CAREERS & VOLUNTEERING
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
MALDIVES MANTA CONSERVATION PROGRAMME
Raa Atoll Assistant Project Manager
Ref: #MMCP2026
Deadline = 1st June 2026
The Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP) is seeking a motivated and experienced Assistant Project Manager to join our manta ray research base in Raa Atoll.
This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of marine science, conservation, and luxury hospitality within a 5★ resort environment. The role combines hands-on field research with highly engaging, guest-facing experiences in one of the world’s most iconic marine tourism destinations.
Given the international nature of our resort setting, strong communication with guests is a key part of this role. We therefore particularly welcome candidates who are fluent in English and additionally speak Mandarin or Russian, as this greatly enhances our ability to engage with key visitor demographics. We also strongly encourage applications from Maldivian nationals, and fluency in Dhivehi will be considered a valuable asset in supporting community engagement. That said, we encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, and language skills are just one part of a broader skill set we are looking for.
Guest engagement is central to this position. You will support the delivery of manta ray experiences, assisting with guest briefings, snorkelling and diving activities, and helping to ensure every visitor has a meaningful and inspiring encounter with manta rays. You will also act as a representative of MMCP and The Manta Trust within the resort environment.
This role offers a unique lifestyle opportunity to live and work within a world-class resort environment while contributing to globally significant manta ray research and conservation efforts.
We are looking for a confident, adaptable, and proactive marine professional who thrives in a dynamic, guest-focused environment and is excited to develop both their fieldwork and communication skills.
Location: Raa Atoll, Maldives (Resort-based)
Position Type: Self-employed (Consultancy)
Availability: Minimum June 2026 to June 2027
Key Responsibilities:
• Support delivery of high-quality, guest-focused manta ray experiences (snorkelling and diving excursions)
• Assist in running structured guest engagement activities (briefings, talks, and in-water experiences)
• Act as a visible and approachable presence within the resort, engaging with guests daily
• Assist with manta ray fieldwork, including snorkelling and diving data collection
• Support guest education and citizen science initiatives
• Help maintain strong working relationships with resort teams and dive operations
• Assist with data entry, organisation, and basic reporting tasks
• Represent MMCP and The Manta Trust in a professional and enthusiastic manner
• Support the wider team in maintaining smooth daily operations and programme delivery
What Success Looks Like in This Role:
• Consistently positive and engaging guest interactions
• Reliable support of manta ray fieldwork and data collection
• Strong integration within resort operations and dive teams
• Contribution to both conservation outputs and guest experience delivery
• A proactive, dependable, and team-oriented approach
Essential Requirements:
BSc in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
Minimum PADI Divemaster (or equivalent) in active status
AIDA2 (or equivalent) freediving certification (or willingness to obtain
Strong interest in marine conservation, manta rays, and ocean education
High level of physical fitness and comfort with daily in-water work
Fluent written and spoken English
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Confident working in a guest-facing, resort-based environment
Self-motivated, adaptable, and professional attitude
Competent with basic computer use (e.g. Microsoft Office)
Desirable Skills:
• Additional language skills (particularly Mandarin or Russian)
• Experience in dive guiding, marine tourism, or eco-tourism roles
• Previous experience in resort or luxury hospitality environments
• Experience in marine data collection or fieldwork
• Photography, videography, or content creation skills
• Experience working in remote or island-based environments
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
Equipment Requirements:
• Personal laptop
• Snorkelling/diving equipment (or willingness to obtain)
• Basic underwater camera skills or equipment (desirable)
Inclusions & Exclusions:
• Monthly consultancy fee: $900–$1100 (depending on experience)
• Accommodation and meals provided
• Internal work-related travel included
• One international return flight included
• Consultants are responsible for their own insurance (travel, health, liability)
• Consultants are responsible for their own tax obligations
How to Apply
Please send:
• CV (max. 2 pages)
• Cover letter (max. 1 page)
To: tam@mantatrust.org
Subject line: Raa Assistant Project Manager Application #MMCP2026 [Your Name]
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and a suitable candidate may be selected before the deadline. Due to capacity constraints, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
We don’t have any other job opportunities at this time. Please sign up to our newsletter or follow us on social media to keep up to date with the latest opportunities.
