Metocean Engineer / Oceanographer
Type: Full Time
Location: Dorchester, Gloucester or Plymouth offices.
Closing date: 11 October 2026
*Please note we may close this position earlier in case of finding successful candidates.
Why Ocean Ecology?
We are a leading marine environmental consultancy providing trusted survey, technical and advisory services to organisations shaping and governing the global blue economy. We are part of DNV, a global assurance and risk management company and a leading classification society to the maritime industry, enabling us to extend our reach, capability and client base across the UK and internationally.
Ocean Ecology sits within DNV’s Life Sciences business area, bringing together expertise across aquaculture and ocean health, healthcare, and medical technologies into a focused global platform. Within this, we play a key role in delivering independent environmental science and assurance across marine and coastal environments.
Our work is aligned with DNV’s purpose — to safeguard life, property, and the environment — providing trusted marine environmental services for responsible development and governance.
Why apply?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team of passionate marine scientists and contribute to a dynamic and evolving organisation.
We offer industry competitive salaries commensurate with experience, with associated benefits including private health options, extensive training opportunities and a flexible working policy.
The Metocean Engineer / Oceanographer role offers genuine variety, combining marine fieldwork, vessel-based operations, environmental monitoring, data analysis and technical reporting within a dynamic and growing marine consultancy.
Metocean Engineer / Oceanographer – about the role:
As a Metocean Engineer / Oceanographer, you will play a key role in the delivery of coastal, estuarine and nearshore monitoring projects, supporting the collection, processing and interpretation of oceanographic and environmental data.
Working across a range of marine environments, you will be involved in all stages of project delivery, from survey planning and equipment preparation through to field deployment, data analysis and reporting. Typical projects include tidal current and wave monitoring, water quality assessments, plume tracking, baseline environmental monitoring and data collection to support hydrodynamic modelling, coastal development and dredging projects.
You will work with a variety of specialist equipment including Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs), Acoustic Wave and Current profilers (AWAC), direct and recording current meters, RTK GNSS systems, water quality monitoring instruments, tide gauges and meteorological stations. The role combines practical fieldwork and vessel operations with technical data analysis and reporting, providing a varied and rewarding opportunity for someone with an interest in marine science, coastal processes and environmental monitoring.
Key responsibilities:
- Preparing, testing and maintaining oceanographic and environmental monitoring equipment.
- Mobilising and deploying instrumentation in coastal, estuarine and offshore environments.
- Undertaking tidal current, wave and water quality monitoring surveys.
- Deploying, recovering and servicing equipment including ADCPs, current meters, tide gauges and multi-parameter water quality profilers.
- Supporting vessel operations and fieldwork activities.
- Assisting with mooring assembly, maintenance and equipment installation.
- Downloading, processing and quality-checking environmental datasets.
- Analysing tidal, wave and water quality data.
- Preparing technical reports, survey summaries and project documentation.
- Working with telemetry systems, environmental sensors and remote monitoring equipment.
- Supporting the planning and delivery of monitoring programmes and survey campaigns.
- Working in accordance with company QHSE procedures and ISO-accredited management systems.
- Collaborating with project managers, surveyors and environmental specialists to ensure the safe and successful delivery of projects.
About you:
We’re looking for a practical, motivated metocean engineer/oceanographer who enjoys working with specialist equipment and thrives in a dynamic, project‑driven marine environment.
We are looking for someone with:
- Degree level qualification or above in science, engineering, electrical or mechanical disciplines, or a degree in an oceanographic-related subject or equivalent demonstrable knowledge and experience.
- Industry experience in a relevant technical or engineering role (two years’ plus preferred).
- Hands‑on experience delivering technical projects, including deployment of metocean instrumentation in coastal and offshore environments.
- Practical workboat and fieldwork or marine survey experience.
- A systematic, methodical approach with strong attention to detail.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, data loggers, and instrument interfaces with satellite/GSM telemetry systems.
- Strong communication skills and the confidence to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Full manual UK driving licence.
- Offshore survival and medical certificates (training can be provided).
- Powerboat qualifications (desirable).
You’ll also need to be:
- Comfortable working to deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
- Willing to travel (primarily within the UK and Europe, occasional further travel).
- Flexible and adaptable to changing schedules driven by vessel availability and weather conditions.
- Positive, proactive and eager to learn.
Working Arrangements:
The Metocean Engineer / Oceanographer role is based in the UK at one of our Dorchester, Gloucester or Plymouth offices.
Please note that candidates must have an existing right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
How to apply:
Please submit your application through the DNV Careers website using the link below:
Application deadline 11.10.26.
*Please note we may close this position earlier in case of finding successful candidates.