Join the Reef Rescuers on our coral reef restoration project in MID SEPTEMBER 2026!
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 for volunteer aquaculture intern to assist with the implementation of a coral reef restoration project (http://natureseychelles.org/what-we-do/coral-reef-restoration) while conducting research. 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.
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 work in our land-based aquaculture facility. The experience, skills and knowledge provided will typically include maintenance, coral husbandry, monitoring and coral spawning research in our ex-situ coral nursery. On-the-job training will be provided on restoration techniques (dependent on seasonal activities), reef monitoring protocols and species identification.
The typical workday begins with a team briefing before moving into routine nursery maintenance tasks such as cleaning tanks and monitoring coral development. Midday is reserved for a lunch break, after which the afternoon is spent on varied restoration activities like microfragmentation, cement work, equipment cleaning, early life stage coral husbandry and monitoring. The day typically ends in the late afternoon, though hours may extend depending on projects or conditions. Bachelor or Master students may continue with research or thesis work afterwards. Seasonal and weather-dependent activities include scuba-based reef star deployment, coral collection, gamete checks, and educational outreach, with dive days often taking up the entire morning and adding scuba tank filling duty in the afternoon.
This role is both physically and mentally demanding, therefore volunteers must have a high level of physical fitness and be able to provide a relevant history of working outside and underwater, while being exposed to heat, sun and mosquitos. Applicants with previous experience within reef restoration and/or coral reef ecological monitoring are desirable.
Skills and requirements:
Essential
- An experienced, certified diver (ideally at least PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent) capable of diving in challenging conditions (e.g., strong current, low visibility, strong swell)
- A minimum of 50 logged dives
- Demonstrable experience of carrying out physical work outside and underwater
- High physical fitness and ability to work in harsh conditions
- Practical mind-set with the ability to solve problems 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:
- Coral Aquaculture & Coral Husbandry
- Coral reef restoration and/or tropical marine conservation & research
- Coral reef ecological monitoring
- Personal diving and/or freediving gear
Details:
- Non-paid, voluntary position
- Duration: 3 months
- No fees
- Accommodation provided. Shared dormitory, including kitchen and bathroom. No meals included.
- Domestic travel (from Mahe international airport to base location on Praslin and back) is covered by Nature Seychelles
- Flexible working hours but must be available 08:00-16:00 during weekdays, typically working outside entirely with the potential for weekend work depending on activities planned
- Base location: Centre for Ocean Restoration Awareness Learning (CORAL), Praslin, Republic of Seychelles
- Reporting to Reef Rescuers Science & Technical Field Officers
Timeline:
Apply by: 21/08/2026
Start date: end of September 2026
End Date: mid December 2026
For any question please send an email to luca@natureseychelles.org and vicky@natureseychelles.org
If shortlisted, you will be required to provide copies of both diving and insurance certificates and attend an online interview.