Position Summary

CSA Ocean Sciences is a marine science and technical-services consulting firm that provides a broad range of environmental, coastal, and oceanographic services in Suriname and internationally. Through its Suriname office, CSA delivers environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs), environmental management and monitoring plans, and baseline surveys — increasingly across both offshore (marine) and onshore (terrestrial) projects.

We are seeking a Project Scientist ready to engage in a fast-paced, applied-science role in the private sector. The successful applicant will support high-quality, competitive services to industry, government, and private-sector clients while adhering to CSA's robust internal standards for science, operations, health and safety, quality, and professionalism. The role spans both marine environmental work and onshore environmental impact assessment; we are particularly interested in scientists with some vessel or offshore experience who are ready to pivot to terrestrial work, because the principles of sampling design, rigor, and analysis carry across land and sea — what differs is the method, habitat, and organisms. Candidates with a strong environmental-science foundation who can work confidently in either setting are encouraged to apply.

The successful applicant will be involved in all aspects of CSA projects, including field surveys (marine and terrestrial), data management and analysis, scientific and regulatory reporting, contributing to proposal writing, project support, and client interaction. Strong organizational and teamwork skills are essential. The position requires periodic domestic and international travel, sometimes at short notice, including weekends and, when at sea, day or night shifts, and occasionally for prolonged periods.

Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Support team science across disciplines and teams, and uphold the quality, validity, and accuracy of project science.
Participate in field surveys in both marine and terrestrial settings — including nearshore and intermittent offshore sampling (potentially international, occasionally with prolonged deployment, day or night) and onshore environmental baseline and impact-assessment fieldwork.
Lead and assist with data collection: taking measurements, recording data, and collecting quantitative video and still photography.
Lead and assist with data analysis and the preparation of technical reports, environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA/EIA) chapters, and proposals.
Contribute to proposal writing and to environmental permitting documentation, including work structured to Suriname's Nationale Milieu Autoriteit (NMA) 9-chapter ESIA requirements.
Contribute to positive, professional client interactions.
Adhere to company standards and procedures for field operations, data collection, quality control, and health, safety, security, and the environment (HSSE).
Be accountable for personal safety and the safety of others; attend safety meetings and complete assigned training.
Other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Skills & Experience

B.Sc. with solid relevant consulting/professional experience, or M.Sc. (preferred), in marine or environmental sciences — e.g., marine biology, marine ecology, biological oceanography, environmental science, environmental chemistry, ecology — or a related field.
Experience with environmental impact assessment (marine and/or terrestrial); willingness and ability to work across both offshore and onshore projects.
Familiarity with field sampling and data collection; comfortable conducting fieldwork in the marine environment and on land.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a close-knit team.
Excellent organization and written and oral communication skills, including strong technical and proposal writing.
Fluent in English and Dutch, written and spoken.
Strong working knowledge of computers and standard Microsoft Office software.
Possession of a valid Surinamese driver's license (or ability to obtain one).

Preferred Skills & Experience

Familiarity with Suriname's environmental regulatory framework and the NMA 9-chapter ESIA structure.
Experience working from small vessels or offshore vessels (a distinct advantage given the ability to pivot between offshore and onshore work).
Understanding of the ecology of benthic marine, estuarine, coastal, and terrestrial habitats; taxonomic identification skills.
Experience with environmental sampling equipment and, for marine work, vessel mobilization/demobilization, launch and recovery, and small-boat handling.
Experience with statistical methods and packages (e.g., R, SAS) and with data integration using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Experience supporting the development of successful scientific or technical proposals.
First Aid, CPR, and O2 administration certifications; prior HSSE or environmental-hazard training; offshore certifications such as BOSIET/HUET.
SCUBA / scientific-diving certification (e.g., open-water, AAUS) — an asset, but not required for this position.
Additional language skills.

CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Project Scientist (Marine & Environmental) jobs

Project Scientist (Marine & Environmental)