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Our COMPANY

Join us on our mission

The Great Bubble Barrier is a fast-growing Dutch social enterprise located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. To keep our rivers free from plastic we always need talented, motivated pioneers which can support us in our mission. Are you ready to put your strengths to work and take on one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time?

WORKING AT THE GREAT BUBBLE BARRIER

Who we are

Our drive comes from a deep love and respect for our oceans. We are sailors, surfers, divers. Whether it’s working on Research and Development of our Bubble Barrier technology, or finding creative ways to educate about plastic pollution and the need to stop it in rivers: we hire talent from all backgrounds to work together on that one mission. No worries if you aren’t a water sport enthusiast, we are dedicated to work on a diverse and inclusive team! 

Inspired to work on a meaningful mission?

For all career opportunities and volunteer positions, visit our job openings. 

Our culture

Our career opportunities

Project Manager

Help us realise new Bubble Barrier projects to protect our oceans and rivers from plastic pollution.

As our new Project Manager, you’ll be working with our team to implement Bubble Barriers around the world.

 

    • 36-40 hours per week
    • € 3.000 – € 4.000
    • Start date: As soon as possible
    • Fluent in English & Dutch
    • Based in The Netherlands
    • EU working permit required
More information about this job:

As our new Project Manager, your first task will be to oversee and coordinate the feasibility studies for upcoming projects. Once a project has been deemed feasible, you will manage the implementation with our technical team.

Founded in 2017 by four individuals, The Great Bubble Barrier is a Dutch social enterprise, which developed an effective technology to stop plastic pollution in rivers before it flows into our oceans, using bubbles.

Each year 1.8 million tonnes of plastic enters our ocean via rivers. Once lost at sea, plastic is almost impossible to retrieve and degrades into smaller particles. The Great Bubble Barrier’s mission therefore is to stop it closer to the source without interfering with marine life or boat traffic.

After five years of R&D and pilots, the team developed the world’s first Bubble Barrier technology to effectively capture plastic in rivers. The first long-term Bubble Barrier was installed in the canals of Amsterdam, Netherlands in November 2019, followed by Katwijk, Netherlands in 2022 and Vila do Conde, Portugal in 2023.

What you’ll be doing

  • Coordinate and write project feasibility studies in collaboration with our technical team
  • Maintain effective relationships with local authorities (permits, partnerships, etc.) and other stakeholders
  • Manage project budgets and report project updates to the Operational Director on a regular basis
  • Keep timesheets and capacity plans up to date, check and control deliverables and fulfil reporting obligations
  • Align project requirements and changes with the Engineering, Sales and Marketing and Communication teams
  • Coordinate the implementation of a new Bubble Barrier on-site with our technical team

Skills & Requirements

  • Academic degree or equivalent in engineering
  • Good literacy, numeracy and report-writing skills in fluent Dutch & English
  • Willing to travel nationally and internationally for projects (For two weeks twice per year & one week four times per year)
  • Experience in successful project deliveries (>3 projects; at least 1 project with a minimum value of €100,000)
  • Valid driving licence (B)
  • Experience working with external consultants and contractors
  • Intrinsic motivation to combat plastic pollution
  • Thrive to engage and build relationships across organisations with differing objectives and priorities
  • (Optional) Experience of work in the area of marine litter: marine technology, European strategy for Marine Litter, mitigation, ecological impacts, communication

What we offer

We are a young and fast-growing start-up dedicated to improving our rivers and oceans’ health. You’ll be joining us in our mission, working in a fun environment with a team of passionate people.

  • Salary indication: € 3.000 – € 4.000 gross, excluding holiday allowance of 8% (depending on experience)
  • 20 holidays (based on a 40/h week) + 5 standard days off
  • Free lunch, social drinks and team events
  • Travel cost compensation for public transport
  • Company laptop and phone costs covered
  • Flexible work hours and home office days
  • Employee discounts

How to apply

Would this role suit you? Send us your resume and cover letter (in English) to hr@thegreatbubblebarrier.com.

Questions

Visit our website for more information on The Great Bubble Barrier or get in touch at hr@thegreatbubblebarrier.com

———–

As a social enterprise, our profits are directly invested back into our mission and the salary offered may not reflect those of a commercial entity.

The Great Bubble Barrier is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity, regardless of sex, marital status, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and any other characteristics unrelated to the performance of the job. Selection will be in accordance with objective, job-related criteria and the appointment will be based on the applicant’s merits and abilities.

