Head of Marine Conservation Training (Fiji)

Term: 1–3 years (with opportunity to rotate to another GVI marine hub thereafter) 

Start Date: May 2026 

Location: Fiji (South Pacific)

ABOUT GVI

We’re driven by the desire to make a positive impact on our planet and its people. We have been connecting thousands of participants with impactful environmental projects in some of the most vulnerable habitats for over two decades. We offer an extensive range of nature conservation programs where people from all walks of life can intern and study.

Working at GVI is fast-paced and engaging, with a strong emphasis on passion, authenticity, innovation, and excellence. But we can do better than words to show you who we are!

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THE OPPORTUNITY: SHAPE THE FUTURE OF MARINE CONSERVATION

This is an opportunity for a seasoned marine practitioner to step into a 1-to-3-year field residency in the heart of the South Pacific. We are looking for an expert who is ready to move beyond the laboratory to become a Head of Marine Conservation Training based at our hub in Fiji.

In this role, your primary mission is education through action. You will share your wealth of marine field experience with participants who are growing their careers through immersive, hands-on learning. You are the person who seamlessly blends theoretical oceanography and marine biology lectures with underwater fieldwork, ensuring that every student who joins a GVI program receives a scientifically rigorous and ethically sound education.

WHO YOU ARE

You have an advanced degree in marine conservation or a related field, with 10+ years of field and teaching experience. You understand that real-world marine conservation—balancing local community needs with reef health—is often complex and requires excellent judgment, flexibility, and academic rigor. You are as comfortable leading a research dive as you are mentoring a student through data analysis.

LIFE IN THE RESIDENCY

The Term: This is a 1–3 year field residency. Following this term, residents may have the opportunity to rotate to another of our global marine hubs.

The Setting: You will live in a remote, communal setting on the Fijian coast, working daily within the "Soft Coral Capital of the World."

The Community: You will play a key role in the hub community, contributing to an inclusive environment through shared meals, teamwork, and the unique experience of living and working together in a tight-knit field station.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Education

Provide technical oversight of our Marine Conservation Research Modules (CRM), including Coral Reef Ecology, Marine Protected Area (MPA) Management, and Sustainable Fisheries.

Work closely with the Impact Director to ensure site-specific marine research aligns with UN SDG 14: Life Below Water.

Translate complex oceanographic and biological concepts into actionable training that bridges the gap between academic theory and the reality of the reef.

Provide high-level mentorship to participants and early-career marine biologists.

Program Delivery

Ensure all diving and snorkeling research activities are ethically sound, of exceptional quality, and reflect the latest best practices in marine science.

Act as a technical sounding board for the Fiji field team, solving challenges in underwater data collection and project design.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

Academic Background: An advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in Marine Biology, Oceanography, Marine Resource Management, or a related field.

Experience: Teaching and field instruction in marine settings (10 years+).

Technical Toolset: Expertise in marine biodiversity monitoring and technology (e.g., GIS, BRUVS, Coral Point Count, or Reef Check methodologies).

Diving Proficiency: Professional-level diving qualifications (e.g., PADI Divemaster or Instructor) are highly preferred given the field requirements in Fiji.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU

Competitive monthly salary

Full room and board in a stunning Fijian field location

Emergency medical and travel insurance

Global growth opportunities to rotate across our marine bases

Mentorship and support from a global network of scientists

YOUR NEXT STEP

Please send us your CV and a short Cover Letter sharing why this role in Fiji is the right fit for you.

Kindly note: We genuinely appreciate every application we receive. If you haven’t heard from us within 3–4 weeks, it likely means we’ve moved forward with other candidates this time. That said, we’d love for you to stay connected and consider applying again in the future!