we are hiring!

Position: Team Lead | Habitat & Species Pillar

Location: Tengah Island, Mersing, Johor, Malaysia

Employment Type: Full-time

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Team Lead to manage and drive our Habitat & Species Pillar.

This role involves overseeing scientific monitoring, managing fieldwork teams, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring high-quality data collection and reporting.

The Team Lead will be instrumental in designing and implementing conservation strategies that protect critical ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and key species like sea turtles and reef fish.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the Habitat & Species Monitoring Team, including training, task allocation, and performance monitoring.

  • Lead monitoring for coral reefs, seagrass, mangroves, fish populations, and indicator species.

  • Coordinate sea turtle conservation efforts, including nesting monitoring, hatchery operations, and community-based initiatives.

  • Ensure accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting for internal use, stakeholders, and partners.

  • Work closely with the Executive Director to align conservation activities with TIC’s strategic goals.

  • Collaborate with local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and researchers to enhance conservation impact.

  • Support grant writing, fundraising, and donor reporting related to habitat and species programs.

  • Ensure fieldwork is conducted safely, sustainably, and in compliance with TIC’s guidelines.

  • Represent TIC in stakeholder meetings, conferences, and community outreach activities.

Requirements

Essential:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Conservation, or related field.

  • At least 3–5 years of experience in marine conservation, habitat monitoring, or species protection.

  • Strong leadership and team management skills.

  • Proficiency in scientific monitoring methods (reef surveys, seagrass monitoring, biodiversity assessments).

  • Good data management, analysis, and reporting skills.

  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

  • Physically fit and comfortable working in remote island environments.

  • Dive master certification with strong field diving experience.

Desirable:

  • Experience in sea turtle conservation programs.

  • Boat handling experience.

  • Familiarity with data visualisation, or statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS).

  • Experience working with local communities and cross-cultural teams.

What We Offer

  • Opportunity to lead impactful marine conservation projects in a unique island setting.

  • Training and professional development opportunities.

  • Supportive and collaborative work environment.

This position is open to Malaysian candidates only.

This is a salaried position.  Accommodation and meals provided on-site.

Interested applicants should send their CV, cover letter and contact details for two references to workwithus@tengahislandconservation.org with Team Lead Habitat and Species Pillar, as the subject heading.

As we are looking to fill this role as soon as possible, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. All interviews will be conducted via Zoom/Google Meet.