Open to opportunities

kev smulders

@kevsmulders

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I survey reefs, lead safe dives, and support marine conservation research.

Zimbabwe

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What I'm looking for

I'm looking to continue hands-on marine biology and conservation work combining scientific surveys, coral research, laboratory work, dive leadership, public education, and mentoring.

At Park Hyatt Hadahaa, I combine coral, invertebrate, fish, and sea-turtle surveys with laboratory experiments and guided snorkelling and dive excursions. I use electron microscopy for algal, zooplankton, and phytoplankton observations, started a citizen-science programme for crown-of-thorns starfish, and mentor volunteers and interns.

I've also led more than 300 dives as a Divemaster at Alpha Divers, including wreck-penetration dives where safety and skill are vital. My work spans coral restoration, mangrove planting, BRUV and benthic surveys, fish husbandry, vaccination studies, VIE tagging, blood sampling, and fisheries observation.

With a Merit in Tropical Marine Biology and a 2:1 Marine Biology degree, I'm particularly drawn to coral research, thermal stress, and practical conservation work.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Marine Biologist

Current

Park Hyatt Hadahaa

Jan 2026 - Present (7 months)

Conducts scientific surveys of coral, invertebrates, fish, and sea turtles, and leads excursions with laboratory experiments. Started a citizen science programme for crown of thorn starfish and mentors volunteers and interns.

Coral And Reef Surveys Experiments Electron Microscope Public Speaking Mentor Snorkeling Excursion Guidance Dive Activity Leadership

Divemaster

Alpha Divers

May 2025 - Dec 2025 (7 months)

Led dives, educated clients on marine life, and ensured safety, with a focus on wreck penetration dives. Guided over 300 dives and handled logistics such as tank filling and boat operations.

Dive Activity Leadership Wreck Diving safety management Client Education Logistics

Scientific Diver and Research Divemaster Intern

SSI

Jul 2024 - Sep 2024 (2 months)

Completed a divemaster certification with SSI and participated in conservation activities including coral fragmenting, mangrove planting, citizen science surveys, BRUV drops, and benthic surveys.

Dive Master Coral Fragmentation Mangrove Planting BRUV Surveys Benthic Surveys Beach Clean Up

Hatchery Technician

Mowi

Feb 2024 - Jul 2024 (5 months)

Raised Ballan wrasse from larvae to appropriate size for release into salmon farms as cleaner fish. Duties included husbandry, system maintenance, live feed cultivation, and innovation.

Fish Husbandry Maintenance Live Feed Cultivation Innovation

Fisheries Technician

Aquabiotech

May 2023 - Feb 2024 (9 months)

Performed VIE tagging, blood sampling, system checks, and husbandry while following SOP guidelines in pathogen-containing environments. Contributed to vaccination, pathogen, and nutritional studies.

Data Collection

Volunteer

Wild Oysters Project

Sep 2021 - Jan 2022 (4 months)

Monitored oyster health and surrounding biodiversity in oyster cages, contributing to reintroduction efforts in North Wales harbours. Enhanced species identification skills.

Oyster Monitoring Biodiversity Assessment

Marine Fisheries Intern

Bangor University

Aug 2021 - Oct 2021 (2 months)

Participated in various projects including seine netting, otolith extraction of juvenile bass, whelk statolith extraction, and fisheries observation of lobsters and crabs. Enhanced health and safety awareness.

Seine Netting Otolith Extraction Statolith Extraction Fisheries Observation Health and Safety

Volunteer Aquarist

Anglesey Sea Zoo

Apr 2020 - Sep 2020 (5 months)

Performed husbandry tasks including food prep, feeding, cleaning, and health monitoring. Gave talks and Q&A sessions to customers, adapting to COVID-19 regulations.

Public Speaking

Personal Trainer

Apr 2016 - Jun 2019 (3 years 2 months)

Built and maintained a personal training business, working one-on-one with clients daily and improving customer service skills.

Personal Training Customer Service Business Management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Bangor University

Bachelor of Science, Marine Biology

Grade: 2:1

Undergraduate degree in Marine Biology with a 2:1 grade, covering oceanography, marine ecology, marine mammals, and practical lab skills. Thesis on thermotolerance of Acropora corals.

University of Essex

Master of Science, Tropical Marine Biology

Grade: Merit

Master's degree in Tropical Marine Biology with Merit, covering marine resources, tropical marine systems, methods in marine biology, and data analysis. Thesis on coral polyp activity under thermal stress.