Position Announcement
Faculty Research Assistant Maritime Environmental Resource Center University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory Solomons Island, MD The University of Maryland, Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) is seeking a full or part-time Staff Engineer (Faculty Research Assistant) to assist in various projects under the Maritime Environmental Resource Center (MERC, www.maritime-enviro.org). MERC is a State of Maryland and federally funded partnership of the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory/UMCES, Maryland Port Administration, US Maritime Administration, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide test facilities, information, and decision tools to address key environmental issues facing the international maritime industry. Our initial focus is on evaluating the mechanical and biological efficacy of ballast water treatment systems to prevent invasive species, and to study the economic impacts of ballast water regulations and management approaches.
We are interested in self-motivated technical individuals with operational experience and a strong interest in the emerging marine environmental industry. Qualifications include:
• College degree in marine, environmental, or mechanical engineering;
• US Coast Guard Engineer's license or 1 to 5 years of operational experience in the maritime, water treatment, environmental technology, or related industries;
• Computer proficiency required with basic computer aided design (CAD) and drafting skills preferred; Applicants with graduate degrees, or with experience/specialized skills in technical and regulatory areas related to the research topics listed above, are also encouraged to apply.
UMCES offers a competitive salary dependent upon qualifications, full range of benefits and retirement packages, an academic working environment, opportunities for continued education, and potential for career advancement. The duration of the appointment is contingent upon continued project funding, but is expected to last at least 5 years.
Send cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to jking@cbl.umces.edu Reference: MERC Initial review of applications will begin November 21, 2008.
The University of Maryland System is an AA/EOE employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply
MERC partners with NOAA
A MERC proposal to the 2008 NOAA Ballast Water Management Demonstration Program's RDTE Facility competition received very favorable reviews and was selected for funding. Through the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, MERC has entered into a Cooperative Agreement with NOAA to work with MARAD on converting a barge into a Chesapeake Bay mobile test platform. Initial design for the barge retrofit has been completed, and we plan to bring it online before the end of 2009.
MERC Economic Assessments
Dennis King and his team have initiated economic analysis of alternative ballast water treatment systems, focusing on the cost of installing and using alternative treatment systems aboard various types and sizes of ships operating along major trade routes. MERC is looking at the full range of equipment acquisition and installation costs as well as expected increases in ship operating costs associated with energy and manpower usage, maintenance and servicing, and so on. Our preliminary assessments of the full costs of using various ballast water treatment systems aboard most types/sizes of ships will be complete in the fall of 2009.
MERC Partners with ABS
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has contracted MERC to help review, consolidate, and develop an online, searchable matrix of ship discharge regulations for the marine industry. The primary objective of this resource is to disseminate up-to-date environmental regulations to marine vessel operators, owners, and crews. The online matrix will provide end users with the ability to investigate a range of environmental compliance issues that are globally, regionally, and port specific. Some of the many benefits of making this information easily accessible and accurate include the prevention of unnecessary environmental degradation, regulation infractions, and insurance premiums. The initial database should be available to the public before the end of 2008. Please visit ABS (www.eagle.org) and MERC (www.maritime-enviro.org) over the next few months for more information.
MERC Director Dr Tamburri interviewed on NPR
Please visit the following link to listen to The full interview;
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wypr/local-wypr-765518.mp3
In compliance with FCC licensing laws MERC is not hosting this interview.
Congressman Cumming officially launches the Maritime Environmental Resource Center (MERC)
Congressman Cummings (D-Md.), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, joined the U.S. Maritime Administration, the Maryland Department of Transportation, the Maryland Port Administration, and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science to announce the kick-off of the Maritime Environmental Resource Center.
Full press release in a PDF format; 
