Marine Officer

About the Song Saa Foundation

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. Both programmes are delivered from the Sala Community Centre in Prek Svay village, which serves as the Foundation’s community hub.

The Foundation works in close partnership with Song Saa Private Island, a five-star resort, and maintains active relationships with relevant government ministries and a growing network of NGO, academic, and private sector partners. Its mission is to protect and rehabilitate ocean habitats in Cambodia’s coastal and marine zone while empowering the communities that depend on them.

Position Summary

• The position is for Cambodian nationals.
• Reporting to: Marine Scientist.
• Location: Song Saa Private Island, Koh Rong Archipelago.
• Position Type: Full-Time Contract (1 Year).
• Open to: Cambodian Applicants.
• Start Date: 1st November 2026.
• The standard working week is six days (48 hours).

About the Role

As Song Saa Foundation continues to strengthen its marine research and restoration work, the Marine Officer will provide essential support across the Foundation’s Marine Programme, working closely alongside the Marine Scientist to help deliver coral restoration, ecosystem monitoring, and marine protected area research in the Song Saa Marine Reserve and Koh Rong Marine National Park. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career Cambodian marine or environmental scientist to build hands-on field, data and communication skills while contributing directly to Cambodia’s marine conservation efforts. The role also provides opportunities to support government engagement, community education, and SSF’s Ocean Stewardship Programme. The role sits within the Foundation’s core team and reports directly to the Marine Scientist.

Duties & Responsibilities

Marine Programme Support (40%)

• Support the delivery of SSF’s Marine Programme across its core objectives: Coral Restoration, Ecosystem Monitoring, Marine Reserve & MPA Effectiveness, and Pollution & Environmental Resilience.
• Assist with biophysical marine surveys, coral monitoring, and other field data collection activities across the Koh Rong Archipelago.
• Support the input, management and organisation of marine biophysical data and databases.
• Assist with basic technical report writing and data summaries under the guidance of the Marine Scientist.
• Oversee basic maintenance of scuba and scientific equipment, including tank filling and inventory management.

Science Communication & Capacity Building (20%)

• Support the translation of marine science into accessible information for a range of audiences, including community members, students and stakeholders.
• Assist with the delivery of marine and environmental education and training, contributing to capacity-building activities across SSF’s programmes.
• Support the development of training and educational materials as required.

Government & Partner Engagement (15%)

• Attend government meetings, forums and events alongside the Marine Scientist or Programme Manager, as required.
• Take notes and record key outcomes, actions and follow-ups during government and partner meetings.
• Support collaboration with government partners on marine and coastal policy updates.
• Assist with the preparation of materials or data shared with government and partner bodies.

Ocean Stewardship Programme Support (15%)

• Support the facilitation and delivery of SSF’s Ocean Stewardship Programme, working alongside the Marine Scientist.
• Assist with the integration of programme participants into ongoing research and conservation activities.

Cross-Team and Ad Hoc Support (10%)

• Provide flexible support across marine programme and wider Foundation activities as operational needs demand.
• Assist with other ad hoc tasks as assigned.

Benefits

• 18 days paid annual leave plus Cambodian public holidays and five days sick leave.
• Health insurance coverage under the Brocon Health Plan.
• Free access to the Song Saa doctor when based on the islands.
• Accommodation in Song Saa’s staff village.
• Three meals per day in the staff canteen.
• Occasional additional hours may be required during busy periods, with time off in lieu provided where applicable.

Expected Profile of Candidates

Languages

• Khmer – Good.
• English – Good.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Science, Environmental Science, or a related discipline is required.

General & Technical Skills

• Confident swimmer, comfortable working in and around the water.
• Genuine passion for marine conservation and the natural world.
• Excellent written and spoken English and Khmer.
• Comfortable using everyday technology, including Google Drive, Excel and similar tools.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Willingness to live and work in a remote island location.
• Willingness to undertake scuba diving training.

Desirable: basic diving experience; prior experience on scientific field projects (e.g. surveying, data collection); experience living in a remote or rural setting.

Soft Skills

• Comfortable speaking in public or in front of large audiences.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Genuine passion for marine conservation and the natural world.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter (no more than 2 sides of A4) to kian@songsaafoundation.org. Your covering letter should clearly detail why you fit the responsibilities and candidate requirements for the role. Generic covering letters will not be reviewed. Only successful applicants will be contacted.

The Song Saa Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, colour, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable Cambodian law.

The Foundation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable people in the communities it serves. The successful candidate will be offered this role subject to satisfactory background checks and references.

More information: https://www.bongthom.com/job_detail/marine_officer_41556.html