Dive Officer

ReefDoctor.Org a marine Research, Education and Conservation organisation working in SW Madagascar, is looking for one person to come out to Madagascar and run our diving operations for a period of 12 months from the beginning of January 2006.

The job will involve some of the following activities:

- Preparing, undertaking and recording all pleasure and coral reef survey dives (includes learning fish and coral species)
- Helping to design, teach and conduct survey dives with local scientists, students and volunteers
- Taking part in marine ecology, conservation and English lessons that we give to the local community, adults and children
- Helping to run the daily activities on camp
- Conducting diver training under PADI certification for local Malagasy students, ReefDoctor staff and volunteers (4 - 6 per quarter)
- Organisation and storage of dive equipment after daily diving activities
- Standard maintenance of all dive equipment
- Recording of dive equipment stock on camp
- Enforcing HSE safety standards and organisational safety standards on site for all diving activities
- Submission of reports on all diving activities and equipment stock listing to London HQ on a monthly basis
- Promotion of ReefDoctor organisation and its objectives in Madagascar
- Liaison between Reef Doctor.Org Ltd and with other likeminded NGO's in the area 

We hope that by working on our project you will gain work experience in hands-on conservation work and gain additional skills in: 

- Team building
- Working under pressure
- Working in basic conditions
- Working to schedules with limited budgets
- Knowledge in marine survey work and data collection
- Knowledge of coral reef fish and invertebrate identification
- Liaison skills for interacting with the local fishing community (i.e. working with different cultures)
- A basic knowledge of Malagasy
- Creating awareness on conservation issues with the local community and foreign tourists
- Gain additional student certifications 

And ultimately gain and experience of a lifetime in a truly amazing country, one of the few untouched areas left on our planet, working on coral reefs everyday! 

Skills: 

1) Diving qualification of PADI instructor or above
2) Full dive equipment
3) All associated insurance up-to-date
4) Fitness to Dive medical certificate no older then 3 months
5) Team work experience
6) Driving license
7) Ability to speak and read French to moderate level
8) Experience in certifying students (minimum 30 certifications to OPW and AOPW)
9) DAN Oxygen delivery instructorship 10) EFR Instructorship 

The following additional experiences and skills are desired but not necessary:

1) Motor boat license
2) Past experience in the field of ecotourism as a staff member
3) Past experience in the field of ecotourism as a volunteer
4) Over 6 months of work experience as a dive instructor in a tropical, humid climate.
5) Experience in conducting any type of marine survey work, especially if working with Indo-Pacific coral reef species
6) Additional diving and/or other qualifications relating to marine work such as VHF radio certification
7) A degree or higher in a biological science
8) Any service certifications for maintenance of scuba equipment
9) General mechanical servicing abilities (on compressors, boat engines, cars etc.) 

Commitment: 

12 months.  The job is on a voluntary basis but the applicant will have to sign a standard employment contract on acceptance. 

Applicants will need to provide funding for their International return flights to Madagascar which will be reimbursed at the end of the contract. Diving medical and standard equipment insurance will be covered by ReefDoctor as well as all associated living costs plus 100 a month salary. 

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter to Roderick Stein-Rostaing.

Closing date for applications:  20th December 2005.