Are you passionate about marine conservation and protecting the majestic manta rays of the Maldives? Join our team at the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme and make a difference in the preservation of these gentle giants. Explore career opportunities with us today and be a part of a meaningful conservation effort that benefits both the environment and local communities. Please read the testimonials below from previous interns:
DHUAA ABDULLA
Research Intern
‘Back in September 2023, I spent a month in Four Season Landaa Giraavaru working with Maldives Manta Conservation Programme as a Research Assistant Intern. I was assisting a Manta Trust Researcher with her PhD research on manta ray feeding ecology by collecting oceanographic data and zooplankton samples in Hanifaru Bay, Baa atoll, which is the largest known reef manta ray aggregation site in the world.
I had very little knowledge about manta rays when I first joined, but during the time I spent with the team, I learned a lot about manta ray behavior, and had the most amazing opportunity to see it all for myself. The experience I got was extraordinary working with the sweetest researchers, learning about oceanography research equipment and spending hours in a lab processing samples after being in the ocean all day, collecting zooplankton samples.’
‘Getting to work with Maldives Manta Conservation Programme in collaboration with Six Senses Laamu has been such a rewarding learning experience. It feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to be working with such passionate marine biologists from different parts of the world as well as members of different sectors of island communities from my own country. It has been an opportunity to make small differences in these communities which hopefully contributes to lasting change.’
AISHATH REESHA AHMED
Community Outreach and Research Intern
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Manta Ray Conservation Community Officer
Laamu Atoll | Ref: #MMCP2024
Deadline = Open until filled
Please note: we are only able to accept Maldivian candidates for this recruitment.
The Manta Trust is seeking to fill a new 6-months paid position reserved for a local resident in Laamu Atoll, preferably from the islands of Hithadhoo, Kunahandhoo, Mameendhoo, Gan or Fonadhoo (for transportation reasons). The Conservation Community Officer will work closely with the Manta Trust project manager and assistant project manager who are based at Six Senses Laamu. The Conservation Community Officer will work remotely from a local island 4 days / week and visit the resort for trainings and research 1 day / week. The officer will work a total of 5 days / week.
Essential qualifications & skills:
Interest and experience in conservation or a related field;
Fluent in spoken and written English and Dhivehi;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in order to represent the Manta Trust to members of the public, external organisations and colleagues;
Confident public speaker eager to engage student and community audiences;
Knowledge of MS Office Package (Excel, Word, Power-Point, etc.);
Demonstrate organisational and administrative skills with the ability to plan and deliver to deadlines;
Self-motivated individual with a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude with a flexible approach to a diverse workload;
Desirable skills:
Experience leading environmental education and outreach initiatives;
Experience working with children;
Teaching experience;
Community outreach experience;
Experience in snorkelling / in water activities.
Roles and responsibilities include:
Collaborate and develop effective working relationships with local Councils, community and organisations that are involved within the community;
Establish strong connection / liaison with schools and environment clubs;
Promote and implement an education programme;
Arrange, organise and assist in snorkel sessions with the help of other Manta Trust team members.
Development and deliver community awareness sessions;
Conducting surveys with local community;
Investigate ways of benefitting the local community through environmental conservation;
Active participation in education and awareness events on the local island or nearby islands;
Possibility to be involved and learn about reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) data collection in the field (photographic ID, parasites sampling, environmental variables, etc.). Dependent on in-water capabilities;
Data analyses through photo-ID editing and matching and updating survey spreadsheets.
Equipment requirements
Dropbox Plus Subscription (minimum 1TB storage space)* to be reimbursed upon completion of contract term.
Inclusions & Exclusions:
This is a self-employed (consultancy) role. Consultants will be entitled to a monthly consultancy fee between $800- $900 depending on skills and level of experience.
Consultants will be required to take out their own insurance cover, including but not limited to, travel and personal liability insurance;
Additional details available on request.
Please submit a cover letter and CV to laamu@mantatrust.org if you meet the essential requirements and would like to apply.
Only those who meet the essential requirements will be considered for the role.
Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews may be conducted with short-listed candidates before the application deadline.
Due to limited capacity only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Although we encourage applications from any Maldivian national, people local to Laamu will be prioritised in the recruitment process
Application Deadline: Open until filled.