Executive Assistant and Office Manager

Have a passion for sustainability and looking for a new challenge?

We are looking for someone who is a great organiser, structured, agile and with great administrative skills to support our founders and our team.

 

    • 36 – 40 hours per week
    • 2.800 – € 3.500 per month
    • Starting immediately
    • Fluent in English & Dutch
    • Based in The Netherlands
    • EU working permit required
More information about this job:

As Executive Assistant and Office Manager, you will play a vital role in The Great Bubble Barrier’s mission to protect our oceans and rivers from plastic pollution.

As the right hand of the founders, you will be supporting HR, management of our accounts and sales opportunities, investor relations as well as managing the office. Are you that passionate and driven administration professional with experience in multiple fast-paced environments?

Plastic pollution is a worldwide problem. Even with advanced waste management infrastructure, canals and rivers still show significant pollution with plastics. That’s why we created The Great Bubble Barrier. Our mission is to stop plastic pollution in rivers and canals before it reaches our oceans… with bubbles! By recovering plastic debris early on, we minimise its negative impact on the environment. Joining The Great Bubble Barrier means you’ll be joining our fight for cleaner rivers and oceans.

Dive into these thrilling challenges

You will be supporting the three currently operational founders of The Great Bubble Barrier, i.e., our Chief of Business Development Anne Marieke Eveleens, Chief Technical Officer Philip Ehrhorn and Chief Operations Officer Francis Zoet in their day-to-day operations.

This means you will have unparalleled access to learn about all parts of the business. The position is a hybrid of an executive assistant, office/business operations manager, and a key role in the smooth operation of The Great Bubble Barrier.

Your responsibilities

Executive Assistant:

  • Be the second brain of the founders; help them focus on what is most important.
  • Support the founders with time management, setting personal priorities, managing agendas for internal and external engagement
  • Manage the founder’s email inbox, flag topics for their attention, communicate on their behalf and ensure actions are completed on time
  • Manage the founder’s team calendars and schedule meetings and events, making sure they are at the right spot at the right time to advance our mission
  • Facilitate efficient meetings: keep time, record notes, assign and follow up on action items

Office manager and business operations:

  • Manage a high workload while maintaining an upbeat attitude.
  • Manage office and facility operations (e.g. ordering supplies)
  • Create and document team/cross-functional processes in the company handbook.
  • Continuously identify ways to improve processes and productivity
  • Research and evaluate new tools (e.g. apps) to make processes more efficient and scalable

Talents to turn the tide with us; what you bring

  • Minimum 3 years experience as an executive/team assistant and/or project management
  • Experience managing cross-functional projects and holding team members accountable
  • Comfort with online collaboration workspaces (Dropbox & Asana)
  • Highly responsive on Slack and by email (during normal business hours)
  • Self-motivated, resourceful and determined
  • You have exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills
  • No problem with multi-tasking and staying on top of different deadlines
  • Hardworking, reliable and a team player
  • Affinity with ocean health, sustainability and/or preventing plastic pollution
  • Working from the Netherlands

Meet the Crew

Step into a team that’s a vibrant blend of strategic masterminds and innovators. Our crew, hailing from diverse cultural backgrounds, brings a rich tapestry of perspectives to the table. With a strong anchor in strategy, we’re always charting new waters with our energetic and forwardthinking approach. Our team dynamics are shaped by personalities who excel in decisionmaking and management and thrive on exploration and change. Together, we’re not just riding the waves of the plastic pollution challenge; we’re reshaping the tides. Join us and be part of this transformative journey.

Anchor your growth: what we offer

We are a young and fast-growing start-up dedicated to improving our rivers and oceans’ health. You’ll be joining us in our mission, working in a fun environment with a team of passionate and talented people.

Let’s get down to the knots:

  • Salary indication: 2800 – 3500 euros gross for 40 hours/week, plus a holiday allowance of 8%
  • 20 holidays + 5 company closing days (based on 40h/week)
  • Company laptop and phone costs covered
  • Travel cost compensation for public transport
  • Flexible work hours / working remotely possible
  • Room for your ideas and creativity
  • Free lunch, social drinks, and team events

How to apply:

Would this role suit you? Send us your resume and cover letter (in Dutch or English) to hr@thegreatbubblebarrier.com.

Have a question? Send us an email at hr@thegreatbubblebarrier.com or visit our website www.thegreatbubblebarrier.com.

