Marine Debris Technician II

IBSS • Full-time • Kailua, HI, US • 3m ago

Job Title: Marine Debris Technician II

Location: PMDP HQ; 905 Kalanianaole Hwy. #5017, Kailua, HI 96734

Hourly Rate: $18/ hour

Application Deadline: July 31, 2026

To apply, please follow these steps:

Visit https://ibsscorp.com/careers/
Select the position you are interested in
Review the job details, then click Apply Now
Complete and submit your application

Position Summary:

IBSS is hiring up to eight (8) Marine Debris Technician II positions to support the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project (PMDP) in conducting large-scale marine debris removal operations throughout the remote coral reefs, islands, and atolls of the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS).

This is a short-term, full-time position that includes participation in up to two 30-day field missions aboard a research vessel. Field missions are tentatively scheduled for:

August 7-28, 2026
September 14-October 8, 2026

Marine Debris Technician II personnel are experienced field technicians who serve as key members of PMDP's marine debris response team. They will conduct underwater freediving surveys and marine debris removal operations, support operational planning using GIS tools, maintain and troubleshoot field equipment, collect and process scientific data, and assist with logistics before, during, and after field missions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Participate in up to 60 days of field operations within PNMS aboard a research vessel, serving as a small boat operator and freediver to remove derelict fishing gear and other marine debris from shallow coral reefs (0-30 feet) and shoreline environments.
Conduct underwater freediving (breath-hold snorkeling) surveys and marine debris removal operations to assess, monitor, and mitigate impacts to coral reef ecosystems.
Conduct shoreline marine debris removal operations throughout the islands and atolls of Papahānaumokuākea.
Support operational planning for small boat and dive operations using ArcGIS and other mapping tools.
Collect, identify, document, and manage field data related to marine debris, benthic habitats, and wildlife observations using established survey protocols.
Prepare, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair field equipment, including inflatable boats, outboard engines, dive equipment, safety equipment, survey equipment, and rigging systems.
Successfully complete all required refresher training, including:
- Dive Physical Examination
- CPR, First Aid, and AED Certification
- Emergency Oxygen Administration Certification
- Austere First Responder Training
- Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC)
- Open Water Module (OWM)
- Swim Fitness Test:
  - 500-meter swim in under 15 minutes
  - 25-meter underwater breath-hold swim
  - 30-minute water tread
- Freediver Qualification:
  - 20-meter breath-hold dive
  - 3-minute static breath hold
- Marine Debris Specialized Task Endorsement (STE)
- Crane Signal Person and Rigging Certification
- Cultural Resource, Wildlife, and Permit Access Briefings
Assist with field equipment inspections, inventory management, repairs, and procurement of equipment and supplies.
Perform quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of field data and assist with data processing, technical reports, presentations, and project documentation.
Assist with the transportation, processing, and disposal of recovered marine debris.
Operate pickup trucks and trailers to transport boats, equipment, and recovered marine debris.
Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors or project management.

Minimum Qualifications:

U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.
One to three (1-3) years of previous PMDP, NOAA, or equivalent experience conducting ship-based marine debris removal operations.
Minimum of one (1) year of post-high school education or professional work experience.
Ability to meet medical requirements for in-water operations and extended at-sea duty, including successful completion of a post-offer dive physical examination.
Current Open Water SCUBA certification from a nationally recognized training agency.
Valid Hawaii Boater Education Card (BoatUS or equivalent).
Valid driver's license.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in marine science, environmental science, biology, natural resources, or a related field.
One to three (1-3) years of marine field experience, including extended offshore deployments of up to 30 consecutive days.
Ability to safely perform physically demanding field work, including repeatedly lifting up to 50 pounds of equipment or recovered marine debris throughout a workday.
Proficiency operating 16-26-foot small boats in open-ocean conditions, including Hawaii Boater Education and/or DOI Motorboat Operator Certification (MOCC/OWM).
Experience inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing inflatable boats, outboard engines, dive equipment, rigging equipment, and field gear.
Previous experience working around Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, seabirds, and other protected wildlife within Papahānaumokuākea or similar remote marine environments.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe Acrobat, and ArcGIS.
Experience using power tools and hand tools for equipment maintenance and repair.

Required Personal Dive Equipment:

Applicants must provide their own:

2-4 mm wetsuit
Mask
Snorkel
Fins

PMDP-Provided Equipment:

PMDP will provide:

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Hard hat
Work gloves
Biosecurity clothing
Weight belt and dive weights

About IBSS Corp.

Since 1992, IBSS, a woman-owned small business, has provided transformational consulting services to the Federal defense, civilian, and commercial sectors. Our services include cybersecurity and enterprise information technology, environmental science and engineering (including oceans, coasts, climate, and weather), and professional management services.

Our approach is to serve our employees by investing in their growth and development. As a result, our employees bring greater capabilities and provide exceptional service to our clients. In addition to creating career development opportunities for our employees, IBSS is passionate about giving back to the community and serving the environment. We strive to leave something better behind for the next generation.

We measure our success by the positive impact we have on our employees, clients, partners, and the communities we serve. Our tagline, Powered by Excellence, is a recognition of the employees that make up IBSS and ensures we deliver results with quality, applying industry best practices and certifications.

IBSS offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage with a company-paid deductible, paid time off, federal holidays, a matching 401K plan, tuition/professional development reimbursement, and Flex-Spending (FSA)/Dependent Care Account (DCA) options.

IBSS is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Click https://www.eeoc.gov/poster to see that the EEO is the law. Please direct any inquiries to the HR Department email at HR@ibsscorp.com.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Talent Acquisition department at Recruiting@ibsscorp.com