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Field Research Internship
Raa Atoll Field Season 2024-2025 | Ref: #MMCP2025
Deadline = 6th October 2024
Interested in getting yourself fully immersed in the manta madness that the Maldives has to offer? Well the opportunity has now arrived - The Manta Trust is excited to announce that applications for a field research internship with the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme in 2024/2025 are now open! For three months, you will be involved in collecting vital data on the world’s largest-known population of reef manta rays, working and learning from researchers running one of the best-known manta research projects. The position will give you first-hand experience of working as a manta scientist; operating from our dedicated research vessel, interns will cruise the atoll in search of mantas, and potential new aggregation sites. All data collected will contribute to the database we have built up for over a decade and will be used to inform both local communities and government officials to ensure protective measures are met for the successful conservation of manta rays and other megafauna.
Requirements:
Applicants must have successfully completed a BSc degree in Marine Biology/ Environmental Conservation, OR have experience working in a related field; Note – for Maldivian nationals only, a BSc degree is not a requirement but experience working in the field of marine conservation is preferred.
Applicants must be able to commit to one of two 3-month periods (1st December 2024 – 28th February 2025, or 1st February - 30th April 2025). Applicants that are flexible and able to commit to either period will be preferred.
Minimum PADI Divemaster certification in active status (SSI/BSAC equivalent). Please give details of diving experience and number of dives logged. Whilst diving is not a common activity for an intern, applicants without this diving qualification will NOT be considered.
Excellent swimming/snorkelling skills. A demonstrated ability to comfortably free-dive to at least 10-15m. You will spend a lot of time snorkelling down beneath manta rays to get photos of their ID spot patterns.
Physically fit – it is likely you will spend 4+ hours a day, 6 days a week swimming in the ocean. Mantas love to be uncooperative, and when conditions are rough/there is a current, it can be physically demanding.
A strong interest in manta rays, conservation and marine/environmental research.
Computer literate and comfortable working long hours at a desk. After a long day at sea, interns will be expected to spend 3 hours+ in the afternoon/evenings processing ID photo data in the office with the other researchers.
Fluent in spoken and written English (additional languages desirable).
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills - comfortable with public speaking and giving presentations.
Self-motivated individual with a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude with a flexible approach to a diverse workload;
The ability to live and work as part of a team in a resort local island environment.
Roles and responsibilities include:
Carry out daily research snorkels and site surveys;
Collect data on all manta sightings (ID photos, gender, injuries, pregnancies, behaviour, etc.);
Data entry – survey results; sightings updates; research study analysis;
Lead manta excursions for guests (snorkel and dive trips to manta feeding and cleaning sites), representing the Manta Trust as the manta ray specialist providing expert advice and sharing information about the regional manta ray population.
Promote safe and responsible tourism interactions with manta rays;
Active participation in education and awareness events, including the Maldives Education Programme (Moodhu Madharussa);
Produce material for Manta Trust social media;
Conduct weekly Mini Manta Biologist session at the resort;
Participation and assistance in ongoing research projects at the base. These include but are not limited to the Eyes on the Reef project, Ultrasound and SVP measurements; Nursery site assessments; Zooplankton sampling;
Equipment Requirements:
Personal Laptop with photo editing software (e.g. Lightroom);
Dropbox Plus Subscription (minimum 1TB storage space).
Fins (preferably long blades), Mask and Snorkel.
A waterproof timepiece (to be worn when conducting all in-water activities).
Underwater camera.
Note for Maldivian Nationals only: Camera and laptop is not a requirement.
Inclusions & Exclusions:
All food, shared accommodation and internal flight transfers will be covered.
For those not certified with any Freediving qualification, a theory training course will be provided free of charge.
Scientific training and experience conducting research in the field.
Interns will be required to take out their own insurance cover, including but not limited to, travel and personal liability insurance.
Note for Maldivian Nationals only: Stipend of $300/month.
If you are interested, and meet all requirements please send your CV/resume (maximum two pages), and a covering letter (maximum one page) to raa@mantatrust.org, quoting the reference above and your name in the email title e.g. ‘Internship Application #MMRP2025 Joe Bloggs’.
This is an extremely popular and highly competitive opportunity, so really try and impress us if you want to stand out! It should also be highlighted that completion of this internship may present the opportunity to work with the Manta Trust in the future. We look forward to reading your application.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews may be conducted with short-listed candidates before the application deadline.
Due to limited capacity only successful candidates will be contacted.