CAREERS & VOLUNTEERING

The Manta Trust

Formed in 2011, the Manta Trust is a UK-registered charity coordinating global manta and devil ray conservation efforts. Our mission is to collaborate with affiliates around the world through research and education and by providing expert advice to drive the policies and practices necessary to conserve manta rays, their relatives, and habitats. We are working towards a sustainable future for the oceans where manta rays and their relatives thrive in healthy, diverse marine ecosystems.

Our team is comprised of a diverse group of researchers, scientists, conservationists, educators, and media experts, working together to share and promote knowledge and expertise. By conducting long-term, robust scientific studies, we aim to build the solid foundations upon which governments, NGO’s and conservationists can make informed and effective marine management decisions.

As charismatic megafauna, manta rays act as a flagship species, helping to motivate and engage people with the wider message of marine ecosystem conservation. Through this top-down approach, the manta ray becomes the catalyst for change, educating people about the solutions needed to ensure the long-term survival of these animals and the underwater world we rely upon.

With a network of ~30 affiliate projects worldwide, we specialise in collaborating with multiple parties to drive conservation as a collective, from businesses and governments to individuals and local communities.

About the Role

Have you worked in fisheries conservation, management, or research? Do you have experience shaping or implementing fisheries policy at the international level through conventions such as CITES or CMS, regionally through FMOs, or nationally within government? Are you passionate about the role that effective policy and governance play in delivering positive conservation outcomes? If so, we would love to hear from you.

We are seeking an individual with significant expertise in fisheries policy to join our Board of Trustees and help guide the strategic direction of our conservation work. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute your knowledge and experience to an organisation dedicated to safeguarding mobulids and marine biodiversity through robust science, effective advocacy, impactful education and a collaborative approach.

Our organisation is supported by two core departments. The Operations Department, led by the Deputy Chief Executive, oversees fundraising, finance, communications, marketing, and database management. The Conservation Programmes Department, led by the Director of Conservation Programmes, delivers our fisheries and policy work, research, education and outreach initiatives, and coordinates with the Trust’s global network of affiliated projects.

In this role, you will provide strategic oversight and expert guidance on fisheries policy matters, participate in regular committee meetings with the Conservation Programmes team department, and act as a trusted advisor to the Director of Conservation Programmes Fisheries & Policy Team. You will also attend quarterly Board meetings, where strategic priorities, governance matters, and key organisational issues are discussed, and provide updates on the progress and activities of the Conservation Programmes Department. We are therefore particularly interested in hearing from individuals with deep practical experience of fisheries governance and policy development, ocean and environmental science and/or education, and a strong commitment to advancing effective, evidence-based conservation.

Location: Mainly remote, with some travel to London.

Remuneration: This is an unpaid voluntary role; however, reasonable expenses may be reimbursed.

Time Commitment: Four board meetings per year, and three committee meetings per year (with each meeting lasting around two and a half hours). Plus, attendance at occasional events and meetings with key stakeholders.

Report To: Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Closing Date: Friday 2 October 2026, 17:00 BST

Interview Date: W/c 12 October 2026, held in London or online. 

Principal Responsibilities

The formal duties of the Board of Trustees collectively are to:

• Ensure that the Manta Trust complies with its five-year plan, governance, charity law, fundraising, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Work collaboratively with the Conservation Programmes Team, Executive Leadership Team, Board of Advisors, and fellow Trustees.

• Provide expert strategic direction and oversight regarding the charity's engagement with the response to fisheries policies.

• Support the development and implementation of conservation strategies that are informed by effective interaction with relevant policy frameworks.

• Offer insights and contribute to discussions on conservation projects and priorities, particularly concerning their fisheries and policy content.

• Safeguard the good name and the values of the Manta Trust.

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Manta Trust.

• Ensure the financial stability of the Manta Trust.

• Act always in the best interests of the Manta Trust and declare any conflicts of interest.

