Marine Officer

Roles and responsibilities

As a Marine Scientist, you will be responsible for studying the marine environment and your inputs will assist our teams in preparing reports detailing the outcome of our surveys.

The successful candidate will possess the following:

• Bachelor's degree qualification in marine science
• Marine practical experience and comfort working in marine environment on vessels and underwater.
• Comfortable working in an offshore work environment both on and off rotation (not core job).
• Experience in report writing for baseline surveys or EIA
• Personal vehicle and UAE license required or actively being sought.
• Commercial or recreational diving license.
• Experience in sample collection, storage and field equipment usage.
• Excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English (additional languages, such as Arabic are preferable).
• Well-developed interpersonal skills: verbal, non-verbal, written.
• Self-motivated and results oriented with high levels of energy.
• Is able to work in a team, reporting to senior team members.
• Demonstrate problem solving skills and the ability to work independently in the completion of tasks.
• Familiarity with Arabian Gulf habitats and species
  

Responsibilities:

• Conducting marine surveys, acting as, or reporting to the Field Team Leader and Project Manager.
• Performing tasks in a manner which is consistent with prescribed methodology, testing, analysis, design or computation methods.
• Conducting assignment and investigative work, of specific scope and complexity in accordance with skill development, involving set elements of broader assignments.
• Assisting more senior professionals/technical officers in carrying out technical tasks.
• Survey and inspection of equipment with recommended improvements and innovations.
• Collection of samples with proper chain of custody procedures.
• In-situ testing of marine water quality.
• Marine mammal and reptile observations during routine works.
• Basic data collection, entry and reporting.
• Participate in SCUBA dive surveys.
• Flexibility to travel for work within GCC

Desired candidate profile

A Marine Scientist is a specialist in the study of marine environments, including oceans, seas, and estuaries, focusing on the organisms that inhabit these areas, the physical and chemical properties of the waters, and the broader ecological and environmental processes. Marine scientists contribute to a wide range of disciplines, from marine biology to oceanography and environmental science. They often work to understand the impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems, explore marine biodiversity, and develop sustainable practices for preserving ocean health.

Key Skills and Competencies

1. Scientific and Technical Knowledge

• Marine Biology: Understanding the biology of marine organisms, including their behavior, ecology, and interactions with their environment.
• Oceanography: Knowledge of physical, chemical, and geological processes in marine environments, such as water circulation, tides, currents, and marine sediment.
• Environmental Science: Ability to assess the environmental impact of various activities, including pollution, climate change, and resource extraction, on marine ecosystems.
• Aquatic Chemistry: Expertise in the chemical composition of marine waters, including water quality, nutrient cycling, and pollutant behavior.
• Marine Geology: Understanding the geological processes that shape the seafloor, including tectonic activity, sedimentation, and underwater volcanism.

2. Fieldwork and Research Techniques

• Sampling and Data Collection: Expertise in gathering water, soil, sediment, and biological samples from marine environments using boats, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and submersibles.
• Laboratory Analysis: Proficiency in conducting laboratory experiments to analyze marine samples for various physical, chemical, and biological parameters.
• Surveying and Mapping: Ability to use advanced tools and techniques like GIS (Geographical Information Systems), sonar systems, and satellite imagery to map marine environments and study oceanic changes.
• Marine Sensors and Monitoring Equipment: Knowledge of sensors and monitoring systems used to track oceanographic parameters like temperature, salinity, pressure, and currents.

3. Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

• Data Interpretation: Ability to analyze large sets of data collected during fieldwork and laboratory experiments to draw conclusions about marine ecosystems and their health.
• Predictive Modeling: Developing and using models to predict the effects of environmental changes, such as climate change or pollution, on marine life and ecosystems.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to approach complex marine-related issues with a scientific mindset, form hypotheses, and design experiments to test them.

4. Communication and Collaboration

• Scientific Writing: Writing research papers, reports, and articles for scientific journals, environmental organizations, or government bodies.
• Public Outreach and Education: Communicating findings to non-experts, such as policymakers, educators, and the general public, to raise awareness about marine conservation and science.
• Collaboration: Working closely with other scientists, government agencies, environmental NGOs, and industry partners to achieve common goals related to marine research and conservation.