Sam Reynolds

Marine Biologist & Coral Reef Ecologist | Fieldwork • Data Analysis • Environmental Reporting

Australia

About

I am an enthusiastic marine biologist specialising in coral reef ecology with extensive fieldwork experience across tropical marine environments including the Caribbean, Maldives and Great Barrier Reef. I enjoy combining hands-on fieldwork with strong analytical skills to deliver quality data- and science-driven actionable reports. I'm particularly interested in opportunities that involve: - ecological data analysis and interpretation - imagery or video analysis (e.g. drone, remote monitoring, or underwater survey footage) - technical or management-level reporting - science communication and translating data into decisions - supporting large-scale marine or coastal projects I'm currently based in Sydney and seeking opportunities in marine ecology, environmental consulting or research support roles. I am open to relocating nationwide and seeking visa sponsorship (currently on a WHV 417 until August 1st 2026, open to TSS/482 sponsorship - committed to building a long-term career in Australia)

Experience

  • Marine Biologist - Coral Reef Ecology at Flying Fish Technologies
    Mar 2026 - Present · 5 mos

    Conducted coral reef surveys across multiple sites on the Great Barrier Reef. Responsibilities included field operations, real-time monitoring and hazard assessment, equipment deployment and retrieval, and boat-based navigation support. Post-survey work involved image annotation and data processing using CVAT and ReefCloud, contributing ecological expertise to develop identification criteria for ecological features, and preparing annotated datasets for machine learning applications.

  • Founder & Digital Consultant at Self Employed
    Jul 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 1 mo

    I provide strategic digital communications, content creation, and social media management for environmentally aligned brands. My work includes: Luxury travel advisor: Developing and executing content strategies to increase engagement on Instagram and Facebook; managing website content; conducting regular performance audits and adjusting strategy based on analytics. Freediving instructor and expedition leader: Designed social media strategies that successfully boosted audience growth, engagement, and sales of freediving and water safety expeditions. Architectural hardware brand: Streamlined product data and imagery to enhance user experience and online catalogue efficiency ahead of a website launch. My focus is always on aligning brand messaging with audience values, increasing digital visibility, and supporting sustainable and environmental storytelling.

  • Marine Biologist - Coral Reef Ecology at Flying Fish Technologies Pty Ltd
    Jan 2025 - Mar 2025 · 3 mos

    Analysed underwater drone imagery to classify marine habitats and organisms for ecological assessments and machine learning models. Additionally, developed standardised identification protocols, and contributed ecological insights to client-facing reports.

  • Whale Watching Tour Guide at Cronulla Whale Watching
    Jun 2023 - Sep 2023 · 4 mos

    Delivered engaging educational commentary on marine wildlife during whale-watching excursions. Guided diverse audiences through topics including whale migration, local marine biodiversity, and conservation efforts. Also captured content for social media promotion and maintained detailed trip records, enhancing guest experiences and supporting operational efficiency and safety.

  • JOALI Maldives (2 yrs 1 mo)
    • Cluster Marine Biologist cum Sustainability Manager
      Feb 2020 - Sep 2020 · 8 mos

      Managed multi-site coral restoration, ecological monitoring, and sustainability programs across two luxury resorts. Responsibilities included: - Expanding JOALI’s Coral Reef Restoration Program (CRRP) to a second island, involving coral nursery site selection, structure design, and ecological monitoring. - Training and supervising a small team in reef monitoring and coral restoration methods. - Implementing resort-wide sustainability initiatives (waste segregation, rainwater harvesting, and shark and ray sighting databases). - Representing JOALI at international workshops and strengthening partnerships with NGOs like Parley Maldives. - Drafting comprehensive monthly progress reports and sustainability audits, aligning operations with EarthCheck certification standards.

    • Marine Biologist - Reef Restoration
      Sep 2018 - Feb 2020 · 1 yr 6 mos

      Established and led JOALI's coral reef restoration program, including nursery design, coral propagation, and reef health monitoring aligned with environmental assessments. I conducted regular ecological surveys (fish, invertebrates, and coral health), managed pest species, and created comprehensive illustrated monthly reports for senior management. I also developed marine environmental training programs for resort staff and guests, collaborated closely with NGOs and local government agencies, and advised on ecological best practices during resort development projects.