Marine Survey Technician (CPR Survey)

The Marine Biological Association

Hours: 37 hours per week

The role

Are you interested in helping to shape the understanding of our oceans? Join our Operations Team and contribute to the world’s most extensive and longest‑running survey of marine plankton. The Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey has operated since 1931 and continues to provide vital insights into climate change, fisheries, biodiversity, and the impact of microplastics. From our base in Plymouth, we work closely with the merchant shipping community, who tow CPRs across global shipping routes. CPR units are prepared, dispatched, and returned to our workshops, where they are carefully maintained and serviced.

We are looking to recruit a Marine Survey Technician who will play a central role in ensuring our CPR fleet and associated equipment remain safe, functional, and ready for deployment. Working as part of a small, dedicated team, you will help maintain and oversee a global network of volunteer merchant vessels that support the Survey.

The role is primarily weekday, office‑hours work; however, some flexibility is required, as occasional out‑of‑hours tasks may be necessary to meet vessel schedules. You will also be expected to travel periodically within the UK – and occasionally overseas – to support ship visits, port work, and the setup of volunteer vessels and shoreside networks.

We are seeking enthusiastic applicants with experience in mechanical assembly, strong practical skills, and excellent attention to detail. You should be comfortable working safely in a workshop environment and able to adapt to the practical, hands‑on nature of the role. Please be aware that aspects of this role require a degree of physical strength and exertion; if this may be a concern, please contact the CPR Survey Operations Manager Alastair McCallien alamcc@mba.ac.uk to discuss.

Full training will be provided in the maintenance and operation of towed mechanical sampling devices (including CPRs) and other associated equipment.

Note: This role is based at the Wallsend Workshop, Plymouth (PL4 0RW), with regular travel to our Citadel Hill site (PL1 2PB).

Salary and benefits

Salary based on experience
30 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
3 Privilege Days given by the MBA (used during festive closure week)
Pension scheme – the MBA will contribute 10% of basic salary into a defined contribution scheme with staff making a 3% minimum contribution. The MBA will match additional employee contributions up to an additional 5%
Cycle to work scheme and electronic vehicle lease scheme
Low-cost bookable parking on site (Limited capacity and not guaranteed)

Key responsibilities and skills – see attached Job Description

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified and experienced candidates and seek talented people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives in order to enhance all that we do.

How to apply

Please email recruitment@mba.ac.uk quoting reference 0326MST. You will need to provide three things to apply:

Covering letter that outlines your previous and most relevant experience and explains how and why this makes you right for the role.
CV of education and employment history along with details of two referees (one must be your current employer). References will not be sought in advance.
Confirmation of your right to live and work in the UK*. If providing a share code, please also include your date of birth. Your application will not be considered without this information.

For further information, please contact the Survey Operations Manager (CPR Survey), Alastair McCallien alamcc@mba.ac.uk or 01752 426308.

*Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants without the right to live and work in the UK are not eligible to apply.

Interviews are expected to take place the week commencing 27^th April 2026. Only those invited to interview will be notified.

Please note that we may close this advert early if a high number of applications is received.

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