Coral Restoration Intern

Soneva Foundation Coral Restoration programme is looking for aspiring new interns to join our team at Aquaterra Research Centre at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. 

Position Overview: 

You will join our coral restoration team, receiving training and experience on projects across our 30-tank ex-situ land nursery and V-shaped raceways, and our in-situ restoration projects. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Population, maintenance and monitoring of Large-scale Mineral Accretion Technology (MAT) Coral Nursery 
• Coral relocations 
• Coral outplanting – attachment of coral fragments to suitable reef habitats and long-term monitoring; plus outplanting of coral fragments grown in land nursery 
• Coral spawning – in-situ and ex-situ gametes’ collection, rearing and settlement in laboratory 
• Micro-Fragmentation of identified heat-resistant corals; monitoring and maintenance of coral fragments within land nursery and maintenance of tank system 
• Monitoring of existing restored sites 
• Monitoring and maintenance of Rope Nurseries 
• Monitoring and maintenance of Living Breakwaters 
• Coral predation research and population management 
• Assisting in collaborations and research projects with visiting scientists 
• Assisting the marine team with snorkelling excursions (manta, turtle and house reef) for guests and visiting scientists 
• Data management and administration for ongoing projects 
• Various other tasks on an ad-hoc basis 

Required Qualifications and Certificates: 

• BSc or equivalent in Marine Biology/Biology/Environmental/Marine Science or related subject; will consider experience equivalent to academic qualifications 
• Minimum of 50 dives and Rescue Diver (more dives and higher certification preferred) 
• Proven ability to dive multiple times per day on consecutive days, in difficult conditions with multiple responsibilities 
• Experience in scientific/working dives 
• Good physical conditions – ability to carry heavy weights (30kg) and maintain working composure over multiple strenuous days 
• Free diving skills and qualifications are a plus 
• Fluent in English 
• Own dive gear (mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, BCD and dive computer) – some spare kit available in unique circumstances 
• DAN dive insurance 

Details: 

Location: Soneva Fushi, Baa Atoll, Maldives 

Starting date: June/July 2025 

Food & Accommodation: Included (Accommodation on local island of Maalhos); Staff Buffet provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner 

Travel expenses: All transfers within the Maldives included – International flights NOT included 

Visa: Visas and visa-related insurance included 

Wages: $250 USD per month