Sea Turtle Biologist

About ORP

Olive Ridley Project (ORP) is on a mission to protect sea turtles and their habitats through rescue and conservation medicine, scientific research, and educational outreach. At the core of our work is a passionate and dedicated team of scientists, conservationists, citizen scientists and volunteers. We pride ourselves on being able to collaborate with a wide range of diverse groups in order to reach our goal and fill data gaps in sea turtle conservation. ORP is at the forefront of sea turtle conservation, influencing local policy makers, fishing communities and collaborating with research institutes. We are headquartered in the UK and have bases in Kenya, Maldives, Oman, Pakistan, and Seychelles.

Furthermore we conduct research using Photo-ID methods to look at population stability, nesting activity and the spatial distribution of sea turtles in the Indian Ocean. We have one of the largest sea turtle-ID databases in the world with more than 52,000 observations, and work with an international team of experts to improve the method.

About Olive Ridley Project – Kenya

Olive Ridley Project – Kenya (ORP – Kenya), registered NGO-EPFPJ6 in Kenya, is a branch of Olive Ridley Project. We have been operating in Diani Beach, Kwale County, since 2018. Initially focusing on the in-water monitoring of sea turtles in the Diani-Chale Marine National Reserve, our programmes now include aerial drone surveys, Jumba Turtle Patrol nesting beach monitoring, and a variety of education and community outreach initiatives, including a community-led conservation programme across eleven fishing communities. We work in collaboration with local authorities, communities, and partners to achieve our goals.

About the sea turtle biologist position

We are looking for an enthusiastic sea turtle biologist to join the ORP – Kenya team in Diani Beach.

Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Conduct and expand Photo-ID research nationwide
• Conduct marine habitat research
• Database management & analyses
• Community outreach and awareness building
• Creating social media and website content

Minimum requirements

The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications, experience, and skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, environmental science or related field (candidates without a Bachelor’s degree but with extensive experience in conservation will be considered)
• Qualified SCUBA diver
• Experience handling large datasets
• Digital literacy, including proficiency in office productivity software
• Fluency in spoken and written Kiswahili and English
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of, and a passion for, the marine environment and conservation
• Legal right to live and work in Kenya

Assets

• Additional language skills
• Prior knowledge of R statistical language and analyses
• Experience in a customer/guest facing role
• Confident public speaker
• Experience working with sea turtles
• Storytelling and content creation skills

How to apply

If you are interested in joining the ORP – Kenya team as a Sea Turtle Biologist and fulfill the requirements for this rewarding opportunity, please submit the following items to dianibeach@oliveridleyproject.org:

• A brief cover letter explaining your motivation for applying for this role
• Your CV including a minimum of two references

Please include Job Reference ORPKSTB003 + Your Full Name in the email subject line.

Application deadline: 20th May 2026.

This post is subject to a standard police clearance check.

Equal opportunities

ORP – Kenya is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse working environment. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy or parental status, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.