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Field Scientist

Start Date: 1st July 2025

RETURN HOME
  • Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan, Cebu, and Higatangan Island, Naval, Biliran
  • DURATION: Full-time 2 year contract (renewable)
  • START DATE: 1st July 2025

About People and the Sea

People and the Sea is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering coastal communities in the Philippines to sustainably manage and benefit from their invaluable marine resources. Our mission is to improve local livelihoods and safeguard marine biodiversity through a variety of community-led initiatives, including waste reduction, sustainable fishing practices, marine research, youth education, and the economic resilience of coastal communities.

About the Role

People and the Sea is recruiting a Field Scientist to take the lead role in the planning and delivery of our Reef Survey training program to international and local volunteers and interns. Reporting to the Operations Director, this role involves the scheduling and implementation of science training/data collection dives, teaching and mentoring volunteers as they work to meet expedition targets, and overseeing and verifying the data collection and data entry process. Additionally, the Field Scientist will establish and nurture partnerships with science institutions and universities to enhance our research impact and create collaboration opportunities. The role also includes developing and promoting community science programs that engage local stakeholders in marine conservation initiatives, building capacity within coastal communities.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter to: [email protected].
Please state ‘Application: Field Scientist’ in the e-mail subject line. Also indicate the following in your cover letter:

  • Earliest possible start date
  • What particularly interests you about this job opening.
  • How your personal/professional experience meets the requirements detailed in this posting.

Key Responsibilities

1.Deliver volunteer science training programme

  • Ensure the development and implementation of the expedition volunteer training programme.
  • Prepare, update and present science lectures for volunteers.
  • Communicate science objectives and preliminary results to visiting volunteers
  • Work closely with volunteers in ensuring they meet their training objectives.
  • Develop innovative teaching methods to ensure volunteers achieve science training goals.
  • Ensure the validity and quality of the data collected.
  • Oversee data recording.

2. Research methodologies

  • Keep up-to-date with scientific and research developments in marine conservation.
  • Adapt and develop research methodologies to suit local environment.

3. Diving Activities

  • Schedule and lead field research and volunteer’s science training and data collection dives.
  • Ensure the dive operations are run in accordance to the People and the Sea Scuba Diving Policy.
  • Perform daily inventory of scientific equipment.
  • Oversee the maintenance and inventory of all scientific diving equipment

4. Develop scientific partnerships

  • Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with universities and scientific institutions.
  • Seek opportunities for joint research projects and data sharing agreements.
  • Facilitate student research placements and academic fieldwork opportunities.
  • Represent the organization at scientific conferences and networking events.
  • Develop protocols for sharing findings with the broader scientific community.
  • Collaborate with academic partners on grant applications and research publications.
  • Keep abreast of current marine conservation research and methodologies.

5. Promote community science programs

  • Design and implement science initiatives that engage local community members.
  • Train local stakeholders in basic marine science techniques and monitoring protocols.
  • Develop educational materials tailored to community science participants.
  • Build capacity within coastal communities for long-term environmental monitoring.
  • Create opportunities for knowledge exchange between local communities and visiting scientists.
  • Measure and report on the impact of community science initiatives.
  • Identify local conservation champions and support their development.

Qualifications, Skills & Benefits

Skills & Qualifications

  • Qualified diver (Divemaster level or above preferred, but training can be considered as part of remuneration package)
  • Masters degree in Marine Science, Biology or Ecology (or related field)
  • Excellent oral and written English.
  • Experience of field research on coral reefs and related habitats and species
  • Teaching experience
  • Outstanding interpersonal and motivational skills, and proven experience of working effectively as part of a dynamic team.
  • High level of IT proficiency (e.g. Google drive, Word, Excel, Canva,etc)
  • Hard working and dedicated, driven by a desire to be part of making a positive change.
  • Good physical condition.
  • Fluent Tagalog or local dialect, Visaya is a plus.

What we offer

  • A field role in a high-impact, innovative marine conservation program with direct influence on scientific strategy and outcomes.
  • Opportunity to be trained to Divemaster level
  • Professional development opportunities, including specialized training and attendance at relevant conferences.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package based on experience
  • Be part of a passionate, dedicated team working toward tangible conservation outcomes.
  • Make a lasting difference in local communities through education and capacity building.

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