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Restoration Forth is a major collaborative project restoring European flat oysters and seagrass in the Firth of Forth. Once home to one of the largest oyster reefs in the Northeast Atlantic, the Firth lost its native oysters by the early 1900s. Their return will improve biodiversity, enhance water quality, and support carbon sequestration.
Community involvement is central, with extensive volunteering, citizen science, and educational outreach.
Purpose of role
As a Restoration Forth Intern, you will be embedded within the Marine Environmental Enhancement Team (MEET) — a leading research group with over a decade of pioneering work in oyster restoration. You'll work closely with Dr Naomi Kennon and contribute directly to ongoing restoration efforts, scientific monitoring, and community engagement.
This is a rare opportunity to
- Gain hands-on fieldwork experience
- Develop your scientific skills and confidence
- Contribute to a high-profile ecosystem restoration project
- Work with partners such as WWF and the Marine Conservation Society
- Build a strong foundation for future employment in applied marine science/ marine conservation
Are you passionate about the marine environment? Keen to gain hands-on experience in one of the fastest-growing fields in conservation?
Heriot-Watt University is offering two full-time paid internships with the community focused Restoration Forth project , an exciting opportunity to help restore native oysters in the Firth of Forth and help build the skills you need for a career in marine restoration/conservation.
This internship is open to anyone with a passion for the marine environment and an interest in developing their career in marine conservation or science, while gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Summary of key duties and responsibilities
During this internship, you will develop skills and contribute to:
- Monitoring oyster deployment outcomes (survival and growth)
- Day-to-day marine restoration work
- Biosecurity for oyster movements
- Supporting and enriching volunteer and citizen science activities
- Outreach and engagement with communities, partner organisations, and corporate groups
- Scientific writing, communication, and development of your own small “pet project”
You'll also gain exposure to supply chain management, shellfish biosecurity and restoration field techniques.
Education, qualifications and experience
Essential
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Enthusiasm for marine conservation
- Strong academic record (e.g. BSc Hons.) or Equivalent work experience
- Data-handling skills (databases, spreadsheets, GIS, statistics)
- Ability to work well in a team and show initiative
- Reasonable physical fitness (fieldwork can be demanding)
- Willingness to undertake fieldwork and near-shore boat work
- Happy to work outside in a range of weather conditions
- Meticulous approach to scientific work
- Full UK driving licence (or equivalent)
- Experience in scientific writing; fluent English
Desirable
- Experience in aquaria or aquatic animal husbandry
- Experience working at sea or on the shore
- Experience using R
- Diving qualifications (CMAS 3*, Dive Master, Dive Leader, etc.)
- Interest in generating scientific outputs or communications
How to apply
Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter (2) Full CV
Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Monday 12th January 2026
