October, 2011 – On October 18, 2011, the Texas Skill Standards Board (TSSB) recognized the Oceanographic Instrumentation Technician Skill Standards. These skill standards were developed and validated by the Marine Advanced Technology Education Center (MATE), which is one of 39 National Science Foundation-funded Advanced Technology Education (ATE) Centers.

At ATE centers, two-year colleges have a leadership role and work in partnership with universities, secondary schools, industry, and government agencies to strengthen the skills of technicians and carry out model workforce development initiatives.

Oceanographic Instrumentation Technicians collect scientific measurements in an effort to understand the ocean and its resources. Such data are used not only for exploration and research, but also for important commercial applications such as optimizing shipping routes, managing fisheries, and mitigating oil spills.

Bureau of Labor Statistics data does not exist specifically for Oceanographic Instrumentation Technicians. MATE’s research indicates a salary range between $27,000 and $50,000 per year, while an online salary database indicates a Texas salary of $48,000 per year.

Employment data are not available; however, representatives of Fugro Global Environmental and Ocean Sciences, Inc. and BMT Scientific Marine Services, Inc. endorsed the standards’ recognition on behalf of employers, indicating a need for a trained oceanographic workforce in Texas.