———–

As a social enterprise, our profits are directly invested back into our mission and the salary offered may not reflect those of a commercial entity.

 The Great Bubble Barrier is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity, regardless of sex, marital status, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and any other characteristics unrelated to the performance of the job. Selection will be in accordance with objective, job-related criteria and the appointment will be based on the applicant’s merits and abilities.

Research Internship: Sedimentation

Help us protect our oceans and rivers from plastic pollution by getting Bubble Barrier projects off the ground.

As a Research Intern at The Great Bubble Barrier, you will be working with the Science and R&D team to monitor current projects and their impact on the environment.

 

    • 36 – 40 hours per week (3-6 months)
    • Start date: As soon as possible
    • Fluent in English
    • Based in The Netherlands
More information about this job:
Are you fascinated by the intersection of technology and environmental conservation? Join The Great Bubble Barrier as a Sedimentation Impact Research Intern and explore the effects of our innovative Bubble Barrier technology on sedimentation.

This internship offers a unique chance to contribute to cutting-edge research and make a tangible impact on plastic pollution and aquatic ecosystems.

Your responsibilities:

Research and Evaluation:

  • Conduct thorough research on the impact of The Great Bubble Barrier technology on sedimentation in aquatic environments.
  • Evaluate existing data and scientific literature to understand the role of the Bubble Barrier in sedimentation management.

Field Monitoring:

  • Collaborate with our field operations team to set up monitoring stations at Bubble Barrier sites, collecting real-time data on sedimentation patterns.
  • Utilize field instruments and sampling techniques to assess sediment dynamics in the presence of the bubble barrier.

Collaboration with Experts:

  • Consult environmental scientists, hydrologists, and experts in sedimentation to gain insights and incorporate expert perspectives into the research.

Data Analysis:

  • Analyze collected data to quantify changes in sedimentation levels attributed to the presence of the Bubble Barrier.
  • Use statistical tools and models to interpret findings and draw meaningful conclusions.

Report Compilation:

  • Compile research outcomes into comprehensive reports, outlining the impact of the Bubble Barrier on sedimentation and proposing potential enhancements.

Communication and Outreach:

  • Effectively communicate research findings through presentations and reports.
  • Collaborate with the communication team to share insights with stakeholders and the wider community.

Skills & Requirements

  • Currently pursuing a degree in environmental science, marine biology, hydrology, or a related field.
  • Strong research and analytical skills with an ability to interpret scientific data.
  • Comfortable working in field conditions and collecting data in aquatic environments.
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools and statistical software.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • A proactive and self-driven approach to research projects.

What you get:

We are a young and fast-growing start-up dedicated to improving our rivers and oceans’ health. You’ll be joining us in our mission, working in a fun environment with a team of passionate and talented people.

  • Allowance € 375 per month
  • Travel cost compensation (public transport)
  • Flexible work hours / working remotely possible
  • Room for your ideas/creativity
  • Free lunch, social drinks, and team events
  • Centrally located office in Amsterdam at the vibrant Marineterrein

How to apply:

Would this role suit you? Send us your resume and cover letter (in Dutch or English) to hr@thegreatbubblebarrier.com.

Have a question? Send us an email at hr@thegreatbubblebarrier.com or visit our website www.thegreatbubblebarrier.com.

———–

As a social enterprise, our profits are directly invested back into our mission and the salary offered may not reflect those of a commercial entity.

 The Great Bubble Barrier is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity, regardless of sex, marital status, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and any other characteristics unrelated to the performance of the job. Selection will be in accordance with objective, job-related criteria and the appointment will be based on the applicant’s merits and abilities.

Research Internship: CO2 Impact

Help us protect our oceans and rivers from plastic pollution by getting Bubble Barrier projects off the ground.

As a Research Intern at The Great Bubble Barrier, you will be working with the Science and R&D team to monitor current projects and their impact on the environment.

 

  • 36 – 40 hours per week (3-6 months)
  • Start date: As soon as possible
  • Fluent in English
  • Based in The Netherlands
More information about this job:
Are you passionate about the environment and eager to contribute to a sustainable future? Join us as an Environmental Impact Research Intern at The Great Bubble Barrier and play a crucial role in investigating the carbon footprint of plastic pollution.

This internship goes beyond the traditional scope, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the environmental challenges we face and contribute to meaningful change. While the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) of plastic production and consumption start to become clearer, the first articles are just published about the climate effect of plastic debris.

