Key Skills

Job Description

Department: Fleet Systems & Operational Technology (FSOT) Reports to: Director of Fleet Systems & Operational Technology Internal abbreviation: FCT Role summary The Fleet Communications Technician is a shoreside and ship-going technical role supporting the communications, navigation and IT/connectivity systems used aboard Sea Shepherd Global vessels and small boats. The FCT is FSOT's principal practical specialist for marine radio/RF, communications equipment and marine electronics, with sufficient IT and networking capability to support the wider onboard technical environment. The role combines hands-on fault-finding, maintenance and installation work with fleet technical support, refit projects, inventory oversight and the day-to-day technical supervision and mentoring of onboard Communications Officers. The FCT works alongside the Fleet Data Systems Engineer (FDSE), with the FCT focused primarily on physical systems, RF, marine electronics, installation and practical diagnostics, and the FDSE focused primarily on software and applications. The role normally involves approximately four to six months per year aboard Sea Shepherd vessels, including periods serving as an onboard Communications Officer. Responsibilities Provide practical technical support and fault-finding across marine radio and RF systems, navigation electronics, satellite communications and vessel IT/connectivity. Lead diagnosis and resolution of difficult physical-system faults, identifying root causes and involving manufacturers or specialist contractors where required. Install, maintain, test and commission technical equipment, ensuring good standards of cabling, terminations, RF installation, electrical protection, documentation and workmanship. Support systems including VHF/UHF/MF-HF radio, antennas and feedlines, GMDSS equipment, radar, AIS, GNSS, navigation systems, satellite communications and associated marine electronics. Maintain sufficient vessel IT capability to troubleshoot networks, firewalls/routers, switching, Wi-Fi, satellite and cellular connectivity, endpoints and common onboard systems, ensuring all meet security requirements. Plan and deliver technical work during refits, dry-docks and upgrade projects, working with vessel Engineering, suppliers and contractors where required. Provide day-to-day technical supervision and mentoring to Communications Officers, helping develop fault-finding, workmanship, documentation and technical capability, and escalating significant issues to the Director of FSOT. Maintain fleet-level oversight of FSOT equipment, critical spares and inventory, and source appropriate replacement equipment and materials. Ensure significant technical work is tested, documented and properly closed out, while contributing to fleet standards, procedures and continuous improvement. Work flexibly with the wider FSOT team, including reasonable out-of-hours support for genuine operational requirements and emergencies. Essential experience and skills Radio/RF, communications electronics, marine electronics or a closely related technical field. Practical troubleshooting and fault-finding skills, including use of electronic and RF test equipment. Practical experience with antennas, RF cabling/connectors, electrical/electronic installation, cabling, termination and repair. Confidence working safely with extra-low-voltage DC electrical systems and reading technical manuals, wiring diagrams and system documentation. Working knowledge of computer networking, including IP networks, switching, Wi-Fi and basic routing/firewall troubleshooting. Ability to work independently, document technical work clearly, prioritise operational problems and recognise when specialist support is required. Ability to work constructively with vessel crews, engineers, officers, suppliers and contractors, and willingness to spend substantial periods aboard ships. Desirable experience Experience with VHF/UHF/MF-HF systems, antenna and feedline diagnostics, SWR/VNA testing, GMDSS, radar, NMEA 0183/2000, satellite communications, VSAT/Inmarsat/Starlink, multi-WAN/firewall systems, marine-electronics installation, refits or commissioning is particularly valuable. Manufacturer training, relevant marine-electronics or radio qualifications, Amateur Radio experience, team leadership or technical project experience would also be advantageous. Candidates are not expected to arrive with expert-level knowledge of every fleet system and will be expected to continue developing their technical and regulatory knowledge in the role. What success looks like Vessels and Communications Officers receive reliable technical support; faults are properly diagnosed rather than repeatedly worked around; radio, navigation and connectivity systems remain operational and supportable; installations and repairs meet consistent standards; critical spares and records remain accurate; and refit or upgrade work is successfully delivered and documented. The FCT develops Communications Officers, works effectively with the FDSE and wider FSOT team, reduces routine technical dependence on the Director of FSOT, and remains capable of deploying aboard a vessel and performing effectively as a Communications Officer.

Core Responsibilities

Provide hands-on troubleshooting, installation, maintenance, and commissioning support for fleet radio, navigation, satellite communications, and onboard IT systems. Support refits and upgrades, oversee equipment and critical spares, document technical work, and mentor Communications Officers while coordinating with the wider fleet systems team.

Requirements

Candidates need practical experience in radio/RF, communications electronics, marine electronics, or a closely related field, along with strong fault-finding, installation, and test-equipment skills. They also need working knowledge of computer networking, the ability to work independently and document work clearly, and willingness to spend substantial periods aboard ships.