Project Leader
Perhentian Marine Research Station

Who We Are

The Perhentian Marine Research Station is a project that was initiated by Blue Temple Conservation in 2013 but from June-2016 has been managed by Fuze Ecoteer.  The aim of the research station is to monitor the marine ecosystems and assess population dynamics and movements of specific fauna living around the islands.  The results of the studies will be given to decision-makers to help them effectively manage the Perhentian Islands Marine Park.  Specific areas PMRS looks into are seagrass, coral rehabilitation, sea anemones and partly sea turtles.  The project is funded by grants, voluntourism, school and corporate groups.

The Role

As the Project Leader of the Perhentian Marine Research Station, you will be responsible for various things including training the team, managing research and monthly budgets.  You will work with the Senior Project Leader to establish the annual goals and then you will be responsible for achieving those targets.  Your team will train and lead unskilled volunteers to conduct the monitoring 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.

Key Duties

 

Management

• You will continue and update the Project Management System (PPMS) to direct the activities of the project. The PPMS will help direct all staff to see where the project is going and thus they will be able to offer assistance in their field of expertise.
• Interview and hire adequate staff depending on the projected needs of the project.
• Train your team in all aspects of the project adequately.
• Write weekly work schedules and deadlines for your interns and volunteers, as well as ensuring the success of delivering the project.
• Ensure the risk assessment is up-to-date and that your team leader adheres to all safety protocols.
• Report to your Senior Manager, maintaining open communication at all times.

 

Financial

• Allocate sufficient budget to your team each month whilst trying to reduce spending where possible.
• Conduct daily book keeping and budgeting of the onsite project.

 

Research

• Monitoring of data processing so that it can be used on posters and in reports etc
• Monitoring of data for quality and accuracy, if any decrease in quality, then retraining shall be needed.
• Identify and implement ideas for additional research, sharing data and promoting sustainable practices.

• Any other duties that may be required as delegated by the Senior Manager.

 

Volunteer Programme Leadership

• Daily coordination of interns and volunteers, organising and facilitating their activities; dive courses, research dives or ‘diving for debris’, beach/reef cleans, awareness talk, malay dinners etc.
• Collect and record feedback from volunteers and regularly review the programme to maximise volunteer experience and produce annual reports.
• Display a professional example to local community members, volunteers and colleagues.
• Any other duties that may be required as delegated by your supervisor including; cover for colleague’s leave and illness, providing adequate notice of travel arrangements (work-related or personal).

 
Working with Stakeholders

• You will be expected to keep regular contact with supportive resorts and dive centres to retain good relations with them and advise them and not tell them what to do.
• Develop monthly activities with our partners. 

 
Conservation  and Community

• You will be based in the village in the Perhentian Islands so culture sensitivity from yourself and your team and volunteers is vital.
• Development of Anak Pulau and working with them to develop the rapid response conservation unit. 

 
PMRS House

• You will be responsible for the upkeep 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.

 

General Requirements

• Advanced Diver or higher with min 30 logged dives. 
• Be a leader who leads by example through passion, hard work and dedication.
• High level of water safety awareness.
• Attention to detail when it comes to research training and data.
• 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.
• Travel for the purposes of work following agreed timetabling and budgets.
• Provide adequate notice of any travel needed whether work-related or personal.
• Must adhere to all safety measures, protocols and procedures as directed by Ecoteer.
• 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.

 

Benefits

• RM2,000 per month + EPF, socso etc
• Private room accommodation at the field station in the Perhentian Islands Village.
• Food at the project site 
• 1 day off per week and a block of 7 days off every 90 days
• All work related expenses (NOT TRAVEL TO OR FROM MALAYSIA)
• Free Wifi internet

 

Dates

• Application deadline – 30th of January 2026.
• Start date – 15th February 2026 (remote for the first month).

 

How to Apply

Please follow these guidelines while emailing adventure@fuze-ecoteer.com 

• Subject – PMRS Project Leader 2026. 
• A resume & a cover letter.