equipment, and trains staff on their proper use, and supports other activities as directed by the Division head to meet Division goals. The incumbent will also meet and maintain SCIAA’s Dive Safety & Control Board scientific diving requirements. Position requires travel within the state for fieldwork, presentations, and meetings. The position is based in Columbia.

Master’s degree in archaeology or anthropology and 2 years archaeological field experience or Bachelor’s degree and 3 years professional field experience.

Ph.D. in archaeology, anthropology or historical archaeology, with a specialization in nautical, maritime, or underwater archaeology from a recognized program; or a master’s degree in archaeology, anthropology or historical archaeology, with a specialization in nautical, maritime, or underwater archaeology from a recognized program, and one years of professional experience, including relevant fieldwork, personnel supervision and advanced research.

Applicant must demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of archaeological principles, field research logistics, and public education. Essential abilities include: public speaking and public relations, ability to prepare and publish reports, scholarly articles and book chapters, marine remote sensing operation, and black water research diving. SCUBA certification essential. Experience with using relational databases and Geographical Information Systems, including ArcView and ArcGIS software is essential.

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC
Research Operations Specialist III
Newport News, VA
https://www.indeed.com/m/viewjob?jk=33106ea416d316ed&from=native

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking an experienced and qualified individual to serve as a Research Operations Specialist III (ROS III) to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Monitor National Marine Sanctuary (MNMS). MNMS conducts scientific research, monitoring, exploration, education and outreach activities with the goals of preserving submerged resources and providing awareness of maritime heritage. The ROS III is required to safely and efficiently operate offshore, conducting marine science research aboard vessels. 

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Maritime Research Division of the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of South Carolina, Columbia is seeking an Underwater Archaeologist (ARCH-II).  The position is full-time with benefits and will work on the main campus in Columbia.  The job announcement will close at the stroke of midnight Saturday, 24 October 2020.  We hope to offer the position by early November with a start date at an agreed upon time shortly thereafter.  The successful candidate will work with two other Division staff members and complement efforts to preserve the underwater archaeological legacy in the lakes, rivers, and coastal waters of South Carolina.

Underwater Archaeologist (ARCH-II):

Incumbent reports to the State Underwater Archaeologist, Head, Maritime Research Division. Undertakes underwater archaeological management and research by administering the review and compliance of state-wide development projects; planning and conducting archaeological research; developing public educational and outreach offerings; overseeing the technical and logistical aspects of survey and diving operations; supervising the use, operation, and maintenance of Division assets including boats, vehicles, and equipment, and training staff and volunteers on their proper use; and supporting other activities as directed by the supervisor to meet Division goals. The incumbent will also meet and maintain SCIAA’s Dive Safety & Control Board scientific diving requirements and act in a dive supervisory capacity for the Division. The employee will also supervise as needed, both on archaeology projects and in an office environment, employees, temporary employees, graduate students, interns, and volunteers. Position requires periodic travel within the state for fieldwork, presentations, and meetings. The position is based in Columbia.

For additional information and to apply for the position: http://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/87903

*Hint: when applying ensure that all relevant experience in your resume is included in the application as that is the official document used to determine qualifications for the position.

For more information about the Maritime Research Division: http://artsandsciences.sc.edu/sciaa/mrd/

For more information about employment at USC please visit: https://www.sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/human_resources/index.php

For more information about this position and duties please contact:

James D. Spirek

State Underwater Archaeologist

Maritime Research Division

South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology College of Arts and Sciences

University of South Carolina

1321 Pendleton Street

Columbia SC 29208 USA

Phone: (803) 576-6566

Fax: (803) 254-1338

E-mail: spirek@sc.edu

https://umiami.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UMCareerStaff/job/Miami-FL/Program-Safety-Officer—Dive-Program_R100042094

Program Safety Officer – Dive Program

The Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science at the University of Miami is seeking a Program Safety Officer to manage the Scientific Diving Program.  Under guidance from the UM Diving Control Board and supervision of the Director of Scientific Diving and Boating Program, the Diving Safety Officer is responsible for the daily administration of the scientific diving program.  The successful candidate must have the ability to work effectively and efficiently with a wide variety of faculty, students, staff, and scientists from diverse backgrounds and with various research diving needs, as well as possess a comprehensive knowledge of a wide range of equipment, both scientific and dive related, and be capable of evaluating equipment for safety, functionality, and effectiveness in various situations and conditions. 

