The application deadline for this position has passed. No further applications will be considered.
About ORP
The Olive Ridley Project (ORP) is on a mission to protect sea turtles and their habitats through rescue and rehabilitation, education and outreach and scientific research. At the core of our work is a passionate and dedicated team of scientists, conservationists, citizen scientists and volunteers. We pride ourselves in being able to collaborate with a wide range of diverse groups in order to reach our goal and fill data gaps in sea turtle conservation. The charity is at the forefront of sea turtle conservation, influencing local policy makers, fishing communities and collaborating with research institutes. We currently have bases in Maldives, Oman, Kenya, Pakistan and Seychelles.
Furthermore we conduct research using Photo-ID methods to look at population stability, nesting activity and spatial distribution of sea turtles in the Indian Ocean. We have one of the largest turtle-ID databases in the world with just almost 35,000 observations and work with an international team of experts to better develop the method.
About The Position
In 2021, ORP partnered with Soneva Jani, based in Noonu Atoll in the Maldives to monitor the resident sea turtle population. Together, we are looking to employ an enthusiastic sea turtle biologist who will join the team to lead our research and awareness programs, as well as facilitate the operations of a sea turtle rehabilitation facility on the island under the direction of ORP’s veterinary team.
Job Description
Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Photo-ID research (turtle population monitoring)
- Database management
- Sea turtle nest monitoring and data collection
- Providing the necessary care and first aid for entangled sea turtles under direction of ORP’s veterinary team (training provided)
- Sea turtle rehabilitation under direction of ORP’s veterinary team (training provided)
- Assisting with sea turtle dive and snorkels for resort guests and staff
- Delivering presentations to resort guests and staff
- Taking part in raising environmental awareness at the resort
- Evidence building to implement sea turtle protection on local islands
- Ghost gear recovery and working with project partners on repurposing collected materials
- Creating content for social media
Minimum Requirements
The successful candidate will possess the following minimum qualifications, experience, and skills:
- Minimum bachelor’s degree in marine biology, zoology, environmental science or related field. Candidates without a Bachelor’s degree but extensive experience in conservation will be considered.
- Fluent in spoken and written English.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Qualified SCUBA diver (Advanced Open Water or equivalent and above)
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Knowledge of sea turtle nest excavation and monitoring
- Experience handling large datasets, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
Assets
- Knowledge of, and a passion for, the marine environment and conservation
- Experience working in remote locations or resort with limited resources
- Experience working in animal husbandry such as in an aquarium or a zoo, especially with sea turtles
- Experience managing team members such as students or interns
- Prior knowledge of R statistical language and analyses
- Fluent in other languages, particularly Dhivehi
- Knowledge of GIS or similar mapping software.
How to Apply
The application deadline for this position has passed. No further applications will be considered.
