Senior Research Technician

Job Description

The Senior Research Technician – Field manages all field work activities, vehicles and equipment of the research

team. He/she manages and coordinates the offshore, nearshore and underwater surveys and monitoring research programs.

The Field Technician’s main responsibilities are:

• Management and coordination of field work operations for research studies.
• Management of the research fleet and field equipment.
• Management of underwater scuba-diving operations for research studies.
• Operation, deployment, calibration and maintenance of research field equipment.
  
  

• Manages all permits and authorizations, including vehicles registration, required for field operations.
• Coordinates field work logistics and scheduling.
• Serves as main boat captain for research vessel.
• Leads research technicians during field operations with deck machinery, including running deck equipment such as winches, A-frame, and small knuckle crane.
• Operates, deploys, calibrates, maintains, and repairs all field sampling and monitoring equipment.
• Develops and applies H&S protocols and SOPs for any field work-related operations.
• Manages certifications/training needed for the research team to perform nearshore and underwater field work.
• Support the researchers and scientists during all steps of offshore, nearshore and underwater surveys.
• Manages the registration of the research vessels and vehicles
• Manages any technical improvements needed on the marine fleet to perform the research projects.
• Manages maintenance of research vessel, engines, propulsion systems, pumps, davits, winches, cranes and other deck gear as needed.
• Maintains parts and supplies inventory associated with all sampling, monitoring and diving equipment and consumables.
• Develop and manage the asset management system for the research field equipment and support the rescue and education teams on the same.
• Serves as Lead Diver for dive operations.
• Establishes and insures the consistency of checklists for pre- and post-dive operations.
• Applies scientific underwater methodologies as instructed by the Principal Investigator
• Develops and applies H&S protocols and SOPs for any underwater field work-related operations
• Establishes and insures the consistency of checklists for pre- and post-dive operations
• Develops technical solutions to manufacture and/or improve research field equipment and achieve objectives set by the research team
• Maintains parts and supplies inventory associated with all sampling, monitoring and diving equipment and consumables
• Supports researchers and scientists in the collection and management of scientific data from field work (surveys and monitoring)
• Develop and carry on research studies involving remote control vehicles, drones and GIS technologies
• Carries out mapping studies and analysis
• Assists in sample processing and data analysis, as needed
• Support the rescue operations when required
• Actively contributes to the outreach goals of the YSWRRC
• Collaborates with SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Zoological and Education teams as required
• Contributes to the overall success of the YSWRRC projects by performing all other duties as assigned
  
  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Science or related field
• PADI Dive Master, or equivalent
• UAE Commercial boat driving license 12m
• UAE Driving License
• 4 years of experience in technical research for marine sciences
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated competency in marine science sampling and field survey methodologies
• Demonstrated experience in boat piloting for research and diving operations
• Demonstrated ability to work at sea and in tough environmental conditions
• Demonstrated technical competency and interest for marine science sampling and survey equipment
• High interest in marine sciences and marine environmental conservation
• Good computer skills, including solid competencies using Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word
• Ability to represent the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center to community, media, government agencies, and conservation associations
• Excellent interpersonal skills and teamwork abilities
• Demonstrated commitment to company values and safety.