The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with all pertinent state, federal, community, and the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) standards and regulations covering operations, methods, safety, hazards, and procedures; have a thorough understanding of risk management and legal issues as they pertain to the Scientific Diving Program’s operation; will conduct full semester scientific diving courses, and supervise UM diver evaluation and training including coordinating and conducting scientific diver instruction and certification, diving safety and rescue training, diving accident management, and specialty diving courses for faculty, staff, and students. 

The Diving Safety Officer will also provide UM scientists direction and assistance for field research, operational support during shipboard and land based diving, project preparations and planning, emergency and contingency planning, and on-site evaluation, supervision, and management; evaluate divers, dive plans, diving conditions, sites, appropriate equipment and methods, and a range of variables for each project and dive to be conducted and will repair, maintain and track the scientific diving program’s inventory including regulators, tanks, compressors, and specialty equipment.

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree and a recreational open water instructor certification from a nationally accredited training agency are required.  Must be a current scientific diver and first aid/CPR instructor; Must be knowledgeable of methods, procedures, policies and practices as outlined in the AAUS and the OSHA scientific diving exemption standards; must be knowledgeable of federal, state and local diving rules and regulations; knowledgeable in planning diving expeditions local and abroad, aboard ships and shore based, and project planning;  must be knowledgeable in the application of a variety of underwater scientific data collection techniques for a variety of scientific disciplines.

A Master’s Degree with professional background in marine sciences is preferred as well as experience in cave and technical diving.

Assistant/Associate Professor (AD-1701-03/05) Hattendorf Historical Center The U.S. Naval War College, Newport, RI, invites applications for a faculty appointment in the John B. Hattendorf Center for Maritime Historical Research or Hattendorf

Historical Center (HHC), which is located within the College of Leadership and Ethics. This is a tenure-track assistant/associate professor position. The Naval War College is a Professional Military Education (PME) institution serving the nation, the Department

of Defense, and the U.S. Navy. U.S. and selected international graduates earn Master of Arts degrees in National Security & Strategic Studies or Defense & Strategic Studies accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The College educates

and develops future leaders through the development of strategic perspective, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, as well as enhancing the capability to advise senior leaders and policy makers. The College also helps to define the future Navy and its

roles and missions; supports combat readiness; strengthens global maritime partnerships; and promotes ethics and leadership throughout the force. More information on the college can be found at

www.usnwc.edu. Hattendorf Historical Center. Since the founding of the Naval War College in 1884, the study of naval history has been an integral part of the College’s mission to educate and to develop future leaders by building their analytical abilities

and strategic perspectives and enhancing their capacity to advise senior leaders and policymakers. Complementing the work of other research centers within the Naval War College, the Hattendorf Historical Center within the College of Leadership and Ethics is

a place of original research in maritime and naval history that develops new historical insights in support of the College’s mission and its national and international outreach. It consists of three components: a research department that produces original

scholarship; a significant and unique archive (the Naval Historical Collection); and a close partnership with Naval History and Heritage Command via the Naval War College Museum. Responsibilities. The incumbent will use their experience, background, training,

and education to publish books and articles on naval and maritime history. The incumbent will be strongly encouraged to take advantage of the original documentary sources available in the Naval Historical Collection. The incumbent will have a direct teaching

role in the Graduate Certificate in Maritime History (GCMH) and will have the opportunity to teach in other capacities at the NWC for which they are suited. The college is a tenure-granting institution. Qualifications. A Ph.D. in history, war studies, or other

related fields is required. A record of successful academic publications is preferred. The HHC particularly seeks an historian of the U.S. Navy since 1900 or a related sub-field. Candidates must be U.S citizens capable of obtaining a Department of Defense

security clearance at the SECRET level. Salary Considerations. Salary is competitive and is accompanied by a generous federal civil service package that includes health insurance, pension and retirement savings plans (with employer matching contributions),

paid vacation and sick leave, and other benefits. Rank and salary are commensurate with experience and credentials in accordance with the Department of the Navy Faculty Schedule. Application Process. Applications will be accepted through 30 October 2020. Applications

