Project Assistant, Turtle Project

Introduction

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. Recently, PTP has started specific scientific studies alongside the population studies such as nest temperature monitoring, stranding management & necropsy, etc. 

The Role
The assistant plays a key role in leading and coordinating the volunteer programme. The assistant works closely and leads the interns and volunteers, oversees night patrols at the nesting beach and conduct photo-identification surveys of foraging turtles at Teluk Pauh and additional sites around the Perhentian Islands.  The role also requires regular engagement and coordination with all relevant island stakeholders on behalf of Fuze Ecoteer, supporting collaborative sea turtle conservation efforts.  As a public-facing representative of the project, the Project Assistant is required to maintain a high level of professionalism while fostering an approachable and inclusive presence within the local community.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Intern & Volunteer Management & Training

• Assist the Project Leader in managing volunteers and interns, taking increasing responsibility as confidence and competence develop.
• Provide training to new interns and volunteers across all aspects of the project.
• Support and promote the wellbeing, morale, and overall positive experience of volunteers and interns throughout their placement.
• Develop weekly work schedules and set clear deadlines for interns and volunteers, ensuring the effective delivery of project objectives.
• Ensure risk assessments are current and that all safety protocols are followed by the team.
• Conduct monthly health and safety assessments of accommodation and planned activities, and proactively discuss and implement improvements.

Research

• Population monitoring – lead data collection activities such kayak & boat surveys, night patrols as well as data analysis using various methods including photographic identification.
• Database management – maintain and train interns on data collection, analysis and management to ensure the data is able to be published. 
• Nest temperature studies – collect & analyse data from the hatchery in regards to the nest temperature studies at the nesting beach while working together with the rangers from the Department of Fisheries. 
• Stranding management & necropsy – lead & train interns and volunteers in stranding cases to retrieve stranded turtles and conduct necropsies.

Financial

• Managing weekly budget for the project – food and other operational budgets.
• Manage and maintain monthly project bookkeeping records.

Outreach 

• Oversee the development and improvement of vigorous conservation awareness (e.g. via information stands or awareness talks) among stakeholders.
• Lead and manage future collaboration with any local schools, universities, authorities and communities.

Turtle Project House

• Oversee the daily upkeep and cleanliness of project accommodation.
• Coordinate and ensure a weekly deep clean of the house, including linen management on the islands.
• Manage and participate in meal preparation on a rotational basis with staff and volunteers.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure the project house and Tiga Ruang’s campsite are kept clean & tidy with the help of the team members and our volunteers through daily chores on a rota basis.
• Oversee/manage the development and improvement of more vigorous conservation awareness (e.g. via information stands or awareness talks) among stakeholders.
• 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.
• The successful candidate will report to the Project Manager of Perhentian Turtle Project and work together with another team member to reach the project’s objectives.

Requirements

• Must have an interest and passion for sea turtle and marine conservation and the work of Fuze Ecoteer.
• Must have a strong interest and experience in outdoor activities, especially water-related activities.
• Comfortable swimming and treading in open water.
• Ability to free dive preferred; training can be provided upon arrival.
• Must possess strong observational skills, high acuity and attention to detail in particular regards to research training, data collection, data input and research monitoring.
• Must have a strong interest in data collection, management, and analysis.
• Must be proactive and organized in completing tasks.
• Must be 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 basic and rustic living accommodations.
• Must be open-minded, respectful, willing, and determined to try and learn new things, skills,  languages, and cultures.
• Must 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 Bahasa and English is essential.
• Experience in public outreach and engagement preferred.
• High level of water safety awareness is preferred.
• The candidate should be a team player but able to work independently and as part of a team to develop and implement conservation projects with minimal supervision
• Strong leadership skills preferred.
• Must have a strong sense of responsibility, discipline and display a professional example to villagers, volunteers and colleagues at all times.
• Must possess efficient time management to meet set deadlines
• Must be competent in Windows OS and Microsoft Office.
• Skills in R, Python, and/or GIS preferred.
• Experience writing scientific reports preferred.
• First aid training is desirable but basic training can be provided upon arrival.
• International interns are required to pay a deposit of UKP100 to Fuze Ecoteer. Interns will receive the deposit money back when his/her internship contract intern term ends and work performance is satisfactory. 

Salary & Benefits

• RM1,700 per month plus 12% EPF, SOCSO, EIS.
• RM500 training allowance per year. 
• Have a more holistic understanding of sea turtle and marine conservation by experiencing the wonders and challenges in the field from multiple perspectives including the environmental, social, and legal aspects.
• 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.
• Access to communal staff food at the Turtle House where you’ll be expected to cook on a weekly basis. Plus treat yourself to some delicious local cuisine from around the village or when attending Malay dinners with our volunteers. 
• Free WIFI available at the project house.
• 1 day off per week with 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.
• All work-related expenses within the islands (unfortunately this doesn’t include your travel to or from Malaysia).

Dates

• Application deadline – 30th of January 2026.
• Start date- 1st of March 2026 (remote for the first month).

How to Apply

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

• Subject – PTP Assistant Manager 2026.
•  A resume & a cover letter