Perhentian Turtle Project
Volunteer Coordinator Internship

Perhentian Turtle Project is a sea turtle conservation project in the Perhentian Islands. Since 2015, we have collected data for photographic identification to monitor the underwater & nesting populations of sea turtles. As part of the project’s objective to raise awareness in the general public, the project runs a volunteer program that receives volunteers from all around the world who are interested in experiencing the conservation world. As a volunteer coordinator, you will mainly be in charge of leading volunteers on project-related activities. In order to do so, you will receive training on the nature and activities of the project as well as sea turtles and marine conservation. Consequently, you will develop your leadership, communication and community outreach skills. Alongside that, you are expected to work together with the rest of the turtle team in collecting the data of the foraging, nesting, and hatchery data of sea turtles on a daily basis. This means that the volunteer coordinator should expect to frequently be around and interact with people.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
● Lead and coordinate volunteers to engage in daily project activities including kayak surveys,
beach clean ups, snorkel tours, Malay dinners, night beach patrols at Tiga Ruang etc..
● Provide a programme introduction and training for volunteers, outlining key aspects of our
activities, objectives and expectations.
● Complete relevant safety briefings and ensure all applicable forms are signed and recorded.
● Conducting water confidence training sessions to assess volunteers’ confidence level in open
water environments and identify safety precautions for each volunteer in future activities.
● Educate volunteers about important conservation issues by leading them to conduct
awareness campaigns, beach cleans and snorkel tours.
● Introduce the volunteers to the local communities and cultures through village tours and
Malay Dinners.
● Interact with and assist the local Department of Fisheries rangers in nesting beach and
hatchery management, and encourage volunteers to do the same, to maintain our
relationship with them.
● Ensure all safety precautions are taken and the Standard Operating Procedure (S.O.P) are
followed whilst in the water and make sure all volunteers are accounted for during
water-based activities.
● Collect and record feedback from volunteers and regularly review the programme to
maximize volunteer experience and produce reports when requested by the project
manager.

General Responsibilities and Work Details
● Maintain the overall cleanliness and organisation of the project house and Tiga Ruang’s
campsite by guiding team members and volunteers through structured, rota-based daily
chores.
● Carry out cooking responsibilities for the group as part of a rotational schedule – minimum
of one dinner a week for a maximum of 8pax.
● Coordinate and improve conservation awareness initiatives for stakeholders, employing
strategies such as informational booths, interactive sessions, and educational talks to
promote engagement and understanding.
● Follow agreed timetables to deliver work in a timely fashion.
● Be a professional example of a leader and marine conservationist to local community
members, volunteers and team members.
● Adherence to all safety measures, protocols, procedures and budgets as directed by Fuze
Ecoteer.
● Any other duties that may be required include helping with group events, cover for team
member’s leave and illness, shop for project supplies (e.g. food and cleaning supplies), and
participate in local/island events.
● 6 working days per week with 1 off day depending on the schedule availability & discretion
of the project manager.
● An additional block of 4 days off every month during project season (Mar to Nov) depending
on availability and the discretion of the project manager.
● A maximum of 7 off days (for visa run) during project season depending on the availability
and discretion of the project manager.
● The successful candidate will report to the Project Manager of Perhentian Turtle Project and
work together with other team members to reach the project’s objectives.

Requirements
● Interest and passion for sea turtle and marine conservation as well as the work of Fuze
Ecoteer.
● Interest and experience in outdoor work activities especially water-related activities.
● Confident swimmer and comfortable treading in an open water environment.
● Interest in scuba diving and freediving (experience preferred).
● Strong observational skills, high acuity and attention to detail in particular regards to
research training and monitoring.
● Strong observational skills, high acuity and attention to detail in particular regards to data
collection, management, organization, analysis and interpretation.
● Able to work (awake, alert, and active) night shifts in tough conditions and on a small
isolated island with limited resources.
● Able to adapt to outdoor, basic and rustic living accommodations.
● Able to be open-minded, respectful, willing, and determined to try and learn new things,
skills, languages, and cultures.
● Able to be flexible and quick to adapt to new surroundings – especially humid tropical
climates and changes in sleep schedules – and sudden changes in project schedules.
● Fluency in written and spoken English and interest in learning Bahasa Malaysia.
● Experience in public outreach and outdoor education.
● Able to work independently and as part of a team to deliver conservation projects with
minimal supervision.
● Leadership skills – strong sense of responsibility, time management, discipline and display
professional demeanor to volunteers, colleagues and villagers at all times.
● Proficient in Windows OS and Microsoft Office.

Benefits
● Develop a comprehensive understanding of sea turtle and marine conservation by
engaging with the environmental, social, and legal dimensions of field-based work.
● Develop better leadership, communication and data analytics skills.
● Free accommodation – you will live in the project house, sharing a room with at most 3
other people.
● Free food – main meals (communal food in the project house kitchen for breakfast, packed
lunch & home-cooked dinner at the project house) and access to communal food in the
kitchen unless otherwise specified.
● Free wifi available at the project house.
● All work-related expenses within the islands starting from arrival at Kuala Besut jetty
(mainland jetty).
● Allowance of RM250 per month from the 7 months onwards if you are able to commit to a
longer-term internship.
● Opportunities to join adventure and service programmes, with a daily allowance depending
on hours worked.
● Reference letter upon request after the completion of the internship period.

How To Apply

Please submit your CV, and Cover Letter to adventure@fuze-ecoteer.com and please include the title of the role you are applying for.

For more information or if you have any further questions about the role please email adventure@fuze-ecoteer.com.