must be submitted via e-mail to: nwc-20-16@usnwc.edu and must reference: VA#NWC-20-16. Applications must include: 1) cover letter of introduction and 2) Curriculum Vitae/Resume that includes the contact information

for three references. Any current or prior military service should be described including assignments, positions held, highest rank attained, and dates of service. Active duty members may apply under this announcement but are subject to eligibility requirements

of the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act (VOW). Active duty members must submit a statement of service printed on command letterhead and signed by the command. The statement of service must provide branch, rate/rank, all dates of service, the expected date

of discharge and anticipated character of service (Honorable, General, etc.). Please note: you will be ineligible for consideration if your statement of service is not submitted with your application or it shows an expected discharge or release date greater

than 120 days after being submitted with your application. Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United

States Code 3326. Questions about this position should be directed via email to William Nault, Deputy Dean, at

william.nault@usnwc.edu. The Naval War College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.   

On-Call Project Marine Archaeologists

RECON Offshore is currently hiring On-Call Project Marine Archaeologists. Must have Master’s Degree in-hand and meet the qualifications set forth by the Secretary of Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation (48 FR 44716-42). Seeking experienced marine remote sensing surveyors familiar with magnetometers, side-scan sonar, and sub-bottom profiler operations. Extended deployments may be required. Certifications needed (but not required immediately) include; Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC Card), Oil & Gas UK (OGUK) or US Merchant Mariner Medical Evaluation/Physical, OPITO Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET), First Aid/CPR as well as Scientific Diving and/or Surface Supplied Diving qualifications.

Software proficiency in HYPACK or QINSy, SonarWiz (acquisition/analysis), Edgetech Discover and MagLog or Oasis preferred.  ArcGIS or QGIS experience a plus.

Please submit your resume/vita to Jason Burns (Jason.burns@reconoffshore.com) or Michael Krivor (Michael.krivor@reconoffshore) for immediate consideration.

Information on RECON Offshore can be found at:

HOMEPAGE

http://www.bajr.org/Employment/UKEmploymentDetails.asp?ID=117982

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales is looking to recruit a Senior Investigator (Maritime), a key post in its Survey and Investigation team.

This is a permanent position. The post is responsible for enhancing and maintaining the National Monuments Record through research and survey of maritime archaeology around the Welsh coast and for providing expert advice to decision makers and planners in the historic environment sector.  

The successful candidate will have direct experience of maritime survey, including in the intertidal zone, a record of synthesis and publication in this field of work and experience of managing and using maritime specialist survey data. We are particularly looking for someone who can work effectively as part of a team to deliver projects and objectives.

The postholder must be based in Wales and be able to attend the office for face to face meetings when necessary. As the Commission is an organisation working in Wales it is essential that the successful applicant for this post is either a Welsh speaker or, if not, is willing to commit to taking lessons with a view to achieving the required level for this post (level 3 on the Royal Commission’s Welsh Skills Assessment Framework).  Training will be provided and funded and time off will be given.

Salary scale: £30,600 to £37,410 per annum.  Appointment will usually start at the minimum end of the pay scale.

Full details and an application form can be found

here: https://rcahmw.gov.uk/about-us/working-for-the-commission/current-vacancies/

Closing date for applications: 1st December 2020

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC-Alpena, MI

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/All/68127fd6-3c52-4ccc-a16c-987835a4f8c1/CARDINAL-POINT-CAPTAINS-INC

he National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS) conducts scientific research, monitoring, exploration, education and outreach activities with the goals of preserving submerged resources and providing awareness of maritime heritage. Qualified personnel are required to safely and efficiently operate offshore, conducting marine science research aboard vessels and providing program support through archeological fieldwork and research tasking.

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) provides research support to TBNMS and is seeking a well-rounded applicant with experience in marine research and management to serve as Research Operations Specialist (ROS) to the NOAA TBNMS. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience and expertise working on maritime heritage resources, with a preference for those with experience working on Great Lakes shipwrecks. A successful candidate will have strong on-water field experience, as well as experience with public engagement through education, outreach, and interpretation. Additionally, a successful candidate will have experience building and maintaining partnerships and seeking outside funding. Finally, the candidate will need to have strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

http://www.preservenet.cornell.edu/employ/jobdetail.php?POSTID=8241

https://careers.saa.org/jobs/13892185/revised-and-extended-rfp-clotilda

Pursuant to Alabama Act No. 2001-956, the State of Alabama, Alabama Historical Commission requests proposals from qualified professionals to provide a diver assessment, possible artifact recovery and conservation, and specialized maritime archaeological testing. 

