Field Technician

Job Overview Coastal Estuary Services (CES) is seeking an experienced

Coastal Estuary Services (CES) is seeking an experienced Airboat Operator / Field Technician in Belle Chasse, LA to support the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) program in coastal Louisiana.
CRMS is a comprehensive coastal monitoring program designed to evaluate the effectiveness of wetland restoration, creation, enhancement, and protection efforts across coastal Louisiana. The program monitors individual restoration projects as well as broader, cumulative changes across the coastal landscape.
This Airboat Operator / Field Technician will support field monitoring activities by safely operating airboats and other watercraft, assisting with scientific data collection, preparing equipment and materials for fieldwork, and maintaining company vehicles, watercraft, tools, and equipment. This position is highly field-oriented and requires an individual who is comfortable working in remote coastal environments and varying weather conditions.
Work Schedule: Approximately 70% field work / 30% shop work, with seasonal variation based on sampling and project demands.

• Safely operate airboats, boats, trucks, trailers, and other company-owned equipment in the coastal Louisiana environment.
• Perform routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and basic repairs on airboats, outboard and mud engines, trailers, trucks, and other field equipment.
• Assist with preparation, mobilization, and demobilization of field activities and sampling events.
• Assist scientists and field crews with monitoring activities, environmental data collection, and field measurements.
• Available to travel overnight (Venice, La), paid, roughly every 6 weeks for 2-3 nights
• Perform moderate construction, installation, and maintenance activities associated with monitoring sites and equipment.
• Load, transport, organize, and maintain field equipment, tools, instruments, and supplies.
• Clean and maintain company watercraft, vehicles, equipment, tools, and shop facilities.
• Identify and communicate equipment issues, safety concerns, and field conditions to supervisors.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a field team while meeting established schedules and deadlines.
• Follow all company, client, and project-specific safety procedures and protocols.
• Perform other field, shop, and project-related duties as assigned.

• Extensive boating experience and a strong driving record.
• Airboat operating experience strongly preferred.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and hands-on experience with airboats, outboard motors, mud engines, trailers, and trucks.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain watercraft and vehicles in remote coastal environments.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in hot, cold, wet, humid, and otherwise challenging weather conditions.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting, carrying, loading, unloading, climbing, and working around water and uneven terrain.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work professionally with field personnel, supervisors, scientists, and project management.
• Commitment to safe work practices and proper care of company equipment.

This position is approximately 70% field work and 30% shop/maintenance work, although the ratio may vary throughout the year based on sampling schedules and project demands.
Fieldwork is performed throughout coastal Louisiana and may involve extended periods outdoors, travel to remote monitoring sites, operation of watercraft, and exposure to heat, cold, rain, wind, mud, insects, and other challenging environmental…