MARINE conservation SCHOLARSHIP

WHO WE ARE
The aim of the PMRS research station is to monitor the marine ecosystems and assess population dynamics and movements of specific fauna living in the Perhentian Islands Marine Park. The results of the studies will be given to decision-makers to help them effectively manage the Marine Park. Specific areas PMRS looks into are seagrass, coral rehabilitation, sharks and turtles. The project is funded by voluntourism and school and corporate groups.

ROLES
As the Marine Scholar of the Perhentian Marine Research Station, you will first learn and then be responsible for various things including managing diving, research, interns, volunteers and monthly budgets. You will work with the Station Manager to establish your personal goals and development and then you will be responsible for achieving those targets. The focus of the scholarship will always be towards you becoming a skilled marine project manager and wholesome aspect in managing a conservation project. You will be part of a team who will train and lead volunteers to conduct the research, so training to the highest level is of utmost importance. This role will require excellent man management skills (interns, volunteers, villagers and resort staff), organization skills and leadership. You will need to have the passion to make a difference in the Perhentian Islands and remember this is a long-term project that you are being part of.

KEY DUTIES

Marine Scholars will undertake the role of assisting station manager at PMRS as the experiential learning process in conservation training and to be involved in the critical design thinking and decision making process.

This role will require excellent man-management skills (administration, interns, volunteers, villagers and stakeholders), organization skills and leadership. You will need to have the passion to make a difference in the Perhentian Islands for a long term impact.

CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT

• Stakeholders engagement is an important key area for PMRS, the five year strategy is to have a partnership with resort and dive centres at each bay to work together to conserve the marine ecosystem. You will be expected to keep regular contact with supportive resorts and dive centres to retain good relations with them.

• Develop monthly activities with our stakeholder partners and collectively create a quarterly newsletter to distribute to stakeholders.

• Leading and coordinating Junior Divers program to ensure the development and objectives of the program is achieved.
• Coordinating coral monitoring and restoration projects for Reef Care program
• Develop and implement at least one outreach program for Malaysian youth to promote marine awareness and Marine Scholar program during the placement with PMRS.
• Create and manage the PMRS social media contents and station website updates.

VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT

• Ensure introductions to the volunteering program and safety briefings are given to volunteers, with all applicable forms signed and records kept.
• Monitor volunteer activities throughout the program with attention paid to safety, morale and participation.
• Facilitate volunteers to gain feedback on the program and to identify key interest areas for long term stays.
• Regularly review the volunteering program with your colleagues to continuously improve the program.

PMRS House     

• You need to be responsible for the up keep of PMRS House and create schedules on a rota basis
• Ensure the volunteers and staff keep the accommodation and outside areas in a clean and tidy state.
• Ensure bedding is changed on a weekly basis and that all new volunteers have clean bedding.

      General Requirements

• Long term commitment for one season (March – October 2022)
• High level of water safety awareness.
• Attention to detail when it comes to research training, data collection, data input and research monitoring.
• Good PR
• Ensure a good level of communication between yourself and colleagues at all times.
• Undertake and demonstrate consistent planning of your workload and adhere to set deadlines.
• Meet regularly with your team and other project leaders in the islands as the timetable of the project allows.
• Complete Risk Assessments, Operating Procedures and programme content as required.
• Complete reports as required.
• Provide cover for colleague’s leave and illness as required.
• Ensure good financial management by detailing proposed and actual expenditure and filing receipts.
• Travel for the purposes of work following agreed timetabling and budgets.
• Provide adequate notice of any travel needed whether work related or personal.
• Must display a professional example to volunteers and colleagues at all times.
• Must adhere to all safety measures, protocols and procedures as directed by Ecoteer.
• Must notify Project Leader of issues that affect the completion of set tasks.
• You are expected to carry out daily house chores with the other staff on a rota basis.
• Take on tasks in addition to the descriptions above as delegated by the Project Leader that are deemed fair, achievable within the present task load and within the person’s capability.

Personal Specification

• Excellent communication skills and confident public speaker.
• Excellent research data collection experience
• Good swimming ability and water safety awareness.
• High level of organization and ability to meet deadlines.
• Potential management skills and a strong desire to be a leader.
• Knowledge of the work of Ecoteer and marine conservation in Malaysia.
• Competent in using Microsoft Office.
• A flexible and adaptive approach.
• Must be comfortable in accessing assistance for a demanding role.

Benefits

• Scuba Diving with one course advance from current Scuba Diving certification.
• Monthly stipend of RM300
• Accommodation – will be provided at PMRSHouse in Perhentian Islands.
• Food – you will be allowed a share of communal food. If over budget then each person to pay their proportion of the over spend
• All work related expenses (not travel to and from Malaysia) and not visa runs.
• Free wifi internet at bases.
• Accident Insurance – upto RM20,000 per accident.