Expectations

To fulfil the role of Trustees effectively, all Trustees are expected to:

Attend Board meetings, currently held quarterly. Meetings in Q2 and Q4 are conducted via video call, whilst meetings in Q1 and Q3 are hosted in person in London. When Trustees are unable to attend Q1 and Q3 meetings in person they can join via video conference, but the preference of the Board is for these to be face to face meetings.

Attend conservation programmes committee meetings, held every four months. Meetings are generally conducted via video call but may occasionally be hosted in person in a location agreed upon in advance by committee members.

Attend and participate in the Board’s annual strategic planning day held on a weekday (usually in London).

Occasionally attend functions on behalf of the Manta Trust, liaise with other Trustees and the Senior Team in between Board meetings.

Read Board papers in advance of meetings and come prepared to discuss key points arising from those papers.

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills and expertise meet the requirements to the Deputy Chief Executive, kate.polley@mantatrust.org

Research & Guest Engagement Internship

Maldives Manta Conservation Programme

Raa Atoll

Ref: #RAA2026

Deadline: 4th October 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.

Volunteer Project Support

Thailand Manta Project

Deadline: 30th September 2026

Are you passionate about manta rays and marine conservation, and looking for a meaningful way to contribute your skills to a growing conservation project?

The Thailand Manta Project (TMP) is seeking a dedicated volunteer to provide part-time operational and project support to help drive the next phase of this important conservation initiative.

TMP is looking for someone who can commit approximately one day per week (around 8 hours) and who is motivated to make a tangible contribution to manta ray research, education and conservation in Thailand.

About the Thailand Manta Project

Established in 2015 by Jamie Piyada Monmaneerat, a manta ray conservationist, dive instructor and winner of Miss Marine Conservation and Miss Scuba International 2012/13, the Thailand Manta Project has become an important voice for manta ray conservation in Thailand.

The Thailand Manta Project is a Manta Trust Affiliate Project, and therefore part of a global network of manta and devil ray researchers, conservationists, educators, media specialists and policy experts working collaboratively towards a shared vision of a sustainable future for the ocean, where manta rays and their relatives thrive in healthy, diverse marine ecosystems.

Since its establishment, the Thailand Manta Project has:

• Created Thailand’s first nationwide database of manta ray sightings and individuals.

• Generated vital data supporting the inclusion of manta and devil rays on Thailand’s National List of Protected Species.

• Delivered marine conservation education to thousands of divers and tourists visiting Thailand.

• Built a growing network of divers, researchers, conservationists and marine enthusiasts contributing to manta ray research and conservation.

Why Thailand?

Thailand is a critically important location for manta ray research and conservation.

The Andaman Sea is an important region for six of the ten species of manta and devil rays, yet protections and management remain in need of strengthening as populations continue to face increasing pressure.

The Thailand Manta Project is working to understand and protect what may be one of the most threatened populations of oceanic manta rays in the world.

Thailand has also been identified in a recent study as one of the world’s top five importers of manta and devil ray gill plates, highlighting the need for stronger policy, enforcement and conservation action.

At the same time, Thailand’s spectacular coastlines attract thousands of divers and tourists every year. This creates an enormous opportunity to expand citizen science, engage the diving community, increase awareness of the threats facing manta rays, and generate funding for vital research and conservation.

The opportunity for impact is huge - and the project is ready to grow.

The Role

With a full-time business to manage alongside leading the Thailand Manta Project, Project Leader Jamie is looking for a committed volunteer to provide much-needed operational support and help bring fresh energy and momentum to the project.

You will work closely with Jamie to help plan, coordinate and develop the project’s in-country activities, while pursuing opportunities to secure the funding and partnerships needed to build a stronger conservation programme.

A key priority will be helping create opportunities for the Thai researchers, educators and policy experts who are essential to developing and implementing a long-term manta ray conservation strategy for Thailand.

This is an opportunity to play a hands-on role in a growing conservation project and help turn ideas and opportunities into meaningful action.