The purpose of this project is to determine the condition of submerged archaeological site 1BA704, the Clotilda, and to use that information to create a management plan for preservation of the archaeological site. Due to hazardous conditions on 1BA704, this level of investigation will require industrial level diving and specialized safety protocols. The location of archaeological site 1BA704 is remote and only accessible by boat or barge.

The selected contractor will be responsible for all equipment and supplies necessary to conduct the investigation, accommodations for project personnel during field work, as well as providing all transportation to-and-from site.

Anyone interested should contact me directly: DanBrown@oceaneering.com

https://careers.oceaneering.com/global/en/job/17018/Data-Exploitation-Analyst

The Data Exploitation Analyst participates in all phases of data collection, processing, and reporting at a customer site in Suitland/Camp Spring, MD. The primary responsibilities of this role are to acquire, analyze, compile, evaluate, and review data for use in standard products, non-standard products, and/or data holdings in support of mission requirements. Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI w/ Poly, Active clearance highly desired.  This position will reside in Suitland, MD

• Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography, Underwater Archeology, or related field.
• Experience with Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), & Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and their support equipment.
• Experience with SLS systems, Doppler Sonars, Navigation & underwater cameras equipment.
• Knowledge of products like SonarWiz, Hypack and WinFrog.

https://careers.oceaneering.com/global/en/job/17017/Sr-Data-Exploitation-Analyst

The Senior Data Exploitation Analyst participates in all phases of data collection, processing, and reporting at a customer site.  The primary responsibilities of this role are to acquire, analyze, compile, evaluate, and review data for use in standard products, non-standard products, and/or data holdings in support of mission requirements. The ability to obtain a DoD security clearance is required. Must hold/acquire a TS/SCI with Polygraph.  This position resides in Suitland, MD

• Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography, Underwater Archeology, or related field.
• Knowledge of products like SonarWiz, Hypack and WinFrog.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, Inc. (The Museum) is seeking a full-time Dive Safety Officer (DSO). The DSO will also serve as a project maritime archaeologist in addition to overseeing Museum safety programs for scientific diving operations. 

Successful candidate must be an experienced underwater archaeologist who has worked on a variety of submerged archaeological sites overseeing the application of rigorous dive and waterfront safety standards and training. He or she must have experience in underwater archaeological excavation and survey activities. Must be a certified AAUS or equivalent scientific diver or be able to qualify as such by the beginning of this job.

USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (OPUV or higher) preferred. In addition, he or she must be familiar with the use of archaeological dredging systems and probing systems, and other equipment such as hookah systems, small engines including water pumps and portable generators, weight belt/harness systems, remote sensing gear including magnetometer, side scan sonar, sub-bottom profiler, HYPACK and SonarWiz softwares, and experience in small and medium sized boat and trailer operations. He or she must be a trained and experienced diver, with appropriate dive leadership qualifications and experience. The DSO is responsible for overall diving safety for the program as a whole. This is an administrative position that also often entails going into the field to supervise diving, to support scientific or training operations as a diver, and to conduct remote sensing or other non-diving archaeological operations. The DSO might be present at major operations or particular ones as he/she feels are appropriate. We would normally have the DSO on site in the field at all times providing oversight but also supporting operations as an active diver, again as the DSO feels is appropriate.

The DSO shall have the responsibility for diving safety and the absolute right to cancel or terminate a dive if needed for the safety of the divers, crew, and volunteers. He or she works under the authority and standards established by the Diving Control Board, of which he or she will be a voting member.

https://www.ziprecruiter.com/c/Dudek/Job/Scientific-Diver/-in-Oakland,CA?jid=b08a04b08d274d16

About the Job We are expanding our team and seeking qualified, experienced environmental underwater survey specialists for seasonal, as-needed/variable hour work based in our Oakland office. The position will support underwater environmental survey field efforts in the San Francisco Bay area. Duties and Responsibilities + Survey for environmental resources under scuba in a safe manner under the direct supervision of a Dudek staff underwater archaeologist.

