Field and Lab Technician - Scientific Diver

MBC Aquatic Sciences is a well-established and growing environmental and biological consulting and monitoring firm in southern California with an immediate need for a Field and Lab Technician to join our team.

MBC Aquatic Sciences has been established in southern California for more than 50 years. The successful candidate will work in field, office, and laboratory settings, and must have the social and communication skills to effectively communicate across different personality types with coworkers and clients. Work is performed year-round in a variety of weather conditions, both as individuals and as a team, and some work‑related travel may be required.

The position will require field surveys (marine and freshwater sites), groundwater sampling and sample delivery, benthic sediment sampling and sample sorting, maintaining and operating scientific equipment, launching and retrieving small research vessels, statistical data analysis, and AAUS scientific diving throughout southern California. Accuracy and attention to detail are a must. The MBC office work environment is casual and collaborative. MBC offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including: paid holiday, sick, and vacation time, health insurance (medical, dental, and optical), life insurance, pre‑tax FSA, and 401(k) plan.

This hands‑on and dynamic role is ideal for entry level and early career professionals eager to grow and develop in the environmental science field.

• Field and lab technician (laboratory, boat, AAUS diving, and field work)
• Scientific diving represents only a portion of the work responsibilities
• Standard workdays are Monday through Friday,
• Fieldwork may require extended shifts, nights, and/or weekends
• Some travel and overnight stays will be required for specific field projects

• AA/BS in biology, environmental studies or related field is preferred.
• Current American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) scientific diver certification.
• Prior experience with water quality sampling equipment, automated sampling equipment and pumps, peristaltic pump operation and maintenance, groundwater collections, surface water collections, stormwater monitoring, GPS navigation, and bacteriological sampling procedures is preferred; however, training will be conducted.
• Ability to follow and comprehend standard operating procedures, and health and safety plans are required.
• Eagerness to learn and develop in the environmental monitoring and consulting industry.

Note: This is a specialized position requiring verifiable scientific diving experience and certification (American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) scientific diver). In addition, current certifications for CPR, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Provider are desired along with the ability to pass a diving physical examination and meet established MBC Dive Team minimal standards in performance of scientific diving.

• Perform SCUBA based subtidal surveys and field equipment maintenance as an AAUS certified scuba diver.
• Train to accurately identify and quantify nearshore algae, invertebrates, and fish (Southern California Bight).
• Perform transect and quadrat surveys navigating in a variety of subtidal habitats and visibility conditions (bays/harbors, sand flat, rocky reef, kelp forest)
• Operate and maintain monitoring equipment, including water quality sampling equipment (variety of CTDs and WQ probes), Van Dorn bottles, otter trawl nets, beach seines, plankton sampling equipment, and benthic sampling equipment.
• Launch and retrieve small research vessels, and periodic on‑water operation of vessels.
• Conduct general maintenance of dive gear and dive logs.
• Collect accurate data on datasheets and underwater slates. Complete data entry, and perform QA/QC procedures on data.
• Conduct environmental monitoring in a variety of settings, ranging from marine, freshwater, and terrestrial surveys.
• Perform work in laboratory and field settings.
• Perform tasks in both team and independent settings.
• Perform field work in remote locations in a variety of environmental conditions.
• Perform field work aboard a research vessel in both freshwater and marine settings.
• Conduct scientific diving surveys in both marine and freshwater bodies.

• 10 days paid sick leave/year
• 8 paid holidays/ year
• Medical, dental, and optical insurance
• 401k Plan (eligible after one year of employment)
• Compensation will be negotiated based on experience and will range between $19.00 - $30.00 per hour plus overtime (over 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week).
• Promotions and raises will be based on any additional responsibilities, experience, merit, and demonstration of proficiency in all fields and office tasks.