Research Assistant and Dive Master Internhsip

~ Reef Doctor is a UK-based, non-profit organisation that has been conducting conservation and social development in southwest Madagascar for 15 years. ~ 

We marry conservation with social development by facilitating sustainable livelihoods and education as a countermeasure to over-exploitation. Our goal is to protect both marine and terrestrial habitats, and provide a self-sustaining pathway to poverty alleviation in the impoverished rural communities of Southwest Madagascar. We have worked in the Bay of Ranobe for 15 years, establishing long-standing harmony and effective partnerships with local communities.

Internship Overview

Our internships are on offer for those who are able to commit more time to our projects. They allow people with a keen interest in conservation, aquaculture, marine management, and social development, but with limited experience, to gain their first steps in this exciting, yet demanding field of work.

What You Can Expect to Undertake:  .

• PADI dive training; Open Water, Advanced, EFR, and Rescue certification (within the first 2 months).
• Train to PADI Divemaster level (after the first 3 months).
• Intensive science training: marine science lectures, species identification (basic to expert level), fish lengths, reef and seagrass surveying, reef restoration techniques, and data management (within the first 3 months).
• Following completion of training period undertake regular coral reef scuba surveys.
• Assist with other Reef Doctor projects such as coral gardening, mangrove conservation, aquaculture, artificial reefs, fisheries surveys, turtle tagging/release, education, and terrestrial forest conservation.
• Assist our Dive Officers in the daily operation of the dive shop, diving schedules and dive training.
• Train EcoDivers and Research Assistants in species identification, habitat surveying, and data entry.
• Assist with scientific report writing.
• Help with fundraising and awareness raising.
• Experience working with local communities in a developing country.
• Help create educational materials for local school children and community members.
• Enjoy exploring the local area; the popular beach resorts, the Spiny Forest, or visit one of the local National Parks (in your free time, at your own expense).

Note: The position allows you to use your own experiences, interests, and qualifications to concentrate on particular aspects of our work, from marine research to education or socio-economic development work.

This will enable you to gain work experience tailored to your future career and personal development requirements, and will make sure that whilst you’re here, your contribution will have the biggest impact possible.