THRIVE CONSERVATION JOB VACANCIES 2025
SCIENCE OFFICER – ROTE PROJECT
INTRODUCTION
The Rote Project, a marine conservation initiative by Thrive Conservation, focuses on West and Southwest Rote with the goal of connecting people to nature rather than separating them from it. We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a passion for marine conservation to help expand our elasmobranch monitoring efforts and contribute to our team’s work.
Our mission is to bridge the gap between Indonesian youth and the field of marine conservation. We hope this position will provide young marine scientists with an opportunity to apply their skills on the front lines of conservation.
This role will focus on the scientific aspects of our project, working closely with stakeholders, including the marine protected area management authority, dive operators, and members of the local community. The position is dynamic and multidisciplinary, making it ideal for candidates eager to take on a variety of tasks each day. In the coming months, our priority is to continue manta ray monitoring efforts while expanding engagement with local fisheries.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Science Officer will be responsible for executing all field-based scientific research activities. This multidisciplinary role includes both desk and field-based research while actively engaging with multiple stakeholders. Leadership, communication, and decision-making will be key aspects of the officer’s work.
The Science Officer will also contribute to the Rote field team and Thrive Conservation by providing media and field stories. The Science Officer will report directly to the Program Manager (Rote Project) and indirectly to the Program Director. This is a 12-month contract position based on Rote Island, East Nusa Tenggara, with the possibility of renewal.
1. Monitoring and research
- Plan and manage logistics before and during fieldwork season, including boat preparation, team communication, and gear preparation.
- Conduct dive-based surveys and monitor the local manta ray population.
- Investigate local shark and ray fisheries, including working with local enumerators to collect fisheries data.
- Maintain communication with the marine protected area management authority, providing updates on field activities before and after each fieldwork season.
- Supervise science internship programs, overseeing field activities involving university interns.
2. Conservation outreach
- Raise awareness about conservation by engaging with various stakeholders on its importance.
- Support marine protected area management authorities in conducting patrols and promoting MPA zonation.
3. General and strategic support
- Identify strategic needs and opportunities to expand research efforts in Rote.
- Provide regular reports and updates to the program and organization management team.
- Contribute to annual reports for various stakeholders based on research findings and project outcomes.
- Assist in developing grant and funding applications, as well as related reports.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Indonesian nationality (WNI)
- Degree in marine science or a related field
- Experience in research and/or conservation projects
- SCUBA certification – PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent, with at least 30 logged dives
- Strong swimming skills and confidence in the water
- Fluency in Bahasa Indonesia and English (verbal and written)
- Key skills – strong communication, organization, decision-making, and independence
- Eagerness to learn and grow, with an interest in exploring research opportunities in Indonesia’s southern region
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Team management experience
- Project coordination experience in conservation
- Extensive diving experience, particularly in data collection
- Knowledge of elasmobranch biology and conservation
- Experience living in remote areas
TERMS AND APPLICATION PROCESS
This is a one-year contract position under the Rote Project with Thrive Conservation, with the possibility of renewal based on performance.
To apply, please submit your application in THIS FORM and include CV (including a reference contact) and cover letter. Be sure to highlight relevant professional and personal experience.
TIMELINE
- Application deadline: March 7, 2025 (late submissions will not be considered).
- Interview notifications: Candidates will be contacted by March 12, 2025, with interviews scheduled the following week.