Marine Scientist

The Song Saa Foundation is a not-for-profit NGO based in the beautiful Koh Rong Archipelago, Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia. We are partnered with Song Saa Private Island, and we are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Marine Scientist to join the team, responsible for the daily operation of the Foundation’s coastal and marine projects.

Job summary:

The Marine Scientist role will be challenging but fulfilling. Combining aspects of people management, primary scientific research, conservation activities, fundraising, project development and representation at key forums and meetings, the Marine Scientist will need to be professional, level-headed and enthusiastic. They will need to be able to work under pressure and adapt as necessary to fulfil the requirements of the Foundation. Over a period of 12 months, the Marine Scientist role will quickly progress, presenting more and more opportunities for career development with the acquisition of diverse skills.

Location: Song Saa Private Island, Koh Rong Archipelago, Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia 

Position Type: Full time, 6 days a week, minimum 1 year with possibility of extension

Reporting to: Program Manager

Primary roles:

1. Daily operation and coordination of the Foundation’s “Blue Action Fund” grant activities.
2. Daily operation and coordination of the Foundation’s “Ocean Stewardship Program (OSP)”.
3. Delivery of a coral reef ecology course to visiting volunteers and
4. Daily organisation and operation of in-water scuba
5. Planning and implementation of experiential coastal & marine conservation projects. In particular, the Foundation’s Coral Nursery and Artificial Reef project.
6. Input, management and analysis of data collected from marine biophysical surveys and production of associated technical reports.
7. Engagement with local authorities regarding marine and coastal conservation (e.g. local Community Fisheries)
8. Fundraising for science and research related activities, alongside the Program Manager, Executive Director and the Foundation team.
9. Representation of the Foundation at forums and meetings, as requested by senior management.
10. Creating content for the Foundation’s social media channels

Specific responsibilities:

Blue Action Fund grant operations – The Marine Scientist will take responsibility for conducting in-water activities required under the Foundation’s current grant funding.

Biophysical marine surveys – The Marine Scientist will lead a team of students and volunteers on biophysical surveys focused in the Koh Rong Archipelago. The data from these surveys is passed directly to the Cambodian Fisheries Administration in accordance with their own objectives and the objectives outlined by project partners. The data will be used as a management tool to assess the success of the region’s Marine National Park.. The Marine Scientist may be required to support project partners data collection in the field.

Report writing – The Marine Scientist will be responsible for the in-depth analysis of marine biophysical data and on time delivery of technical reports as required by the Foundation’s current grant funding and other stakeholders.

Scientific research – The Foundation aims to be Cambodia’s central publishing body for all marine research. At present there is a paucity in marine science outputs, with no single organisation looking to take responsibility for the lack of data on the marine environment. With the ability to focus research on a number of different environmental focal points (primarily, coral reefs, mangroves, seagrasses and the inter-tidal), the Foundation will take ownership of this research deficiency. The Marine Scientist will oversee daily logistics and project development, with aid of the Program Manager, of the Foundation’s science and research program. Foundation research will focus on the marine environment, but there will also be scope to develop social science and community research projects.

Volunteer coordination – The Foundation’s volunteer program (named “Ocean Stewardship Program”) will be coordinated and led in field by the Marine Scientist, with financial and volunteer recruitment support by the Program Manager. This will be the most rewarding and important aspect of the Marine Scientist role.

Artificial Reef project – In 2019 the Foundation began planning and implementing a coral nursery and artificial reef in the Song Saa Marine Reserve. Designed to increase habitat complexity, biodiversity and health of our beloved reserve, we are hopeful that it will have a significant effect on the local coral reef systems. This is a multi-year project with several phases of implementation.

Fundraising – Work with the Program Manager to recognise and secure funding for the science program, with the primary focus on donations from resort guests.

Management – Provide oversight for reporting on funds expenditure and grant activities. This will include the monthly reconciliation of accounts and narrative reports as they relate to the science department. The Marine Scientist will also be expected to complete all additional grant reporting requirements as they relate to any funding utilised within their program area, alongside management of databases.

Project development – With continual development of the Foundation, the Marine Scientist will be expected to develop future research projects alongside the Program Manager.

Foundation representation – The Marine Scientist will be expected to represent the Foundation at meetings, forums, workshops and conferences, as required. This will include national and sub-national meetings based in Phnom Penh and coastal Cambodia.

Finance and budget – Assist the Program Manager with all budgetary needs, as requested.  This includes the creation of monthly purchase requests and subsequent reconciliations for all conservation project expenses.

Social media – work with the team to provide social media content highlighting the impact of the Foundation’s work both in the marine and community environment.

Extra duties:

From time to time the Marine Scientist may be asked to undertake duties that are not included in this job description. They should agree to undertake these duties as long as the request is reasonable and will not affect their health, safety or security.

Candidate requirements:

• Fluent in English with strong interpersonal skills (essential)
• Bachelor’s degree in a science related discipline – preferably conservation or environmental focused (essential)
• PADI Divemaster (essential)
• Reef Check Certified or experience in marine biodiversity monitoring (desired)
• Experience managing coral nurseries and artificial reefs (highly desired)
• Data analysis and technical report writing experience (essential)
• Knowledge of R and GIS (essential)
• At least 1 years’ expedition experience living in a remote region (highly desired)
• Basic financial management experience (desired)
• Conservation project management – preferably in a developing country (desired)
• A passion for the marine world and a commitment to making our oceans healthier (essential)

Salary & benefits:

• Monthly salary – $500 inclusive of taxes.
• All visa and work permits covered for international applicants.
• Health Insurance Coverage under the current ‘Brocon Health Plan’ (effective upon commencement of employment) with medical evacuation and inpatient treatment.
• 18 days paid leave plus Cambodian public holidays
• Accommodation in Song Saa’s staff village (private room with shared bathroom).
• Access to the Song Saa staff boat, use of non-motorized sports equipment and discounted Spa treatments – subject to availability.
• Three meals per day in the staff canteen.
• Free Wi-Fi around the resort and ‘staff village’.
• Free laundry in the staff village – uniforms and personal.
• Free access to the Song Saa doctor when based on the islands.
• All work related travel and accommodation costs are covered.
• A monthly sum of USD $10 will be provided for work related calls. A telephone is not provided.

To apply: 

Please send your CV and a covering letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) to claire@songsaafoundation.org. Your covering letter should clearly detail why you fit the responsibilities and candidate requirements for the role. Generic covering letters will not be reviewed. Only successful applicants will be contacted. Good luck!