RESEARCH ASSISTANT & DIVEMASTER INTERNSHIP

For 2022 through 2023 the EcoDiver programme will not be running, However a New volunteer opportunity will be launching soon, ‘The Reef Doctor Collaborative Research Initiative’ Details will be on the website by mid October 2022 with first expedition ready for mid November 2022 start with flexible start dates throughout 2023.

This internship is on offer for those looking to make a greater time commitment to Reef Doctor. It allows people with a keen interest in tropical marine conservation, but with limited experience, to gain their first steps in this exciting, yet demanding work field. We offer 6-month internships suitable for both non divers and qualified divers.

Following an intensive science training period (~3 months), you assist our core project staff with our core marine research and conservation, training of EcoDivers and Research Assistants, and general camp duties. You will also be trained to become a PADI Divemaster, providing you with the certification to purse paid work in the diving industry worldwide.

The position allows you to use your own experiences, interests, and qualifications to concentrate on particular aspects of our work, from marine research to education or socio-economic development work. This will enable you to gain work experience tailored to your future career and personal development requirements, and will make sure that whilst you’re here your contribution will have the biggest impact possible.

What you can expect to undertake:

PADI dive training; Open Water, Advanced, EFR, and Rescue certification (within the first 2 months).

Train to PADI Divemaster level (after the first 3 months).

Intensive science training: marine science lectures, species identification (basic to expert level), fish lengths, reef and seagrass surveying, reef restoration techniques, and data management (within the first 3 months).

Following completion of training period undertake regular coral reef scuba surveys.

Assist with other Reef Doctor projects such as coral gardening, mangrove conservation, aquaculture, artificial reefs, fisheries surveys, turtle tagging/release, education, and terrestrial forest conservation.

Assist our Dive Officers in the daily operation of the dive shop, diving schedules and dive training.

Train EcoDivers and Research Assistants in species identification, habitat surveying, and data entry.

Assist with scientific report writing.

Help with fundraising and awareness raising.

Experience working with local communities in a developing country.

Help create educational materials for local school children and community members.

Enjoy exploring the local area; the popular beach resorts, the Spiny Forest, or visit one of the local National Parks (in your free time, at your own expense).

We have six intern positions available three times a year. Full details can be found by downloading our Research Assistant & Divemaster Internship Programme Guide below.