Job Description

This role will primarily involve field-based activities, often in remote locations, with responsibilities including coral relocation, reef rehabilitation, marine monitoring, and baseline surveys. Key duties will also include deploying and retrieving marine equipment, collecting and analyzing field data, and ensuring proper documentation and reporting.

The Marine Specialist will be responsible for a range of field and project support activities, including but not limited to:

Field Activities:

• Conducting marine field operations such as coral relocation, sample collection, marine surveys, and equipment deployment/retrieval.
• Planning, leading, and executing fieldwork in alignment with established scientific methodologies.
• Ensuring compliance with on-site safety protocols and Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) processes.

Project Support:

• Assisting with logistics, including equipment preparation, permitting, material transfers, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Completing daily paperwork and ensuring timely reporting of activities.
• Maintaining effective communication with Project Managers (PMs), team members, clients, and relevant authorities.

Advanced Responsibilities (Based on Experience and Capabilities):

• Managing teams or projects as required.
• Performing data management, analysis, and interpretation.
• Prepare marine environmental baseline surveys (MEBS) or monitor reports.
• Contributing to developing Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and other technical documents.
• Developing cost proposals for marine activities.
• Interfacing with clients to provide technical insights and updates.
• Calibrating and maintaining marine instrumentation and equipment.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in standard marine field sampling and survey techniques, coupled with the ability to work independently or collaboratively in a team. They should have a strong drive to enhance their field, management, and reporting skills through self-initiative and available training opportunities.

Essential Skills and Attributes:

• Strong planning and organizational capabilities.
• A dependable, accountable approach, with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, with a commitment to professional ethics and adherence to institutional policies.
• Discretion and professionalism when handling confidential information.
• Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in a multicultural work environment.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Effective communication with team members, management, clients, and relevant authorities.
• Initiative, resilience, and the ability to perform effectively under pressure.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality work on time and within budget.
• Commitment to mentoring and supporting the development of junior staff.
• Ability to operate effectively in both field and office environments

• Education Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Marine Ecology, Environmental Studies, or a closely related field.
• Dive Certification Minimum certification of Rescue Diver (or equivalent).

1. Minimum Six years of relevant experience, including marine field surveys (experience from postgraduate studies such as a Master’s or Ph.D. may be considered).

2. Proficient scientific diver with at least 100 logged dives, including 20 dives within the last six months

3. Strong command of English, both written and verbal.

1. Familiarity with taxonomic classification of Red Sea species (corals, fish, invertebrates, etc.).

2. Experience in coral translocation or reef rehabilitation projects.

3. Proficiency in specialized survey techniques such as photogrammetry or eDNA analysis

4. Development of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) to IFC standards

5. Prior experience in environmental consultancy or work in the Middle East

6. Proficiency in Arabic (spoken and written) is a distinct advantage.