Recent DUDEK Work:

Wheeler North Reef Expansion Project Protects Marine Mammals and Tribal Cultural Resources

http://wdhof.org/wdhof-scholarshipDesc.aspx

Scholarships for women only (14 awards):

•  Marine Conservation Scholarship – Graduate ($2000) (3 awards)

•  Marine Conservation Scholarship – Undergraduate ($1000) (3 awards)

•  Coral and Seagrass Rehabilitation Fellowship  ($2500) (4 awards)

•  Sea Turtle Conservation Grant ($2000) (1 award)

•  Underwater Archaeology – Graduate ($2000) (1 award)

•  Underwater Archaeology – Undergraduate ($750) (1 award)

•  Journalism, Graphic Arts, Photography, or Videography Scholarship ($1500) (1 award)

Scholarships for women or men (3 awards):

•  Undergraduate Marine Research Internship ($1000) (1 award)

•  Sea to Space Extreme Environment Physiology Grant ($5000) (2 awards)

Training grants for women only (15 awards):

•  Basic dive training (learn to dive) ($1000) (7 awards)

•  Advanced dive training ($1000) (6 awards)

•  Hard hat dive training ($1000) (1 award)

•  Instructor advanced education ($2000) (1 award)

Training grants for women or men (7 awards):

•  Basic or advanced dive training for candidates in ROTC, JROTC, military academy, Sea Scout or Sea Cadet ($1000) (1 award)

•  Disabled diver (beginner or advanced) or instructor to assist disabled to dive ($1000) (1 award)

•  Diver medical education (£1000 value) (2 awards)

•  Diving emergency medical responder grants ($500 value) (3 awards)

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Maritime Research Division of the South Carolina Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of South Carolina, Columbia is seeking an Underwater Archaeologist (ARCH-I).  The position is full-time with benefits and will work on the main campus in Columbia.  The job announcement will close at the stroke of midnight Saturday, 12 September 2020.  We hope to offer the position by early October with a start date at an agreed upon time shortly thereafter.  The successful candidate will work with a Division staff of two members and complement efforts to preserve the underwater archaeological legacy in the lakes, rivers, and coastal waters of South Carolina.

Underwater Archaeologist (ARCH-I):

The incumbent reports directly to the State Underwater Archaeologist. The employee will work with the supervising archaeologist to meet the goals of the program, specifically relating to education and outreach. The employee will act as the administrator for the hobby licensing process as well as manage all databases relating to the program. The employee will support archaeological research, and act as principal/co-principal investigator on Maritime Research Division (MRD) projects as designated by the supervisor. The employee will also manage equipment as well as act as a dive safety officer for the MRD. This position requires periodic travel for fieldwork, presentations, and meetings.

http://uscjobs.sc.edu
Search for position using posting number:  STA00512PO20

For information about the MRD please visit:  http://artsandsciences.sc.edu/sciaa/mrd/

For more information about the Hobby Licenses please visit:   http://www.artsandsciences.sc.edu/sciaa/mrd/hobbydiverlicense

For more information about employment at USC please visit:   https://www.sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/human_resources/index.php

https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/CBH610/phd-studentship-honor-frost-foundation-doctoral-awards-in-maritime-archaeology

Applications are invited for a fully-funded PhD studentship from the Honor Frost Foundation (HFF).  

Home

The Foundation’s mission is to promote the advancement and research of maritime archaeology in the eastern Mediterranean. The Foundation offers PhD scholarships in maritime archaeology to students from the primary regions where Honor worked, to undertake research at the University of Southampton. This PhD award is only available to students from Cyprus, Lebanon, Egypt and Syria. This is due to a restriction from the Honor Frost Foundation, who provides the funding.

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/576046900

Incumbents typical work assignments may include the following:

• Evaluates analytical methodologies to ensure all recovered artifacts are accurately identified, and correlated to specific loss incidents whenever possible.
• Researches and answers specific field requests for information on recovered artifacts to field personnel, to rapidly correlate (or disassociate) the items to a specific loss incident involving US military personnel.
• Maintains liaison with aircraft and aircraft component manufacturers, experts, and Defense Logistics Agency contacts to develop and sustain inter-agency aircraft component research networks.
• Conducts thorough on-site evaluations to determine aircraft crash dispersion characteristics, and assess areas most likely to yield remains of unaccounted-for US military personnel.

