Work with Nature Seychelles

OPPORTUNITY FOR CORAL REEF RESTORATION RESEARCH AND PRACTICE IN SEYCHELLES

Nature Seychelles, a leading environmental NGO in the Western Indian Ocean which is actively restoring coral reefs in the Cousin Island Special Reserve, a long-term, no-take marine protected area, is offering a unique opportunity to undertake research as part of its coral reef restoration project (http://natureseychelles.org/what-we-do/coral-reef-restoration). Additionally, the successful candidate would play an important role in the ‘Reef Rescuers’ project, being involved in all aspects of our work whilst developing an array of transferable skills within the fields of marine conservation and coral reef restoration.

The successful candidate will ideally be a master’s student (completing their research thesis) who will have the opportunity to run a particular research aspect of the project alongside the team. This may include running an experiment or addressing a scientific hypothesis related to coral restoration. As part of the practice of coral reef restoration, the person will be provided with the unique opportunity of working with the  Reef Rescuers’ Science & Technical Field Officers in the daily running of the reef restoration project, including in-water and office-based work. The experience, skills, and knowledge provided will typically include building, stocking, and maintenance of in-situ coral nurseries, transplanting coral, a range of ecological monitoring (coral diversity, healthy conditions and growth, invertebrates and fish community assessment, etc…), data entry and analysis, dive store and equipment and knowledge management. On-the-job training will be provided on restoration techniques (dependent on seasonal activities), reef monitoring protocols, and species identification.

This role is both physically and mentally demanding, therefore successful candidates must have a high level of physical fitness and be able to provide a relevant history of working underwater. Applicants with previous experience in reef restoration and/or coral ecological monitoring are desirable.

Skills and requirements

Essential

• An experienced, certified diver (ideally PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent) capable of diving in challenging conditions (e.g., current, low visibility).
• A minimum of 50 logged dives. (Please indicate the number of logged dives in the application)
• BSc in marine ecology or directly related subjects.
• MSc ongoing
• Demonstrable experience of carrying out physical work underwater.
• High physical fitness and ability to work in harsh conditions.
• Practical mind-set with the ability to solve problems underwater effectively.
• Flexible to a varying work schedule and capable of living on a remote tropical island.
• Effective communicator and English speaking.
• Suitable diving and travel insurance.
• Research experience including: Experimental design, data collection, and analysis.

Desirable

• Previous experience:

-         Coral reef restoration and/or tropical marine conservation & research

-         Coral reef ecological monitoring

-         Fish, coral and invertebrate species identification (ideally, Western Indian Ocean)

-         Data management and scientific report writing

• Personal dive gear.

• Non-paid, voluntary position.
• Duration 6 months.
• Accommodation provided. Shared dormitory, including kitchen and bathroom. No meals included.
• Flexible working hours, 08:00-16:00 during weekdays, typically conducting up to two dives a day with the potential for weekend work depending on diving conditions.
• Base location: Centre for Ocean Restoration Awareness Learning (CORAL), Praslin, Republic of Seychelles.
• Reporting to Reef Rescuers Science & Technical Field Officers.

Timeline

Apply by: 15th November 2022

Start date: 1st January 2023

End Date: 30 June 2023

To apply, please send a cover letter, CV and digital photo by email, with “Volunteer Research Scientific Diver” in the subject line to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  cc: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If shortlisted, you will be required to provide copies of both diving and insurance certificates and attend an online interview.

 Applicants must all be vaccinated against COVID-19.