In
this series, we explore the familiar and not-so-familiar career
paths our graduates take.
Kimberly Glomb, Marine Science '03, surveys our coasts for the
National
Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as part of
the NOAA Corps.
What is your job title?
Hydrographic Survey Technician
What is the purpose of your work?
To update nautical charts.
Where do you work?
On the NOAA Ship THOMAS JEFFERSON out of Norfolk, VA. We stay
out for two to three weeks at a time. The range of the ship is
the whole East Coast (Maine to Mexico).
How long did you train for the job?
Many, many months!
Did you need special training?
Yes; I needed to learn about the multibeam [underwater sonar system]
and different computer programs.
What type of shifts you have?
We use launches to do day work; when the ship operates 24 hours a
day, there are two processing shifts day and night, and three
acquisition shifts. The acquisition shifts are 4 hours on duty
and 8hours off.
What do you do when you're off duty?
Watch movies, read, play video games.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Acquiring data.
Your least favorite?
Long hours processing!
Do you ever wear a uniform?
No, only NOAA Corps officers do.
Any advice to new students?
No matter how hard classes get, keep in mind graduation and a good
job in your field.
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