Environmental Technician - Coastal Ecology

Responsibilities

Engineering Consulting Services (ECS) is seeking a Part-Time Environmental Technician primarily for scientific diving projects of various lengths. The Environmental Technician performs field-based environmental sampling, monitoring, and assessment activities in support of environmental consulting projects. This role develops foundational technical skills through hands-on fieldwork and supports project teams with data collection, documentation, and reporting. The Environmental Technician works under supervision while progressing toward independent field execution and demonstrating

Responsibilities

• Supports management of environmental projects through field and office-based activities
• Prepares field reports and supports documentation accuracy and completeness
• Assists with project coordination, scheduling, and communication
• Monitors project progress for performance and budget considerations
• Prepares invoices, proposals, and project-related documentation
• Supports marketing and business development activities
• Attends project meetings and assists with resolution of technical and administrative issues
• Provides general technical and administrative support as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned

Diving Responsibilities:

• Conducts authorized scientific dives under approved dive plans, ECS scientific diving procedures, and project requirements
• Assists with submerged aquatic vegetation surveys, benthic habitat mapping, coral assessments, aquatic species observations, and ecological monitoring
• Uses transects, quadrats, underwater measurements, photography, video, and other approved survey methods to document aquatic resources
• Collects and labels biological or environmental samples using approved protocols and maintain chain-of-custody records when applicable
• Prepares accurate field notes, dive logs, site references, sample records, and survey documentation
• Organizes photographs and video, enter field data, and support project quality assurance and quality control
• Assists with equipment preparation, routine inspections, cleaning, storage, and maintenance within the employee’s training and authorization
• Supports vessel mobilization, loading, field logistics, and boat-based operations under designated supervision
• Performs shoreline surveys, equipment support, data processing, and other related tasks when diving is not scheduled or conditions prevent diving
• Participates in safety briefings and emergency response drills; promptly report equipment concerns, incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 0 years of related experience
• High school diploma or GED required
• Bachelor's and/or Master's of Science in Marine Science, Environmental Engineering, Ecology, Environmental Science or other degree relevant to the practice of Environmental Consulting is preferred
• Documented diving experience supported by dive logs or other verifiable records, including recent diving activity
• Ability to learn and follow scientific survey methods, identify observations accurately, and maintain organized field records
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Dependable, self-motivated, and detail-oriented
• Basic knowledge of environmental principles
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Developing project management and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Basic understanding of environmental regulations, permitting processes, and test methods
• Ability to lift and carry field equipment (~40 lbs)
• Diving experience in variable visibility, currents, and boat-based settings
• Small-vessel experience, boating safety training, or experience supporting field mobilization
• Familiarity with GPS equipment, electronic field forms, spreadsheets, or GIS applications
• Advanced scuba, rescue diver, or nitrox training relevant to project assignments
• Availability for project-based scheduling, early departures, occasional extended field days, and travel or overnight assignments as needed
• Work may involve heat, humidity, sun exposure, changing weather, variable water conditions, wet or uneven surfaces, vessel movement, boarding ladders, and handling dive and sampling equipment

License and Certifications

Required:

• Scuba certification from an internationally recognized training organization (i.e. PADI or NAUI)
• Medical clearance for diving through the program’s designated process
• Current CPR, first aid, AED, and emergency oxygen administration training
• Completion of applicable scientific diver training or acceptance of prior qualifications through the program’s reciprocity process.
• Watermanship, diving skills, and checkout evaluations
• Approval of dive equipment and authorization appropriate to the planned depth, conditions, equipment, and survey tasks
• If driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required

Preferred:

• American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) Scientific Diver qualification and current authorization through an AAUS Organizational Member
• PADI, NAUI, or other internationally recognized certification as Open Water or greater

*The position may be temporary based on project-specific needs

About Us

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,200 employees in 125 offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #144 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2026) and #38 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2026). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.