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
MALDIVES MANTA CONSERVATION PROGRAMME
Marine Research & Guest Experience Intern (Raa Atoll)
Ref: #MMCPRaaIntern2026
Deadline = 17th May 2026
The Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP) is offering a highly sought-after internship opportunity to join our manta ray research base in Raa Atoll.
Working alongside our Raa Atoll research team, this role sits at the intersection of marine science, conservation, education, and high-end tourism. Interns will contribute directly to the long-term monitoring and protection of one of the world’s largest known populations of reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi), while also supporting meaningful guest and community engagement.
Although this period represents a quieter season for manta ray aggregations, it provides a unique and valuable training environment, with greater emphasis on developing core research skills, education delivery, and operational understanding of a conservation programme.
You will gain exposure to the full scope of MMCP’s work, from in-water data collection and species identification to education programmes, outreach, and research support, making this an ideal stepping stone for those pursuing a career in marine science or conservation.
Role Overview
This is a hands-on, immersive internship requiring flexibility, enthusiasm, and a willingness to contribute across both field and operational activities.
Interns will divide their time between:
Fieldwork: snorkelling/diving surveys, manta site exploration, and environmental data collection
Research support: photo-ID processing, database management, and analytical tasks
Guest engagement: supporting and occasionally leading educational sessions and marine experiences
Education & outreach: contributing to local school programmes, community engagement, and awareness campaigns
What You Will Gain
Practical, field-based experience in manta ray research methodologies
Training in photo-identification and long-term population monitoring
Experience working within a professional conservation and research programme
Exposure to marine ecotourism and high-end guest engagement
Opportunities to develop public speaking, education, and outreach skills
Mentorship from experienced marine scientists and conservation practitioners
Insight into operating within resort environments
Essential Requirements
Demonstrable experience or strong interest in marine conservation or related field
Minimum PADI Rescue diver (or equivalent certification level) in active status
Confident in-water ability, including strong snorkelling skills and the ability to freedive to ~10–15m
Fluent in spoken and written English & Dhivehi
Strong communication skills, including confidence in public speaking and guest interaction
Competent in basic computer skills and comfortable undertaking desk-based work (data entry, analysis)
Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work effectively within a small, remote team
Eligibility & Local Capacity Building
MMCP is committed to strengthening local capacity and supporting Maldivian participation in marine conservation.
Suitably qualified Maldivian applicants are strongly encouraged to apply, and relevant field experience will be considered alongside formal qualifications.
Please Note:
Due to current staff accommodation configurations at the resort, we are presently only able to accommodate female interns for this placement.
Inclusions & Conditions
Accommodation and meals provided
Internal transfers within the Maldives covered
Scientific training and mentorship throughout the placement
Freediving theory training provided
Note for Maldivian Nationals: Stipend of USD $500/month
Please note:
Interns must hold valid insurance (travel, health, and liability)
How to Apply
Please submit:
CV (maximum 2 pages)
Cover letter (maximum 1 page)
To: tam@mantatrust.org
Subject: Internship Application #MMCPRaaIntern2026 [Your Name]
This is a highly competitive opportunity, and we encourage applicants to clearly demonstrate their motivation, relevant experience, and interest in manta ray conservation.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and positions may be filled prior to the deadline. Due to capacity constraints, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
To express interest in future internship opportunities in the Maldives, please complete the form below to share your skills and interests — it helps us connect the right people with the right roles as they become available.
volunteer OPPORTUNITIES
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If you are a young person, aged 13-17, you might be interested in applying for our Ocean Ambassadors programme. Find full details and information on how to apply through the link below.