Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers is seeking a qualified marine science skilled to support the next stage of our Island Reef Research and Conservation Program in Cairns.

This is not a logistics or general volunteer coordination role. This role exists to strengthen the scientific credibility, education quality and conservation value of the program.

You will be responsible for the science and in-water components of the program, including reef education, citizen science methodology, species identification, data quality, in-water safety and the continued development of our marine turtle behaviour study.

We are looking for someone who can confidently explain reef ecology, answer more complex scientific questions, train volunteers in accurate observation and data collection, and ensure that the conservation work we do is meaningful, ethical and credible.

Applicants must have relevant marine science qualifications, strong open-water confidence, current First Aid and CPR, experience educating or guiding groups, and Australian citizenship, permanent residency or Australian residency with full working rights.

The role will commence as casual, with a view to permanent part-time after a successful 6-month period. Flexible availability is required across the first, second and sometimes third week of each month.

Key Selection Criteria must be completed to be considered.

Key Selection Criteria

Relevant marine science experience

Describe your experience in marine biology, environmental science, ecology, conservation science, citizen science, reef monitoring or a related field. Please include any qualifications, fieldwork,



data collection, research, reporting or volunteer education experience that is relevant to this role.

In-water safety and judgement

Describe your experience supervising, guiding or supporting people in open-water, snorkelling, diving, reef, marine tourism, outdoor education or similar environments. Please include one example where water safety was paramount. We are interested in how you assessed the situation, what decision you made, how you communicated with the group, and what you did to keep people safe.

Group leadership and communication style

Describe your leadership style when working with groups of mixed ages, backgrounds, confidence levels and abilities. For example, are you someone who demonstrates first and then supports people to try? Do you use a see-one-do-one approach? Are you more of a calm explainer, a practical coach, a structured teacher, or a quiet confidence-builder? Please give an example of how you have helped a group feel safe, informed and included.

Science communication and volunteer education

Describe how you would explain a marine survey activity, species identification task, reef health issue or conservation concept to volunteers who do not have a scientific background.



Please include how you would check that they understood both what they were doing and why it mattered.

Ethical conservation and wildlife interaction

Explain what ethical marine conservation means to you in practice, especially when working with volunteers, tourists or paying participants. Please include how you would handle a situation where someone wanted to get too close to wildlife, touch marine life, or prioritise a photo over appropriate behaviour.

Program reliability and time commitment

Please confirm your understanding of the time commitment for this role. The position will commence as casual, with a view to permanent part-time employment after a successful 6-month period. The role may require availability across the first, second and sometimes third week of each month, depending on bookings, weather, supplier schedules and program needs.

Please outline your general availability and confirm that, once program dates are agreed, you understand the importance of committing to those dates reliably.

How To Apply

Please submit

1. A cover letter.

2. Your resume.

3. A separate document responding to the key selection criteria.

4. Confirmation of your Australian work rights.

5. Confirmation of your current First aid & CPR.

Applications should demonstrate both scientific capability and practical field leadership. We are looking for someone who can help volunteers feel safe, informed and inspired, while protecting the integrity and conservation value of the work.

📌 Marine Program Officer - Citizen Science & In-Water Safety (Cairns)
🏢 Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers
📍 Cairns