Marine Scientist
- Organization
- The Song Saa Foundation
- Location
- Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia
- Job Type
- Full-time; 2-year contract
- Deadline for Applications
- 09/07/2026
- How to Apply
- Follow the link
- Where to Apply
- https://www.conservation-careers.com/job/marine-scientist/
About the Song Saa Foundation (SSF)
The Song Saa Foundation is a registered non-governmental organisation operating within the Koh Rong Marine National Park, Preah Sihanouk Province, Cambodia. Established in 2013, the Foundation builds on conservation work that began in 2006 and has since developed a strong track record in coastal marine conservation and community development across the Koh Rong Archipelago- including playing a pioneering role in the establishment of the country’s first marine protected area.
The Foundation operates across two core programme areas. Its Marine Conservation programme works to protect and restore Cambodia’s coastal and marine ecosystems, generating evidence and data to inform national marine policy. Its Community Development programme supports the communities of Koh Rong through education, skills development, and livelihood initiatives that build long-term self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship.
The Foundation works in close partnership with Song Saa Private Island, and maintains active relationships with relevant government ministries and a growing network of NGO, academic, and private sector partners. Our mission is to protect and rehabilitate ocean habitats in Cambodia’s coastal and marine zone while empowering the communities that depend on them.
About the Role
As Song Saa Foundation continues to strengthen its marine research and restoration work, the Marine Scientist will lead the delivery of the Foundation’s Marine Programme- generating the data, evidence and practical conservation outcomes needed to protect and restore the Song Saa Marine Reserve and Koh Rong Marine National Park. This role combines hands-on scientific research, in-water conservation delivery, volunteer coordination, and contribution to fundraising and reporting, with the opportunity to shape and grow SSF’s marine science capacity over time. The role sits within the Foundation’s core team and reports directly to the Programme Manager.
Responsibilities and Tasks
1. Marine Programme Leadership, Research & Conservation Delivery (50%)
Lead the delivery of SSF’s Marine Programme across its core objectives: Coral Restoration, Ecosystem Monitoring, Marine Reserve & MPA Effectiveness, and Pollution & Environmental Resilience
Lead biophysical marine surveys across the Koh Rong Archipelago, supported by a team of staff and volunteers
Oversee the input, management and analysis of marine biophysical data, ensuring accurate, well-maintained databases across all monitoring areas
Lead the timely delivery of technical reports required by current grant funding, government partners, and other stakeholders
Develop and progress SSF’s marine research agenda, working with the Programme Manager to identify new research priorities and project opportunities
Lead the planning and delivery of SSF’s Coral Restoration work, overseeing its ongoing phases of implementation
Organise and lead the Foundation’s in-water activities required for conservation delivery, monitoring and fundraising purposes
Ensure conservation activities are delivered safely and in line with best practices
2. Ocean Stewardship Programme (20%)
Coordinate and lead the field delivery of SSF’s Ocean Stewardship Programme, working with the Programme Manager on recruitment and logistics
Deliver the coral reef ecology and seagrass ecology courses to programme participants
Support the integration of programme participants into ongoing research and conservation activities
3. Fundraising & Grant Management (10%)
Support the Programme Manager in identifying and securing funding for the Marine Programme, including grant compliance and reporting requirements
Provide oversight of funds expenditure relating to the Marine Programme, including monthly reconciliations and narrative reporting
Assist the Programme Manager with budgetary needs, including monthly purchase requests and reconciliations for marine conservation expenses
4. Partnerships, Representation & Communications (10%)
Support engagement with local authorities on marine and coastal conservation matters as required, including Community Fisheries
Represent the Foundation at forums, meetings and workshops as requested by senior management
Contribute content for the Foundation’s social media channels, highlighting the impact of the Marine Programme’s work
5. Cross-Team and Administrative Support (10%)
Provide flexible support to community programme activities as required
Assist with volunteer and programme participant orientation and integration
Provide ad hoc support to the Programme Manager and wider team as operational needs demand