 

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/576075600

Your typical work assignments may include the following:

• Initiates, maintains, and enhances liaison with officials in either the Kingdom of Cambodia
  (KOC), the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR) or the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV) Government to pursue the fullest possible accounting of US personnel from the war in Southeast Asia, support field investigation and research teams, and develop/support investigation and research programs.
• Represents DPAA in direct liaison with the KOC, LPDR or SRV officials involved in the POW/MIA accounting mission at meetings, conferences, telephonically, and through written correspondence.
• Ensures effective information exchange during the planning, implementation, and reporting stages of US-KOC, LPDR, SRV meetings related to the accounting mission.
• Coordinates with KOC, LPDR, or SRV government officials and applicable US agencies on the agenda, scheduling, protocol, and logistical requirements for these meetings. Serves as technical advisor to the DPAA Director in meetings with the KOC or SRV government.
• Serves as the primary Cambodian, Lao or Vietnamese language interpreter in meetings between DPAA and the host nation government.

http://wisc.jobs/public/job_view.asp?annoid=102691&jobid=102205&org=245&class=57500&index=true&utm_source=Indeed&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Indeed

Wisconsin Historical Society
Maritime Preservation Specialist – LTE
Job Announcement Code(s): 20-01876

The Maritime Preservation Specialist with the Wisconsin Historical Society Maritime Preservation and Archaeology Program will fill a grant funded project specific position. This individual works under staff maritime archaeologists, the limited supervision of the State Archaeologist, and the State Historic Preservation Officer in the State Historic Preservation Office at the Wisconsin Historical Society to preserve the maritime heritage of Wisconsin.

This limited term position is 40 hours per week. Work hours are flexible between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Evening and weekend work will be required at times.

Position Summary:   This position is supported by a University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute grant. The maritime specialist will work on a grant funded project focusing on helping design informal educational programs with partner museums throughout the state. This position will act as the program’s liaison between WHS staff and a professional educational consultant. The maritime specialist will focus on the development of interpretive/educational materials for both general public and museum programming. In addition, the maritime specialist will integrate the developed educational material into Wisconsinshipwrecks.org, coordinate with Society education staff on its internal implementation, conduct historical and archival research as needed, and may have the opportunity to participate in underwater archaeological fieldwork if qualified.

Greetings from Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. We have a summer program that may be of interest to you and your students, and the best part is that it’s free.

From August 25-27, the sanctuary, along with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Marine Imaging Technologies, will be exploring the wreck of the passenger steamship Portland and a mystery collier located nearby. The mission will include live broadcasts from the shipwrecks and in-person commentaries from sanctuary staff and WHOI researchers. You and your students are invited to tune in via the mission website and to submit written questions via the internet to the expedition team. The broadcasts will air at 2:30 pm and 6:30 pm on August 25 (Tuesday) from the wreck of the Portland, at 2:30: and 6:30 on August 26 (Wednesday) and 2:30 pm on August 27 (Thursday) from the mystery coal schooner.

The Portland, often labeled New England’s Titanic, was a night boat that made regular runs between Boston and Portland, Maine. She was lost with all hands on November 27, 1898. This year, researchers are attempting to penetrate the ship to examine the engine room and boilers to better understand the ship’s last hours and possible causes for its sinking. Biologists are sampling the invertebrate community that has colonized the wreck to study its similarity to natural boulder reef communities nearby.

The mystery schooner was probably one of many hard-working cargo carriers that brought coal and other products from mid-Atlantic ports to communities in the Northeast. Maritime archaeologists will examine artifacts and vessel construction in an attempt to identify the ship. One interesting observation is the use of copper sheathing on the hull, which continues to serve as an anti-biofouling agent (unlike other sanctuary shipwrecks that are three-dimensional oases for invertebrate life on the seafloor).

Please fill out this form if you are interested in using mission content with your students. Questions from your group can be submitted online during the broadcast. If we can’t reply during the scheduled program, we will get back to you with timely answers at the close of the expedition. If you would like to undertake the challenge of identifying the mystery collier, we would welcome your assistance.

For more information about our 2020 Telepresence Expedition into Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, go to https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/live/2020/whoi.html.

I look forward to working with you and your students.

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