Join the Reef Rescuers on our coral reef restoration project in April 2026!
As part of the practice of coral reef restoration, the person will be provided with the unique opportunity to work 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 and ex-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 scientific divers must have a high level of physical fitness and be able to provide a relevant history of working underwater. Applicants with previous experience within reef restoration and/or coral reef 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
- 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
- Fish, coral and invertebrate species identification (ideally, Western Indian Ocean)
Desirable
- BSc/MSc in marine ecology or related subjects.
- Previous experience in coral reef restoration and/or tropical marine conservation & research, coral reef ecological monitoring, data management and scientific report writing
- Personal dive gear
Details:
- Non-paid, voluntary position
- Duration: 3 months
- Accommodation provided. Shared dormitory, including kitchen and bathroom. No meals included.
- Flexible working hours but must be available 08:00-16:00 during weekdays, typically conducting up to two dives a day with the potential for weekend work depending on diving conditions
- Non-diving activities are typically carried out during the afternoon session and focused on the land-based nursery maintenance (e.g., cleaning coral plugs, tanks, assisting the technical staff)
- Base location: Centre for Ocean Restoration Awareness Learning (CORAL), Praslin, Republic of Seychelles
- Reporting to Reef Rescuers Science & Technical Field Officers
Click this link to a Google form to apply
Start date: Early / Mid April 2026
End Date: End of June 2026
If shortlisted, you will be required to provide copies of both diving and insurance certificates and attend an online interview.