CAREERS & VOLUNTEERING

We don’t have any 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.

Research & Guest Engagement Internship

Maldives Manta Conservation Programme

Raa Atoll

Ref: #RAA2026

Deadline: 23rd August 2026

The Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP) is excited to offer a Research & Guest Engagement Internship within our Raa Atoll project base.

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 research and conservation activities with engaging, guest-facing experiences in one of the world’s most iconic marine tourism destinations.

As a resort-based programme, guest engagement is a key part of this role. We therefore particularly welcome candidates who are fluent in English and additionally speak Mandarin or Russian, as these languages greatly enhance our ability to engage with key visitor demographics. We also strongly encourage applications from Maldivian nationals, with fluency in Dhivehi considered a valuable asset for supporting community engagement. However, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, and language skills are just one part of the broader skill set we are looking for.

This internship is designed for individuals seeking hands-on experience in marine conservation within a luxury resort environment, combining guest engagement, education, research support, and data management. While rooted in manta ray science, the role places a strong emphasis on delivering high-quality guest experiences, communicating marine science to a diverse audience, supporting outreach initiatives, and contributing to ongoing research and conservation efforts.

The position also offers a unique opportunity to live and work within a world-class resort environment, while contributing to globally significant manta ray research and conservation.

We are looking for a confident, adaptable, and proactive marine conservationist 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: Internship
Availability: Minimum October 2026 to December 2026

Requirements

• A BSc degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience). For Maldivian nationals, a BSc degree is not required, although experience working in marine conservation is preferred;

• Ability to commit to the full three-month period, with the possibility of extension;

• Minimum PADI Divemaster (or equivalent) in active status;

• Freediving experience and confidence in freediving between 10-15 metres. Applicants must hold, or be willing to obtain prior to starting the internship, a minimum AIDA 2 freediving certification (or equivalent);

• Strong snorkelling and swimming ability, with confidence in open-ocean conditions;

• A genuine passion for marine conservation, manta rays, and public engagement;

• Confident public speaker with excellent interpersonal and communication skills;

• Comfortable working both in front of guests and independently on data-heavy tasks;

• Computer literate, with experience using Microsoft Excel and general data handling;

• Highly motivated, adaptable, and proactive, with a positive “can-do” attitude;

• Ability to live and work in a remote, small-team, resort environment;

• Fluent in spoken and written English; additional languages are an advantage.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Actively support and deliver guest engagement activities, including presentations, informal discussions, and resort-based educational sessions;

• Assist in hosting and guiding manta-related guest experiences, including snorkelling and diving excursions where appropriate;

• Maintain a strong and professional guest-facing presence, acting as an ambassador for MMCP and our resort partner;

• Assist with the organisation and delivery of structured weekly activities, such as “Mini Manta Biologist” sessions and conservation talks;

• Support data processing and management, including photo-ID processing, database updates, and data entry;

• Contribute to outreach and content creation, including social media, guest materials, and presentations;

• Participate in research fieldwork when opportunities arise, including snorkel surveys and opportunistic sightings;

• Assist with general project administration and logistics;

• Promote safe and responsible marine wildlife interactions in line with best-practice guidelines.

Equipment Requirements

• Personal laptop with photo-editing software (e.g. Lightroom);

• Personal fins, mask, and snorkel;

• A waterproof timepiece, to be worn during all in-water activities.

Inclusions & Exclusions

• Maldivian nationals will receive an internship stipend of USD 500 per month.

• All food, shared accommodation, and internal flight transfers will be covered;

• Scientific training and hands-on experience conducting marine conservation research in the field;

• Interns are required to arrange their own insurance cover, including but not limited to travel and personal liability insurance.

How to Apply

If you are interested and meet all requirements, please send your CV/resume (maximum two pages) and a covering letter (maximum one page) to tam@mantatrust.org, quoting the reference above and your name in the email title, e.g. ‘Internship Application #RAA2026 Joe Bloggs’.

This is an extremely popular and highly competitive opportunity, so really try to impress us if you want to stand out! Completion of this internship may also present opportunities to work with the Manta Trust in the future.

We look forward to reading your application.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be conducted with shortlisted candidates before the application deadline.

Due to limited capacity, only successful candidates will be contacted.

If you are a Maldivian interested in future internship opportunities with our Maldives Manta Conservation Programme, we invite you to register your interest. Full details and information on how to get involved can be found via the link below.

We don’t have any volunteering 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.

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.