Marine Specialist

Position Summary

KAUST Beacon Development (KBD) seeks Marine Specialists to join its expanding team and contribute to environmental projects aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. This role will primarily involve field-based activities, often in remote locations, with responsibilities including coral relocation, reef rehabilitation, marine monitoring, and baseline surveys. Key duties will also include deploying and retrieving marine equipment, collecting and analyzing field data, and ensuring proper documentation and reporting.

The position may include additional responsibilities depending on project needs, such as:

• Supporting other survey teams (including non-marine projects).
• Managing logistics, equipment preparation, permitting, and daily operational paperwork.
• Providing input to Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) or technical documents.
• Offering specialist insights to clients and KBD team members.

Marine Specialists will typically report to a Project Manager (PM), operating independently in the field and overseeing survey arrangements and execution. Surveys often involve small teams working from day vessels, with occasional extended operations aboard larger liveaboard vessels. Collaborative teamwork will be essential for coral relocation or reef rehabilitation projects.

Additional tasks may include:

• Maintenance and calibration of marine instrumentation.
• Train team members and mentor junior personnel, especially Saudi nationals who are passionate about marine science.

A strong emphasis on safety, operational excellence, and capacity building is integral to the role. Marine Specialists are expected to uphold KBD's commitment to quality and foster professional development among team members, contributing to the growth of local expertise in marine and environmental sciences.

Major Responsibilities

The Marine Specialist will be responsible for a range of field and project support activities, including but not limited to:

Field Activities:

• Conducting marine field operations such as coral relocation, sample collection, marine surveys, and equipment deployment/retrieval.
• Planning, leading, and executing fieldwork in alignment with established scientific methodologies.
• Ensuring compliance with on-site safety protocols and Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) processes.

Project Support:

• Assisting with logistics, including equipment preparation, permitting, material transfers, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Completing daily paperwork and ensuring timely reporting of activities.
• Maintaining effective communication with Project Managers (PMs), team members, clients, and relevant authorities.

Advanced Responsibilities (Based on Experience and Capabilities):

• Managing teams or projects as required.
• Performing data management, analysis, and interpretation.
• Prepare marine environmental baseline surveys (MEBS) or monitor reports.
• Contributing to developing Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and other technical documents.
• Developing cost proposals for marine activities.
• Interfacing with clients to provide technical insights and updates.
• Calibrating and maintaining marine instrumentation and equipment.

Note: Additional tasks may be assigned depending on project requirements. All activities are expected to align with KBD's commitment to safety, excellence, and quality.

Personal Requirements:

Competencies:

The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in standard marine field sampling and survey techniques, coupled with the ability to work independently or collaboratively in a team. They should have a strong drive to enhance their field, management, and reporting skills through self-initiative and available training opportunities.

KBD prioritizes a culture of safety, excellence, and quality, and the Marine Specialist must ensure these values are embedded in all activities.

Essential Skills and Attributes:

• Strong planning and organizational capabilities.
• A dependable, accountable approach, with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, with a commitment to professional ethics and adherence to institutional policies.
• Discretion and professionalism when handling confidential information.
• Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in a multicultural work environment.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Effective communication with team members, management, clients, and relevant authorities.
• Initiative, resilience, and the ability to perform effectively under pressure.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality work on time and within budget.
• Commitment to mentoring and supporting the development of junior staff.
• Ability to operate effectively in both field and office environments.
• The successful candidate should align with KBD's commitment to operational excellence, contribute to the professional growth of colleagues, and embody the values of safety, integrity, and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree (or higher) in Marine Ecology, Environmental Studies, or a closely related field.
• Dive Certification: Minimum certification of Rescue Diver (or equivalent).

Experience

• Essential:

1. Minimum two years of relevant experience, including marine field surveys (experience from postgraduate studies such as a Master's or Ph.D. may be considered).
2. Proficient scientific diver.
3. Strong command of English, both written and verbal.

• Desirable:

1. Familiarity with taxonomic classification of Red Sea species (corals, fish, invertebrates, etc.).
2. Experience in coral translocation or reef rehabilitation projects.
3. Proficiency in specialized survey techniques such as photogrammetry or eDNA analysis.
4. Development of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) to IFC standards.
5. Prior experience in environmental consultancy or work in the Middle East.
6. Proficiency in Arabic (spoken and written) is a distinct advantage.

• Personal Attributes:

A demonstrated passion for marine environmental conservation and restoration.

• Post-Selection and Induction Requirements:

Successful candidates will be required to complete the following during the induction process:

1. A detailed dive medical (arranged by KBD).
2. A timed swimming assessment to confirm water competency and physical fitness.
3. A checkout dive with the KBD Dive Safety Supervisor to assess in-water proficiency, including buoyancy control.

Note: Employment is contingent upon passing all medical, fitness, and dive assessments, as well as demonstrating competence in required skills.