Seagrass Conservation Researcher — Fieldwork & Dive Ops

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

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.