Marine Research and Operations Manager

Location: Hybrid (3 days remote, 2 days at HQ in Lincolnshire), and at an Operation Wallacea site June-August, location TBC.

Salary: Starting from £27,000 p.a.

Join a global conservation effort with real-world impact.

Operation Wallacea is a UK-based conservation organisation that has been running biodiversity
research expeditions for 30 years. Our work has led to the publication of over 690
peer-reviewed papers, the discovery of more than 80 species new to science, and life-changing
field experiences for thousands of students across the globe.

We’re now looking for a Marine Research and Operations Manager to lead our
marine research and education programs at several of our overseas field sites—primarily during
the expedition season (June–August), with a special focus on the neotropics.

This is a rare opportunity to combine academic research, field operations, and science
education within a truly international, conservation-focused organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Expedition Leadership: Coordinate and manage marine research programs at multiple field
  sites during the summer expedition season (2–3 months abroad, including remote locations).
• Research Oversight: Lead or contribute to the publication of peer-reviewed research
  articles based on fieldwork.
• Education Program Development: Design and deliver educational content, including online
  courses and support for student research projects.
• Pre/Post-Season Support: Prepare sites and teams for field seasons, and carry out
  post-season reporting and analysis.
• Recruitment support: Delivering presentations to potential volunteers, working to develop our academic network and speaking to potential volunteers to assist in their joining the organisation.

About You:

You’ll be a passionate conservationist with strong academic credentials and field experience.
Specifically, you’ll have:

• A PhD in marine biology, zoology, oceanography, or a related discipline.
• A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Solid numeracy and statistical analysis capabilities.
• A proven ability to manage operations and lead teams in remote, expedition-based
  environments.
• Flexibility to spend extended periods abroad in remote field locations each year.

What We Offer:

• A dynamic, varied role combining science, travel, and education.
• The opportunity to contribute directly to global conservation research.
• A collaborative, mission-driven team.
• Hybrid working model: 3 days remote, 2 days at our Lincolnshire HQ.
• Competitive starting salary of £27,000 p.a.

Deadline: Friday 8 August 2025 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)