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MEMerlin Entertainments
Merlin EntertainmentsLeisure & Entertainment

Conservation Researcher

Location

Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom

Work type

Onsite

Employment

Contract

Experience

2-5 years

Compensation

Compensation not disclosed

Posted

6h ago

Summary and responsibilities

Role overview

Summary

The Conservation Researcher will oversee the day-to-day delivery of a seagrass restoration project, including nursery operations, data collection, field restoration, monitoring, and surveys. This role involves organizing and leading dive and snorkel operations, collaborating with partners on research, and contributing to wider marine conservation initiatives.

Are you passionate about marine conservation and looking for a role where your work can make a real difference? Want to combine scientific research, hands-on fieldwork and aquarium-based conservation?

Our Conservation, Welfare & Education team delivers conservation and research projects across marine and freshwater environments and we’re now looking for a Conservation Researcher to help deliver our local conservation work, beginning with an exciting seagrass restoration project.

You’ll oversee the day-to-day delivery of the project, from nursery operations and data collection through to field restoration, monitoring and surveys. You’ll also organise and lead dive and snorkel operations, ensuring they are delivered safely and in line with relevant health, safety and licensing requirements.

Working with local authorities, government bodies, universities and conservation partners, you’ll help develop and deliver research into seagrass restoration. You’ll have the opportunity to test new restoration methods, support seed planting and transplantation, and contribute to wider marine conservation projects.

The role will also provide opportunities to get involved in skate and seahorse research, conservation impact assessments and other conservation initiatives. You’ll work closely with the SEA LIFE aquarium team, supporting our ex-situ conservation facilities and contributing to a small proportion of aquarist duties.

You’ll also help communicate our conservation work through reports, presentations and educational displays, as well as supporting funding applications and assessing the impact of conservation projects.

This is a 12-month fixed-term role, 37.5 hours per week, based at SEA LIFE Weymouth, with the possibility of extension to be confirmed.

Qualifications & Experience

  • PADI Rescue Diver, BSAC Sports Diver or equivalent, with 50+ recorded post-qualification dives

  • Experience managing risk, particularly during scuba and snorkel operations

  • A Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent experience

  • Experience of scientific research, including peer-reviewed or grey literature

  • Ability to pass an HSE dive medical

  • Full clean UK driving licence

  • Experience with aquarium set-up and environmental monitoring

  • Good understanding of life support systems and animal welfare

  • Basic knowledge of native marine species identification

  • Good computer skills and the ability to manage research data

It would be great if you also have

  • An HSE dive qualification, although training can be provided if required

  • A postgraduate degree

  • Data analysis experience using RStudio or ArcGIS

  • Experience with Canva and social media

  • Experience presenting research at conferences

Updated 6h ago

Candidate fit

Skills and qualifications

Additional skills

Scientific Research • 1+ yrs
Risk Management • 1+ yrs
Aquarium Set-up • 1+ yrs
Environmental Monitoring • 1+ yrs
Life Support Systems • 1+ yrs
Marine Species Identification • 1+ yrs
Data Management • 1+ yrs
Data Analysis • 1+ yrs

Experience

2-5 years

Certifications

PADI Rescue Diver • Required
BSAC Sports Diver • Required
HSE dive medical • Required
Full clean UK driving licence • Required

How this role is positioned

Role classification

Job domains

Operations

Industries

Wildlife & Conservation

Employment

Contract

Contract duration

Permanent

Hiring type

Direct

Global hiring

Location specific

Offer details

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Compensation not disclosed

VisibilityShared on listing
CurrencyUSD
PeriodYearly

Location, schedule, and role shape

Work setup

Work conditions

Primary locationWeymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
Work typeOnsite
Global hiringNo

Bandwidth profile

peopleHigh8/10
physicalHigh8/10
cognitiveHigh8/10
executionHigh8/10
creativityMedium6/10
uncertaintyMedium6/10
communicationHigh8/10

Context on the employer

Company snapshot

Company

Merlin Entertainments

Team size

Growing team

Location

Weymouth, Dorset, United Kingdom

Merlin Entertainments operates magical attractions and resorts worldwide, including SEA LIFE Weymouth. The company is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and has equal opportunities.

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Conservation Researcher

Weymouth, Dorset, United KingdomContract