POSTED: 18th February 2026
STARTING DATE: As soon as possible
FULL TIME, ROTTERDAM

MISSION TO METRICS

The mission of The Ocean Cleanup is to develop advanced technologies to rid the world's oceans of plastic. We design, develop, and deploy cleanup systems to stop plastic from reaching our oceans by intercepting it in rivers. As a River Survey Engineer, you will initiate and lead site assessments, coordinate local survey teams, and deliver the core analyses that guide feasibility, solution direction, and deployment decisions. Acting as the operational backbone of the Site Assessment Team, you ensure consistent technical quality and provide insights which are key to implementing and developing plastic interception technologies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a River Survey Engineer (Medior), your core responsibilities are:

• Plan, lead, and deliver river survey campaigns across multiple projects simultaneously.
• Accountable for deploying and testing sensors and application of monitoring techniques for assessing plastic pollution in water bodies and its correlated environmental variables, assessing the potential for sensor technology improvements and innovation.
• Coordinate local teams, contractors, and partners during field operations.
• Ensure fieldwork adheres to safety protocols and standardized methods.
• Familiarity with advanced data analysis linking hydrology, plastic dynamics, and environmental context.
• Produce Quick Scan (QS), Baseline Field Assessments (BFAs), and Solution Direction reports.
• Translate data trends into actionable insights for concept design, engineering, and deployment planning.
• Provide clear, concise technical communication to project teams and decision-makers.
• Actively establish partnerships with key stakeholders to support project teams and participate in multidisciplinary discussions to provide recommendations from an expert viewpoint.
• Represent the Site Assessment Team in project meetings and technical discussions.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Water Management, Geosciences, Environmental Sciences or similar.
• 3–6 years experience in field engineering, applied research, water systems, or environmental monitoring.
• Proven ability to lead field campaigns and manage multiple projects.
• Experienced and comfortable with managing multidisciplinary projects simultaneously
• Strong data interpretation skills; Python or similar coding experience a plus.
• GIS proficiency (QGIS/ArcGIS).
• Fluent in English and high proficiency in Bahasa - Indonesia.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Enjoys sharing knowledge, communicating key information/findings, and building capacity with the team and partners.
• Strong initiative and independent problem-solver.
• Excellent communicator across cultures and technical disciplines.
• Comfortable with uncertainty and shifting project scopes.
• Able to perform well in a fast-paced and highly challenging environment
• Curious, analytical, and highly hands-on. You can, and you like to execute things yourself.
• Willing to travel extensively.
  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Starting Date: As soon as possible.
• A work permit for the EU is highly preferred for this position. However, feel free to send an open application so we can contact you if an opportunity arises in your country.
• Conducting a pre-employment check is part of our recruitment process.
• At The Ocean Cleanup, we believe we are stronger together, while harnessing the uniqueness each individual brings. That is why we take a fair, equal opportunity, and transparent approach to hiring and welcome special needs requests.