Conservation Researcher

Merlin; Weymouth; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40% off LEGO online

25% discount in our retail shops and+餐

Merlin Magic Pass - free tickets to at

Job summary

Merlin seeks a Conservation Researcher to drive seagrass restoration and related marine conservation projects from nursery to field work at SEA LIFE Weymouth. You will organize dive and snorkel operations, collect data, monitor outcomes, and communicate results through reports and displays.

You will also support funding applications and work with the aquarium team on ex-situ conservation tasks, contributing to broader initiatives in marine research.

Qualifications

• PADI Rescue Diver or BSAC Sports Diver with 50+ dives.
• Experience managing risk during scuba and snorkel operations.
• Bachelor of Science or equivalent.
• Experience with scientific research and literature.
• Ability to pass an HSE dive medical.
• Full clean UK driving licence.
• Experience with aquarium setup and environmental monitoring.
• Good understanding of life support systems and animal welfare.
• Basic knowledge of native marine species identification.
• Good computer skills and ability to manage research data.
• HSE dive qualification (desirable).
• Postgraduate degree (desirable).
• Data analysis with RStudio or ArcGIS (desirable).
• Experience with Canva and social media (desirable).
• Experience presenting research at conferences (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day delivery of seagrass restoration project from nursery to field restoration.
• Lead dive and snorkel operations; ensure safety and compliance.
• Conduct data collection and monitoring; work with partners on research.
• Communicate findings through reports, presentations and displays; assist fundraising.
• Collaborate with SEA LIFE Weymouth aquarium team and ex-situ facilities.

Skills

Risk management

Computer skills

Data handling

Animal welfare

Education

BSc or equivalent

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