Coralku is a Malaysia-based coral restoration organisation combining scientific research, fieldwork and practical innovation to restore degraded reefs and improve restoration outcomes in a changing climate. Our work spans coral nursery propagation, reef restoration, coral bleaching and thermal-tolerance research, and coral spawning.
We work at the intersection of science and conservation, testing restoration approaches in the field and using monitoring and research findings to inform future efforts. Working alongside local and international partners, our team contributes to one of Malaysia’s largest coral restoration initiatives while advancing knowledge of how to restore reefs under increasing environmental stress.
We are looking for practical, motivated individuals who want to contribute directly to coral reef conservation, restoration and research. Whether you bring experience in coral restoration or a related field or are a capable diver keen to develop your skills in marine conservation, working with Coralku offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across field operations, coral husbandry, ecological monitoring and applied research.
About the Role
The Coral Restoration & Education Intern will report directly to the Site Manager, who will be coordinating all activities and duties. This hands-on role combines coral restoration and conservation education, offering the opportunity to contribute directly to reef restoration. This position requires some SCUBA diving combined with office and outreach work.
An internship with Coralku offers hands-on experience at the intersection of coral reef science and restoration. Interns can gain practical skills in coral husbandry, nursery maintenance, reef restoration, ecological monitoring and field data collection, while learning about coral bleaching, thermal tolerance and restoration research. Working alongside our team in Malaysia, interns will gain insight into the practical challenges of restoring coral reefs in a changing climate and how scientific research informs conservation decisions.
Requirements
Coral restoration tasks:
Maintain & monitor coral nurseries.
Out-plant corals from our nurseries.
Collect photographic material of out-planted corals.
Coral predator removal.
Guest activities & related tasks:
One of the Intern's primary responsibility is to support the Restoration & Education Officer with guest education related activities. These include:
Give regular Coral Education talks to resorts guests
Conduct coral planting activities and conservation talks for guests at Summer Bay Resort.
Help with CSR projects, school trips, and awareness
Support our coral adoption programme operations
Co-manage the coral adoption database (e.g., collect update photographs, database management, etc.).
Co-manage the Coral Centre (e.g., maintain the area, greet visitors, etc.)
Various small administrative tasks (e.g., equipment maintenance, stock accounting, etc.)
Required Skills
Please DO NOT APPLY if you do not meet the minimum requirements for this position.
Mandarin speaker. Must be able to communicate in Mandarin for guest engagement and conservation outreach.
Open Water Diving Certification.
Good written and oral English language skills.
Good command of MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Physically fit and good open water swimmer.
Good communications skills.
A 'team first' attitude.
Malaysian citizen only (or permanent residents).
Highly desired skills
Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in Marine Science, Ecology, Biology or a related discipline.
Background knowledge of coral reef biology and ecology.
An intermediate knowledge of underwater photography & editing.
Avid social media user who can contribute to our social media pages.
Terms & benefits:
Start dates: mid-March 2027 for 12-weeks, and mid-June 2027 for 12-weeks.
On-site meals, accommodation (shared), and travel are provided.
This is an unpaid internship.
How to apply
Please send us your full CV to info@coralku.org, and state at least 2 referees that we are allowed to contact for feedback (ideally from 2 separate institutions / organizations). In addition, tell us about one personal experience that has shaped your interest in marine conservation, and how it relates to the role you’re applying for. No cover letter needed. We would like to hear your story and ambition in your own words. .
Applications open until the position is filled. Successful candidates will be contacted and invited to interviews in November 2026.