Marine Debris Technician (Seasonal)

Rincon Consultants, Inc; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 34,440 - 44,083; Full time

Job summary

Rincon Consultants, Inc. is seeking up to three Marine Debris Technicians (seasonal) to support the NOAA MDMAP project across coastal regions from California to Washington. The role involves extensive travel, field surveys, and data collection for approximately 12 months (09/01/2026–08/31/2027).

You will work on field operations from equipment prep to demobilization, using ArcGIS and Survey123, and coordinating with NOAA staff. A 50 lb lift, long days, and a valid driver’s license are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marine Sciences or a related field.
• Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds repeatedly during a single day, for up to 30 consecutive days.
• Ability to work 10–12+ hour days, as needed.
• Valid driver's license to transport equipment and supplies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Participate in large-scale marine debris surveys and data collection.
• Conduct surveys using ArcGIS platforms such as Survey123.
• Identify and categorize marine debris and benthic habitats using established survey techniques.
• Prepare, maintain, and troubleshoot field equipment, including kayaks, safety equipment, and survey tools.
• Inspect, inventory, and repair field equipment; assist with purchasing as needed.
• Collect, QA/QC, and process data, contributing to the preparation of summary reports for publication and presentation.

Skills

ArcGIS

Survey123

Data collection

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marine Sciences

Tools

Kayaks

Survey equipment

Safety equipment

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Us

We are an award-winning California-based environmental consulting firm with 550+ professionals and more than 30 years of diverse experience serving clients in transportation, energy, water, infrastructure, private development, and government sectors. Our mission is to deliver practical, science-based environmental and planning solutions that support communities, infrastructure, and natural systems.

As a people-centric organization we value collaboration, fairness, and transparency, and are committed to fostering a workplace that supports both personal and professional growth while offering robust career opportunities. We are especially proud of our recent Great Place To Work certification, which reflects an independent assessment of our culture and our team member experiences.

About The Role

Rincon Consultants is seeking up to three (3) Marine Debris Technicians (seasonal) to support the NOAA Marine Debris Project (MDMAP) in conducting large-scale shoreline derelict marine debris survey operations across three regions spanning from Point Conception, California to the San Juan Islands, Washington.

Employment is approximately 12 months in duration, planned for 09/01/2026 – 08/31/2027 (tentative). The technicians will support NOAA MDMAP in all phases of the field operations from field equipment preparation (small boats, kayaks, safety equipment, survey equipment), fieldwork execution, and field work demobilization.

This role requires 100% travel across multiple sites, with work spanning the coastline from Point Conception, California, to the San Juan Islands, Washington. Travel schedules will be determined by survey requirements. While this role may offer flexible work arrangements, including travel-based remote work, employment is seasonal and will require extensive travel.

What You'll Do

• Participate in large-scale marine debris surveys and data collection
• Conduct surveys using ArcGIS platforms such as Survey123
• Identify and categorize marine debris and benthic habitats using established survey techniques
• Prepare, maintain, and troubleshoot field equipment, including kayaks, safety equipment, and survey tools
• Inspect, inventory, and repair field equipment; assist with purchasing as needed
• Collect, QA/QC, and process data, contributing to the preparation of summary reports for publication and presentation

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Marine Sciences or a related field
• Ability to lift fifty (50) pounds of marine debris or equipment repeatedly during a single day, for up to 30 consecutive days
• Ability to work 10–12+ hour days, as needed
• Valid driver's license to transport equipment and supplies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team

Nice to Have

• One to three (1–3) years of relevant experience in marine fieldwork, including work with kayaks or vessels at sea
• Familiarity with NOAA's Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project (MDMAP) surveys
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Adobe productivity tools

Compensation

The hourly rate for this as-needed position ranges from $25.00–$32.00 per hour, depending on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities. Salary ranges are based on the market median of similar jobs, according to third-party salary benchmark surveys. Base pay is determined based on internal equity and a candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Additional Employment Information

Individuals offered employment must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of employment. Additionally, those hired who may be assigned to federal projects will be subject to further drug testing, including screening for cannabinoids (THC/marijuana), in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and other applicable federal regulations, which take precedence over California state and local laws.

Rincon Consultants does not accept unsolicited applicant/candidate resumes from search firm recruiters and/or temporary agencies that do not have a signed contract and specified work order with Rincon Consultants. Further, such resumes received will be deemed the sole property of Rincon Consultants and no fees will be paid in the event Rincon Consultants subsequently hires such individual. Rincon Consultants is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.