ORCA Ocean Conservationists are talented, inspiring individuals who work on ferries and cruise ships, delivering unforgettable wildlife experiences. Travelling across the world, they deliver innovative education programmes teaching people from all backgrounds about the marine environment whilst at the same time collecting important scientific data about some of the richest habitats in the ocean.

We are recruiting the next generation of Ocean Conservationists to help us protect the marine environment, and are inviting applications for our unique training programme in 2022.

Ocean Conservationist Training

Starting in October 2022, successful candidates will participate in a four-month online training programme teaching them all the skills they need to deliver exceptional experiences at sea.

After passing the online course, you’ll then be given the opportunity to put your new skills into practice during at-sea assessment and training, engaging with real guests for around one week on a ship so you can experience life on the ocean first-hand.

Ocean Conservationist Roles

After completing the training programme, you’ll be ready to be placed on ships for real, taking on paid contracts delivering Ocean Conservationist programmes across our ferry and cruise network.

Whether it’s cruise ships or ferries, every opportunity gives the chance to inspire a whole new group of guests, teaching them about life beneath the waves and about the work ORCA is doing to protect whales and dolphins for future generations. Opportunities range from a few days to a few months or even longer, and we currently run programmes all year round, reaching four oceans and some of the most remote areas in the world.

Please note: This course qualifies successful candidates to work as Ocean Conservationists for ORCA but contracts are allocated based on skills, experience, availability and suitability for the variety of programmes we offer. We aim to give all qualified Ocean Conservationists an opportunity to complete a paid contract each year but we cannot guarantee this, and completion of the course does not guarantee any future employment opportunities will be available.

Application Process

To apply to join this one-of-a-kind programme, you will need to submit a CV and a two-minute video explaining why you are perfect to be an Ocean Conservationist, to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The closing date for applications is 12pm on Wednesday 31st August 2022 with the course starting the week commencing 31st October 2022.

Please note:

• There are no costs to participate in the programme; however, to attend the face-to-face element, you will need to arrange your own travel to and from the port (which will be in the UK). A place in a shared cabin and food on board will be provided, but other costs (such as gratuities, drinks, etc.) will be chargeable.
• Attending the face-to-face training will require candidates to complete the online training course successfully. This will primarily consist of online workbooks and assessments, but will also include online lectures/workshops approximately once per fortnight. The expected time commitment for the programme is 3-4 hours per week for the online element and one-week of full-time residential for the face-to-face training. 
• Both the online and face-to-face elements of the course are assessed on a pass/fail basis, and only those who are passed will be considered for Ocean Conservationist opportunities.
• Ocean Conservationist opportunities are allocated based on experience, availability and individual skill sets, and range in length from a few days to full-time placements. 
• ORCA endeavour to place all qualified Ocean Conservationists at sea at least once per year, but due to the changing shape of our programme and individual availability, we cannot guarantee this will be possible.