Environmental Technician

WKC; Dubai; On-site; AED 201,000 - 312,000; Full time

Job summary

WKC Group is seeking an experienced marine environmental survey technician for on-site work in the UAE. The role focuses on supporting marine ecological services, including surveys, water and sediment quality assessments, biodiversity studies and data analysis.

You will assist ecologists and operate survey vessels, perform transects, and contribute to health and safety on site while maintaining records and equipment. UAE experience is valued.

Qualifications

• BSc in relevant subject (Biology, Zoology, Ecology etc.).
• Experience in ecology related field studies.
• Motor boat licence.
• Boat licence.
• PADI or similar SCUBA accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Support WKC ecologists during field surveys (terrestrial and marine) including data collection and site assessments.
• Identify benthic habitats and collect water, sediment quality samples.
• Lead basic data processing, microscopy and photography of samples.
• Manage field equipment, boats, and navigational tasks during surveys.
• Maintain accurate logs of timesheets, vessel use and laboratory records.

Skills

Ecology field experience

Motor boat licence

SCUBA certification

Field data collection

Education

BSc in Biology/Ecology

Tools

Microscopy

Job description

About WKC Group

WKC is a management-owned, international environmental consultancy specialising in science-led environmental studies that support clients’ permitting, financing and wider corporate objectives. Established in 2009, the company has grown from its origins in the Middle East and Africa to deliver projects globally across sectors including energy, mining, transportation, infrastructure and residential development. Our work combines scientific expertise, regulatory knowledge and industry insight to help clients navigate environmental challenges and deliver sustainable development outcomes. At WKC you’ll work alongside a team of environmental specialists delivering high-impact projects across multiple sectors and regions. Our collaborative partnership model encourages knowledge sharing and innovation across offices, enabling our teams to develop technically robust solutions to environmental challenges.

Role Summary

WKC is offering an opportunity for an experienced, marine environmental survey technician hoping to expand their knowledge of on site survey methods and techniques. The role will be based in the UAE with a focus on offering support to WKC’s marine ecological services. Including marine ecology surveys, water and sediment quality surveys, biodiversity surveys, environmental monitoring and data collation and analysis.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Support WKC ecologists (terrestrial and/or marine) conducting field surveys, including:

• Benthic habitat identification
• MMROWater quality sampling
• Sediment quality sampling
• Habitat health assessment (e.g. seagrass and coral)
• Turtle nesting and hatching surveys
• Drop down video transects
• SCUBA transects
• Data Analysis:Process infauna, plankton and HAB cyst samples.
• Microscopy including sorting infauna and photography or plankton and HAB cysts
• Identification, enumeration and statistics.
• Drive survey vessels (and tow where needed)
• Act as boat captain and provide navigation
• Organise maintenance and calibration of survey equipment
• Keep tracking records up to date (timesheets, vehicle/vessel logs, laboratory records)

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• BSc in relevant subject (e.g. Biology, Zoology, Ecology etc.)
• Experience (work or research experience) in ecology related field studies
• Motor boat licence
• Boat licence
• PADI or similar SCUBA accreditation

Desirable

Over 5 years UAE experience Experience with microscopy analysis Experience with habitat or species translocation or compensation Environmental monitoring expertise First Aid qualifications Experience specifically on ADNOC projects Bosiet training OGUK medical

The candidate should work in a way that aligns with WKC's culture, including:

• A strong focus on technical and scientific accuracy
• Independent work ethic, able to lead in remote field conditions
• A strong focus on health and safety
• Interest in analytics of raw baseline data, and interpretation of results