We would like you to research the direct GHG emissions of plastic pollution while in nature and the indirect GHG emissions based on the effects of plastic pollution.

Your responsibilities:

  • Research and Analysis:

    • Conduct in-depth research on the carbon footprint of plastic pollution when in the environment, exploring its environmental impact from various angles.

    • Analyze existing data and scientific literature to understand the correlation between plastic pollution and carbon emissions.

  • Data Collection:

    • Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to gather data on plastic production.

    • Utilize scientific methods to measure and quantify the carbon emissions associated with plastic debris.

  • Collaboration and Networking:

    • Consult environmental organizations, research institutions, and experts in the field to gather insights and validate research findings.

  • Report Generation:

    • Compile research findings into a final report, highlighting the carbon impact of plastic pollution.

  • Communication and Outreach:

    • Effectively communicate research findings through presentations and reports.

    • Collaborate with our communication team to create visualizations and to raise awareness about the environmental implications of plastic pollution based on your research.

Skills & Requirements

  • Currently pursuing a degree in environmental science, sustainability, or a related field.
  • Strong research and analytical skills with an ability to interpret complex scientific data.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools and software.
  • A proactive and self-driven approach to research projects.
  • Passion for environmental sustainability and a commitment to making a positive impact.

What we offer:

We are a young and fast-growing start-up dedicated to improving our rivers and oceans’ health. You’ll be joining us in our mission, working in a fun environment with a team of passionate and talented people.

  • Allowance € 375 per month
  • Travel cost compensation (public transport)
  • Flexible work hours / working remotely possible
  • Room for your ideas/creativity
  • Free lunch, social drinks, and team events
  • Centrally located office in Amsterdam at the vibrant Marineterrein

How to apply:

Would this role suit you? Send us your resume and cover letter (in Dutch or English) to hr@thegreatbubblebarrier.com.

Have a question? Send us an email at hr@thegreatbubblebarrier.com or visit our website www.thegreatbubblebarrier.com

———–

 The Great Bubble Barrier is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity, regardless of sex, marital status, race, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and any other characteristics unrelated to the performance of the job. Selection will be in accordance with objective, job related criteria and the appointment will be based on applicant’s merits and abilities.

Can’t find your dream job on this page, or there are no open vacancies?

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Meet the team

Francis Zoet

Francis Zoet

Chief Operating Officer

Co-Founder

Anne Marieke Eveleens

Anne Marieke Eveleens

Chief Business Development Officer

Co-Founder

Philip Ehrhorn

Philip Ehrhorn

Chief Technology Officer

Co-Founder

Sophie Bergisch

Sophie Bergisch

Chief Financial Officer

Carla Wessels

Carla Wessels

Marketing & Communications Director

Erwin Schuitemaker

Erwin Schuitemaker

Project engineer

Geert Koemans

Geert Koemans

Project engineer

Marin van Wetering

Marin van Wetering

Account Executive

Judith de Waard

Judith de Waard

PR & Communication Manager

Ana Junqueira Pessoa

Ana Junqueira Pessoa

Project Manager

Louis le Duc

Louis le Duc

Research and Development Engineer

Bianca Kuenzel

Bianca Kuenzel

Project Communication Manager

Finn Begemann

Finn Begemann

Impact Researcher

Saskia Studer

Saskia Studer

Freelance Creative

Co-Founder

Advisory board

Susan Houben

Susan Houben

Marketing Advisor

Gert-Jan Siepel

Gert-Jan Siepel

Operation Advisor

Karlien Maas

Karlien Maas

Project Manager Advisor

Diederik Wokke

Diederik Wokke

Finance Advisor

Roel Kusters

Roel Kusters

Sales & Business Development Advisor

Volunteers

Sarah Walkley

Sarah Walkley

Research & Copywriting Support

Volunteer

Simone in 't Veld

Simone in 't Veld

Communication Support

Volunteer

René Coppens

René Coppens

Communication Support

Volunteer

Former Bubblers

We are eternally grateful for the former team members who worked alongside us on our mission.

Lotte Spaargaren

Lotte Spaargaren

Floris Steenland

Floris Steenland

Lotte Bont

Lotte Bont

Sonja Fortuin

Sonja Fortuin

Sandy Reitsma

Sandy Reitsma

Patrick Lie

Patrick Lie

Leander van der Veer

Leander van der Veer

Veronique Lalain

Veronique Lalain