Conservation Researcher

SEA LIFE; Weymouth; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40% off LEGO online

25% discount in SEA LIFE retail shops

Merlin Magic Pass – free tickets to at

Discounted Merlin hotels

Employee pricing up to 55% off cinema

Job summary

SEA LIFE Weymouth is seeking a Conservation Researcher to lead a seagrass restoration project. You will manage nursery operations, data collection, and field restoration, while coordinating dive and snorkel activities with safety and regulatory compliance.

You’ll collaborate with authorities, universities and partners to advance seagrass restoration research and contribute to broader conservation efforts. You’ll communicate findings through reports, presentations, and outreach, supporting

Qualifications

• PADI Rescue Diver, BSAC Sports Diver or equivalent, with 50+ recorded post‑qualification dives.
• Experience managing risk, particularly during scuba and snorkel operations.
• A Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience of scientific research, including peer‑reviewed or grey literature.
• Ability to pass an HSE dive medical.
• Full clean UK driving licence.
• Experience with aquarium set‑up and environmental monitoring.
• Good understanding of life support systems and animal welfare.
• Basic knowledge of native marine species identification.
• Good computer skills and the ability to manage research data.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day‑to‑day delivery of the seagrass restoration project from nursery operations to field restoration, monitoring and surveys.
• Organise and lead dive and snorkel operations, ensuring safety and compliance with health, safety and licensing requirements.
• Collaborate with local authorities, universities and partners to develop and deliver seagrass restoration research.
• Contribute to other conservation initiatives including skate and seahorse research and ex‑situ conservation support.
• Communicate project outcomes through reports, presentations and educational displays, and support funding applications.

Skills

Diving safety

Risk management

Data management

RStudio

ArcGIS

Conferences

Marine species ID

Life support systems

Animal welfare

Driving licence

Canva

Social media

Education

Bachelor of Science

Postgraduate degree

Tools

ArcGIS

RStudio

Canva

Job description

What you'll bring to the team

Are you passionate about marine conservation and looking for a role where your work can make a real difference? Want to combine scientific research, hands‑on fieldwork and aquarium‑based conservation?

Our Conservation, Welfare & Education team delivers conservation and research projects across marine and freshwater environments and we’re now looking for a Conservation Researcher to help deliver our local conservation work, beginning with an exciting seagrass restoration project.

You’ll oversee the day‑to‑day delivery of the project, from nursery operations and data collection through to field restoration, monitoring and surveys. You’ll also organise and lead dive and snorkel operations, ensuring they are delivered safely and in line with relevant health, safety and licensing requirements.

Working with local authorities, government bodies, universities and conservation partners, you’ll help develop and deliver research into seagrass restoration. You’ll have the opportunity to test new restoration methods, support seed planting and transplantation, and contribute to wider marine conservation projects.

The role will also provide opportunities to get involved in skate and seahorse research, conservation impact assessments and other conservation initiatives. You’ll work closely with the SEA LIFE aquarium team, supporting our ex‑situ conservation facilities and contributing to a small proportion of aquarist duties.

You’ll also help communicate our conservation work through reports, presentations and educational displays, as well as supporting funding applications and assessing the impact of conservation projects.

This is a 12‑month fixed‑term role, 37.5 hours per week, based at SEA LIFE Weymouth, with the possibility of extension to be confirmed.

Qualifications & Experience

• PADI Rescue Diver, BSAC Sports Diver or equivalent, with 50+ recorded post‑qualification dives
• Experience managing risk, particularly during scuba and snorkel operations
• A Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent experience
• Experience of scientific research, including peer‑reviewed or grey literature
• Ability to pass an HSE dive medical
• Full clean UK driving licence
• Experience with aquarium set‑up and environmental monitoring
• Good understanding of life support systems and animal welfare
• Basic knowledge of native marine species identification
• Good computer skills and the ability to manage research data

It would be great if you also have

• An HSE dive qualification, although training can be provided if required
• A postgraduate degree
• Data analysis experience using RStudio or ArcGIS
• Experience with Canva and social media
• Experience presenting research at conferences

Benefits

• 40% off LEGO online
• 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants
• Merlin Magic Pass - giving you free tickets to all our attractions worldwide for you, your family, and friends every year
• Discounted rates at Merlin hotels all over the world
• Employee pricing up to 55% off cinema tickets

If you have any questions or if you require any assistance, because of a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at [e-mail] and one of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Pay Range

Competitive