Vacancy: Sea Turtle Biologist & Guest Educator Laamu Atoll

About ORP

The Olive Ridley Project (ORP) is on a mission to protect sea turtles and their habitats through rescue and conservation medicine, scientific research, and education and outreach. 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 the spatial distribution of sea turtles in the Indian Ocean. We have one of the largest sea turtle-ID databases in the world with over 42,700 observations, and work with an international team of experts to better develop our method.

In early 2018, ORP partnered with Six Senses Laamu, based in Laamu Atoll in the Maldives. Here we are part of the award-winning conservation group, Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI), one of the largest marine biology teams in the country. MUI includes Six Senses marine biologists, and researchers from partner NGOs Manta Trust and Blue Marine Foundation. We are now looking for an enthusiastic sea turtle biologist to join the team and lead our research and awareness programmes in Laamu Atoll.

About The Position

We are looking for an enthusiastic sea turtle biologist to join the ORP team to lead our research and awareness programs in Laamu.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Photo-ID research
• Database management
• Sea turtle nest monitoring
• Support sea turtle habitat studies
• Providing the necessary care and first aid for entangled sea turtles in preparation for relocation to ORPs rehabilitation centre (training provided)
• Assisting with sea turtle dives and snorkels for resort guests and staff
• Delivering presentations to resort guests and staff
• Taking part in raising environmental awareness at the resort and for Laamu community
• Evidence building to implement sea turtle protection on local islands
• Creating content for social media
• Supervising the sea turtle biologist intern

requirements

The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications, experience, and skills:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher 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 and organisation skills
• Experience handling large datasets, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• Qualified SCUBA diver, Advanced Open Water or equivalent and above is preferred
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of, and a passion for, the marine environment and conservation

Assets

• Knowledge of sea turtle nest excavation and monitoring
• Knowledge of ecological modeling approaches
• Experience working in a remote resort environment
• Experience in a customer/guest facing role
• Prior knowledge of R statistical language and analyses
• Fluent in other languages, especially Dhivehi

How to apply

If you are interested in joining the ORP team as a Sea Turtle Biologist & Guest Educator and fulfil the requirements for this rewarding opportunity, please send your current CV along with a brief cover letter detailing your motivation for applying, to Senior Scientist Dr Stephanie Köhnk at stephanie@oliveridleyproject.org by 22 June 2025 Be sure to include Job Reference SSLM07 and Your Full Name in the email subject line.