Overview

Enter the global scuba diving industry with a professional diving qualification combined with work experience and marine conservation training.

Get your PADI Divemaster qualification and boost your career when you join a scuba diving and marine conservation internship in the endless turquoise waters Fiji. Undergo an extensive training programme and gain in-depth knowledge into the marine ecosystem, then put this knowledge to work when you join a team to compile crucial research on tropical coral reefs and fish species. Sign up here today and get 12 months of Lion membership with Conservation Careers included.

Overview

This diving and marine conservation internship offers unique opportunities to dive in, explore and protect a stunning underwater environment. Diving in the crystal clear waters of the Lomaiviti Island Group consisting of 20 ancient islands, volcanic hillsides and pristine white-sand beaches, you’ll be collecting data that will help establish community managed Marine Protected Areas and assist the community with developing sustainable management plans.

The internship begins with our Marine conservation expedition. You will live for 12 weeks with a research team and undergo an extensive training programme, taking your diving skills through to advanced level and gaining an intimate knowledge of the marine ecosystem. This knowledge will be put to practise while you work as part of a team to compile crucial research on coral reef and fish species.

On successful completion of the expedition you will proceed to complete your PADI Dive Master course during your 12 week work placement with a local dive centre. This exciting opportunity will provide practical experience in the dive industry as you assist with daily operations.

After a successful internship, qualifying candidates may be given the opportunity to work for our selected partner organisations in Fiji, or in other countries around the world where they operate. Field work positions can be paid or unpaid, range in duration from one month to one year, and availability varies.

All internships are geared at developing your leadership and role model skills, allowing you to develop a variety of key soft and hard skills that will put you a step ahead the rest of the pack. They have been running community development, education, and conservation projects since 1997 and our highly experienced field staff will help you gain and improve vital skill sets to improve your future job prospects.

Scuba Diving Requirements

You will spend the majority of your time on this internship scuba diving and as such you need to be qualified to at least PADI Open Water, or equivalent before you start the internship.

Our Award-winning Partner

Conservation Careers has teamed up a family-run organisation with an amazing culture and an awesome team of people across the world who are passionate experts in their chosen field and will make your experience a truly unforgettable one (in a good way).

Their award-winning projects receive over 2000 participants every year, and we’re proud to say that the vast majority of them describe their experience with them as ‘life changing’. Their approval rate from over 20 000 participants since 1997 is over 95%.

A key component of the success of their community development and conservation projects is the participants who join their programs. Opportunities include high impact volunteering from one week and up, internships for those looking for career development opportunities, Challenges that allow a one week adventure all for a good cause and a range of programs for school groups and younger volunteers.

If you register your interest below, you’ll put you in touch with our partner to take the booking and to plan your trip!

To see all our Conservation Careers Internship opportunities, please click here.

Testimonial

“I have been very impressed by the internship … It has been refreshing to see a volunteer organisation that prioritises the needs of the community and the targeted nature of the volunteer contribution.” – Howard Foster.

Location – Fiji

Our programs here are based in two stunning locations. One is based on the idyllic Caqalai Island pronounced ‘than-ga–lai’ in the Lomaiviti Island group. Caqalai is a tiny island (you can walk around it in 15 minutes) defined by white sand beaches and a lush interior. The island is on the edge of an expansive reef system and nearby to 10 small villages located on the neighbouring Moturiki Island. The second is in the Dawasamu District on Viti Levu, remote and known for its proximity to Moon Reef and its resident pod of Spinner Dolphins. Based in the villages of Silana and Natalei, this is a perfect location to experience true Fijian life, in an amazing region defined by dense jungle, volcanic mountainsides and the tribal culture of Tailevu Province.

 

Life on the Internship

During your expedition phase expect working days to long and starting early in the morning. Diving days will begin with preparing the dive boat, followed by a short journey to one of the dive sites. Depending on weather conditions, we aim for everyone to have 1 or 2 dives/snorkels each day, 5 days a week, during which you will conduct underwater surveys after completion of your training. You will also learn identification techniques and how to monitor the marine environment.

On other days, you should expect to be involved in additional projects and activities, including training sessions, beach cleans, marine debris surveys, environmental education sessions or alternative income training with the local community depending on local and project needs at the time. The days are rounded off with an evening debrief, followed by dinner and time to relax, take in the beautiful sunset and share stories.

Work Placements

On your work placement you will be placed in a dive centre where you will undertake your Dive Master course, practise leadership scenarios and help the centre with their day-to-day operations.

Accommodation

During your expedition phase, you will be living in simple dormitory style accommodation with restricted water supplies and cold water running showers.

Accommodation during the work placement is of a higher standard and is shared with other participants.

Project Details

We are very proud of the work that we are doing in conjunction with the Yasawa Trust Foundation, the Fijian Locally Managed Marine Area network and the Department of Fisheries, among others, with the aim to establish Marine Protected Areas in order to:

• Collect data on targeted fish species and invertebrates
• Map coral reef and mangrove habitats
• Monitor marine turtle sightings
• Develop an environmental education and awareness programme for local schools

All projects undertaken are dependent on the weather and priorities of our local partners, and as such you should expect to be flexible with the projects you will contribute to.

How This Project Makes a Difference

The communities with which we work do not have access to the necessary resources to carry out regular data collection in their fishing grounds.

We are collecting specific data in order that the community can make more informed decisions with regards to the management of their vital resources.

After completion of your Dive Master training, you will help staff with the general running of the dive centre. Your work placement is a fantastic opportunity to put your new found skills into practise such as leadership techniques, equipment maintenance, advanced marine survey skills and your PADI Dive Master qualification (when certified).

Dates and  Costs