Overview

Enter the global scuba diving industry with a professional diving qualification combined with work experience and marine conservation training AND get career training from Conservation Careers!

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.

Scuba divers

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.

Group of conservationists

Our Award-winning Partner

Conservation Careers has teamed up with an award-winning, mission-driven organisation with a team of passionate experts across the globe who will make your experience a truly unforgettable one.

Founded in 1998, they run programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as well as the objectives of local partners. They welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how they achieve their mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.

Their commitment to running high-quality sustainable development and experiential education programs has earned them recognition from numerous organizations such as Panthera, the Seychelles Parks & Gardens Authority, as well as Stanford, NYU, Duke, and Ohio State.

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.

two people over looking an ocean

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-galaiin 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, where we have our community focused programs, 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.
 visiting a village

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.

young children

Additional Learning

Increasing Employability: Pre Departure Program Training:

Our programs are not only life-changing experiences but are also designed to help participants increase their employability. We have developed a curriculum to be completed prior to arrival in the country in order to ensure that more time is dedicated to program work once you commence your volunteer program. 

Eight weeks prior to your start date, you will complete the following online courses in preparation for your in-country program:

PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION (1 hour)

PROGRAM SPECIFIC TRAINING (1 – 5 hours)

OPTIONAL: MARINE CONSERVATION COURSE (10 – 15 hours)

In order to obtain a certificate for the Marine Conservation course which is endorsed by the University of Richmond and UNC Charlotte, you will need to complete quizzes & assignments and will be given 4 weeks post program to submit your work. 

If you are looking to travel in less than 8 weeks from now, you will still complete the course however this will be done in country and all content will need to be downloaded before arrival. 

Health & Hygiene:

The work we contribute to across the globe remains important and new measures allow our participants to continue to join our programs and continue impacting positively on their world and the communities we work with. Changes to our existing protocols have been made by our health and hygiene team to strengthen our health and hygiene protocols and ensure that international standard safeguards are in place to protect our participants, staff and host communities. Please inquire for more information on the protocols. 

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).

sleeping in a hammock

Free Time

Volunteering with our partner not only allows you to participate in programmes assisting disadvantaged communities or endangered ecosystems, but it also offers wonderful opportunities to travel in the local area in your down time or further afield either before or after your programme. Many decide to travel after volunteering, solidifying the lifetime friendships established on the programme.

Our long term field staff are a great source of advice and are here to help you make the most of your time abroad. Remember to ask about discounts on local activities and side trips through your association with our partner. Our field teams have helped put together the following information on trips and travel options in Fiji!

Optional Side Trips

Fiji is a beautiful and exotic destination where you will find picturesque white sand beaches, world class dive sites, and Fiji’s famous culture of hospitality and warmth. As an island nation, many of your potential activities are water based! Starting locally, just a short boat ride away you can visit the famous pod of dolphins that reside all year round on Moon Reef or hike into the forests and swim in hidden waterfalls or visit one of Fiji’s famous island resorts.

In the water, for those that are not dive qualified you could enrol in a scuba diving course and dive the various dive sites in the region, home to abundant marine life, colourful corals and steep drop-offs. Get lucky with your dive, and visibility can exceed a massive 40m.

Fiji’s capital city, Suva, is only a few hours from all our project sites, known for its relaxed atmosphere, energetic nightlife, large farmers market and atmospheric port. Here you can visit the Fiji Museum, where you can find ancient tribal artefacts, one of the best exhibitions on tribal art in the Pacific, or read up on Fiji’s cannibal past. The old historical capital of Fiji, Levuka, which makes for an interesting day trip, is accessible by ferry and small boat and located on the nearby Ovalau Island.

Further Travelling Opportunities

A little further afield, the possibilities just keep on coming. Explore the town of Nadi with its bustling market, nearby hot springs at Sabeto or get a feel for the local atmosphere at a rugby match. From Pacific Harbour, join a river safari into the heart of Fiji or dive with bull sharks in Bega Lagoon, one of the world’s most famous shark dives.

Either before or after your programme you could try island hopping around the 20 volcanic islands of the Yasawa group. These remote islands are characterised by white beaches, crystal blue lagoon and dramatic rugged hills, some with summits 600 metres above sea level.

Staying on dry land, you might consider a trip to the Sigatoka National Park, where you’ll find a miniature desert of rolling sand dunes or a more relaxing option would be the Coral Coast and the Kula Eco Park, Fiji’s only wildlife park.

Experiences

During your program, you’ll also have the opportunity to experience tailor-made adventure and wellness activities. These have been specially designed to further immerse you in the diversity and richness of the habitats and cultures around you.

Exclusive local experiences:

  • Learn to cook iTaukei food
  • Make a traditional drink from kava root
  • Learn indigenous plant medicine
  • Hike to the top of Tova Peak
  • Fish with iTaukei women
  • Weave a traditional mat
  • Visit Vatu-i-Ra Conservation Park
  • Boat to Leleuvia Island

scuba diving in a coral reef

BONUS! Conservation Career Kick-Starter online training programme (worth £295)

Do you want to spend your career helping wildlife to flourish, but are feeling a little lost, confused or disillusioned?

Start your career in wildlife conservation with a unique programme of training, support community & jobs from Conservation Careers!

The Conservation Career Kick-Starter is a proven step-by-step system to get clear, get ready, and get hired as a professional conservationist.

Whether you’re at university and planning your next steps, a graduate in the job hunt or working in an unrelated job but interested to switch into conservation, this course is designed to help you.

After going through the course, you’ll have created a personal career plan which will give you confidence in your job hunt and will make everything quicker, simpler and more fun!

All you need to do is register your interest in the project below, and if you choose to make a booking we’ll save a place for you on the Kick-Starter when you get back from your placement.

Included with the Kick-Starter is a year’s full-access to the world’s biggest conservation job board with over 15,000 jobs, plus access to our private online support community, CC Pro.

Cost

The programme lasts 24 weeks and costs £13,345.

Starts dates are as follows:
  • 2023 – 24 Jun; 16 Sep

What’s Included

  • 24-hour emergency phone
  • 24-hour in-country support
  • Access to Alumni Services and Discounts
  • Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
  • All necessary project equipment and materials
  • All necessary project training by experienced staff
  • Certification and summary of training and experience received
  • Community work workshop
  • Confidential professional reference
  • Coral reef ecology
  • Diving compressor training workshop
  • Final evaluation
  • First Aid & CPR training
  • First Aid & CPR training and certification
  • Leading biological surveys course
  • Location orientation
  • Long term experienced staff
  • Meals while on project (except on work placements for long term internships)
  • PADI Advanced Open Water
  • PADI Coral Reef Research Diver Distinctive Speciality
  • PADI Rescue Diver and PADI Dive Master certifications (not including PADI professional fees)
  • Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
  • Teamwork and leadership experience
  • Transfer to base location
  • Use of O2 equipment workshop
  • Weekly evaulation with your mentor
  • Welcome meeting
  • Work placement – if successful during the first 12 weeks of the internship
  • 12 months of Lion membership with Conservation Careers.

What’s Not Included

  • Additional drinks and gratuities
  • Extra local excursions
  • Flights
  • Food during the placement portion of your internship
  • Internal transport to placements
  • International and domestic airport taxes
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • PADI Open Water
  • Personal kit
  • Police or background check (where necessary)
  • Visa costs

Reserve your place or ask a question

About Conservation Careers

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.