What You’ll Do

TMP is looking for someone who can engage regularly with Jamie and take the lead on key areas of project development and delivery, helping to build the capacity and impact of the Thailand Manta Project.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating Thailand Manta Project activities and helping to turn priorities into action.

• Researching and identifying potential funding opportunities, grants and other sources of support.

• Leading funding applications, proposals and donor communications.

• Developing partnerships with researchers, dive operators, tourism businesses, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders.

• Identifying opportunities to expand citizen science, marine education and community engagement around manta ray conservation.

• Providing operational and organisational support to help the project develop and move forward.

There is scope for the role to evolve according to your skills, interests and experience. We are looking for someone who can bring their own ideas and expertise to the project and help shape its future direction.

Why isn’t this a paid position?

The Thailand Manta Project is a grassroots conservation initiative that has already achieved a great deal through the dedication, passion and voluntary work of its founder and project leader, Jamie. At this stage, the project does not have dedicated funding to support a paid position. Jamie is also managing the project alongside her full-time business, which means she does not currently have the capacity to pursue the funding opportunities needed to take the project to the next level.

TMP hopes that bringing in a passionate volunteer to help pursue funding, develop partnerships and grow the project will enable TMP to secure the resources needed to create paid roles within the project. So, there is potential for this position to become paid as funding is secured. 

Who We’re Looking For

Above all, TMP is looking for someone who is passionate about manta rays and marine conservation, reliable, proactive and able to work independently.

You don’t need to be a manta ray expert. TMP is particularly interested in someone who can bring strong organisation, project management, fundraising, communications, research, partnership-building or business development skills to the project.

You might be a great fit if you:

• Have a genuine passion for marine conservation and manta rays.

• Can commit approximately one day per week / 8 hours on a consistent basis.

• Are extremely organised, self-motivated and comfortable taking initiative.

• Can work independently while collaborating closely with a project leader.

• Have strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Are confident researching opportunities and turning ideas into practical action.

• Are excited by the opportunity to help grow a grassroots conservation project.

• Understand that conservation requires persistence, creativity and collaboration.

Experience in fundraising, grant writing, project management, communications, marketing, research, conservation, marine biology, policy or tourism would be highly valuable, but enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute are equally important.

The ideal candidate will be based in Thailand and fluent in both Thai and English, enabling them to build and maintain relationships with local partners and stakeholders. However, TMP will also consider candidates who are fluent in English and based elsewhere, provided they meet the criteria outlined above and can commit to regular video calls and close communication with Jamie, who is based full-time in Thailand.

What You’ll Gain

This is a unique opportunity to contribute your professional skills to a conservation project with the potential for significant impact.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Gain practical experience supporting an active marine conservation project.

• Work directly with the founder and project leader.

• Develop relationships across Thailand’s marine conservation and diving communities.

• Contribute to real-world manta ray research, education and conservation efforts.

• Help shape the future direction and growth of the Thailand Manta Project.

• Use your skills to support the development of a long-term conservation strategy for manta rays in Thailand.

Most importantly, you’ll be helping protect some of the ocean’s most extraordinary animals in one of the world’s most important manta ray regions.

TMP and the Manta Trust welcome applications from anyone who meets the criteria above, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability or any other characteristic unrelated to someone's ability to do the role.

How to Apply

If you are a passionate manta enthusiast with the time, skills and motivation to help the Thailand Manta Project grow, TMP would love to hear from you.

Please send a short introduction outlining your experience, relevant skills, why you are interested in the Thailand Manta Project, and what you feel you could bring to the role. No longer than 2 pages. Please submit your application by 30 September 2026 to jamie@mantatrust.org.

Commitment: Approximately 1 day per week / 8 hours
Location: Flexible / ideally Thailand
Position: Part-time volunteer
Project: Thailand Manta Project, Affiliate Project of the Manta Trust

Come and help TMP turn passion for manta rays into meaningful conservation action.

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.