EcoSphere Foundation

Essential Team Members & Job Roles for the EcoSphere Foundation

For the EcoSphere Foundation, a UK-based not-for-profit focused on marine conservation, artificial reefs, and environmental restoration, a structured team is necessary to handle governance, operations, research, and outreach. Below is a breakdown of key roles categorized into Leadership, Operations, Research & Development, Outreach, and Support.

1. Leadership & Governance

Founder & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

  • Oversees overall vision, strategy, and financial sustainability.

  • Represents the organisation to funders, partners, and regulatory bodies.

  • Drives fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and long-term planning.

Board of Trustees/Directors (Unpaid Governance Roles)

  • Provides oversight, ensures ethical management, and approves major financial decisions.

  • Composed of experts in conservation, finance, legal matters, and non-profit governance.

  • Helps attract funding and strategic partnerships.

Managing Director / Chief Operating Officer (COO)

  • Manages daily operations, ensuring all departments function efficiently.

  • Works closely with the CEO to implement strategies.

  • Oversees HR, compliance, and internal policies.

2. Operations & Project Management

Programme Director

  • Leads and manages conservation projects (e.g., artificial reef deployments, habitat restoration).

  • Coordinates between research, engineering, and field teams.

  • Ensures all activities comply with environmental regulations.

Project Managers (Marine & Coastal)

  • Supervises individual projects, from reef installations to sustainability initiatives.

  • Manages logistics, permits, and contractor coordination.

  • Ensures community and stakeholder engagement in each project location.

Marine Engineer / Structural Engineer

  • Designs and tests artificial reef structures for durability and marine safety.

  • Ensures floating reef systems are buoyant, structurally sound, and eco-friendly.

  • Researches sustainable materials (e.g., recycled plastics, marine-safe concrete).

Environmental Compliance & Policy Officer

  • Ensures projects align with UK/EU environmental laws.

  • Works on obtaining permits, environmental impact assessments (EIAs), and legal approvals.

  • Liaises with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and DEFRA.

3. Research & Development

Chief Scientist / Head of Research

  • Directs scientific studies on biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem recovery.

  • Oversees data collection on artificial reef impact and publishes research findings.

  • Works with universities and research institutions.

Marine Biologists (Coral, Kelp, Seagrass, Fisheries Experts)

  • Studies the effects of artificial reefs on marine biodiversity.

  • Develops strategies to seed corals, restore seagrass beds, and enhance fisheries.

  • Conducts underwater surveys and monitors reef health.

Oceanographer / Hydrodynamic Specialist

  • Analyzes water currents, wave patterns, and sedimentation to determine optimal reef placement.

  • Ensures structures can withstand environmental conditions.

Sustainable Materials & Recycling Specialist

  • Identifies ways to use recycled plastics and other sustainable materials in reef construction.

  • Ensures materials are non-toxic, durable, and marine-safe.

4. Outreach, Fundraising & Community Engagement

Director of Fundraising & Grants

  • Identifies and applies for grants, corporate sponsorships, and government funding.

  • Builds relationships with philanthropists, CSR initiatives, and international environmental funds.

  • Creates revenue models (e.g., carbon credits, eco-tourism).

Marketing & Communications Manager

  • Runs social media, PR, and public awareness campaigns.

  • Promotes success stories of reef projects and environmental impact.

  • Maintains website and creates engaging content (videos, articles, reports).

Community Liaison Officer

  • Works with local fishermen, divers, and businesses to ensure community support.

  • Runs educational programs and stakeholder meetings.

  • Encourages citizen science participation (volunteer divers monitoring reefs).

5. Support & Administration

Finance & Accounting Manager

  • Manages budgets, payroll, and grant funding allocations.

  • Ensures transparent financial reporting to comply with UK Charity Commission regulations.

HR & Volunteer Coordinator

  • Recruits and manages employees, researchers, and volunteers.

  • Organises training for field staff and community workshops.

Logistics & Deployment Coordinator

  • Oversees transport and deployment of artificial reef structures.

  • Manages partnerships with marine construction companies, shipping firms, and divers.

6. Additional Field-Based Roles (For Larger Operations)

If the foundation scales up, additional field personnel may be required:

  • Dive Safety Officer – Supervises underwater teams installing and monitoring reefs.

  • Boat Captain & Marine Operations Specialist – Manages vessels for offshore operations.

  • Citizen Science & Education Coordinator – Engages schools and volunteers in reef monitoring programs.

Budget & Hiring Phases

A small-scale pilot might only need 5-7 core roles, while a fully operational not-for-profit could have 20+ employees and field teams.

Phase 1 – Initial Team (Minimal Viable Team)

  • CEO / Executive Director

  • Marine Engineer

  • Project Manager

  • Chief Scientist

  • Fundraising & Grants Officer

  • Communications Manager

  • Logistics Coordinator

Phase 2 – Expansion (Specialised Staff & Research Teams)

  • Marine Biologists & Oceanographers

  • Structural Engineers

  • Policy & Compliance Officers

  • Community Engagement Staff

  • Additional Admin & Finance Support

Final Recommendations

  • Start Small & Grow Strategically: Begin with key leadership, engineering, and research staff. Expand as projects scale.

  • Leverage Partnerships: Work with universities, NGOs, and government bodies to access resources and expertise.

  • Use Volunteers for Citizen Science & Community Engagement: Helps reduce costs and increases public participation.

  • Secure Sustainable Funding Before Scaling: Ensure grants, sponsorships, and carbon credit schemes are secured before major expansion.

Establishing the EcoSphere Foundation as a UK-based not-for-profit focused on marine conservation requires a strategic approach to both team development and financial planning. Below is a structured hiring timeline, followed by estimated salary ranges for key positions, to guide the foundation's growth over its initial years.

Hiring Timeline

This phased approach ensures the foundation builds capacity sustainably, aligning with project milestones and funding availability.

Phase 1: Foundation Establishment (Months 1-6)

  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Leads strategic planning, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement.

  • Marine Engineer: Designs and oversees the construction of artificial reef structures.

  • Project Manager: Manages project timelines, resources, and coordination.

  • Chief Scientist: Directs research initiatives and environmental impact assessments.

  • