By nature, scientists are both inquisitive and practical. Using scientific knowledge for real world applications such as technology, inventions or, in the case of scientists at CSA Ocean Sciences, field surveys and data collection for a broad range of local and global clients.

“You’re not just sitting in a lab or in front of a computer,” says Kim Olsen, Senior Programs Manager. “You get on cruises or boats and take samples.” While few jobs can completely avoid time at the desk, CSA staff often have the opportunity to work beyond the office. “When the Deepwater Horizon spill incident happened, and all hands were on deck to respond, it was CSA staff who were often out on the deck all night fixing the broken equipment or cables in order to resume work.” In addition to taking the samples, CSA scientists’ time at the desk includes designing the statistical framework for the survey, analyzing and interpreting the data, and producing peer-review quality scientific reports and papers to meet clients’ needs.

CSA tackles a variety of projects with the right mix of talent, from equipment deployment and sample collection to bringing back accurate geo-referenced video. Recently CSA scientists and operations specialists conducted an Environmental Baseline Survey (EBS) offshore Mexico in water depths exceeding 3,000 meters. In the past, such extreme environments were the exclusive domain of universities and the government. The wide range of marine services offered by CSA draws upon the extensive knowledge of qualified personnel in addition to the techniques, facilities, equipment, and business considerations of applied sciences and technologies.

“I never could have imagined how far my job would take me, not just in my career, but in working around the globe,” says Bruce Graham, Senior Scientist / Marine Specialist. “There’s always an interesting project in an interesting place, whether it’s in Russia, the Falklands, the Mediterranean, Guam or right here in Florida. A variety of challenges mean you get to learn about a whole variety of scientific disciplines, and not just scratch the surface. We are afforded enough time to really understand subjects in depth, through literature and direct action, and of course, working with our hands.”

CSA Ocean Sciences maintains scientific expertise teams that work around the world and we’re growing to meet the expanded needs of our clients. To learn more about what we look for in a Marine Scientist, check out our job posting here.