Job Reference: PDK005
Application Deadline: 27 March 2023
Start Date: Immediate
Location: Kuredu Island Resort & Spa, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives
Duration: One year with possibility to extend
This is a full-time paid position with meals and accommodation provided. The successful candidate must speak fluent German.
About ORP
The Olive Ridley Project (ORP) is on a mission to protect sea turtles and their habitats through rescue and rehabilitation, 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 on 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 more than 35,000 observations, and work with an international team of experts to improve the method.
In 2017, ORP partnered with Prodivers Maldives, Kuredu, in the north of Lhaviyani Atoll, to monitor the resident sea turtle population. Now, our Lhaviyani databases are among the largest and longest standing in the country regarding sea turtle photo identification, behaviour and nesting.
About The Position
We are looking for an enthusiastic sea turtle biologist to join the ORP team in Lhaviyani.
Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
- Photo-ID research
- Behaviour research
- Nesting research and monitoring
- Ghost gear retrieval and data collection
- Database management & analyses
- Providing necessary care and first aid for entangled sea turtles in preparation for relocation to ORPs rehabilitation centres (training provided)
- Assisting with sea turtle dives and snorkels for resort guests and staff
- Delivering educational presentations to resort guest and staff
- Taking part in raising environmental awareness at the resort and in the Lhaviyani Atoll community, liaising with local stakeholders
- Evidence building to implement sea turtle protection in the atoll
- Creating social media and website content
Minimum requirements
The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications, experience, and skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, zoology, environmental science or related field (candidates without a Bachelor’s degree but with extensive experience in conservation will be considered)
- Fluency in written and spoken English & German
- Qualified SCUBA diver, Advanced Open Water or equivalent and above is preferred
- Experience handling large datasets, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
- Excellent communication and organization skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Knowledge of, and a passion for, the marine environment and conservation
Assets
- Experience working in a remote resort envronment
- Experience in a customer/guest facing role
- Prior knowledge of R statistical language and analyses
- Experience working with sea turtles
- Experience with underwater photography
How to apply
If you are interested in joining the ORP team as a Sea Turtle Biologist & Guest Educator, and fulfill the requirements for this rewarding opportunity, please forward your current CV, along with a covering letter stating your motivation for applying for the role to lauren.king@oliveridleyproject.org by 27 March 2023. Please make sure to include Job Reference PDK005 + Your Full Name in the email subject line.
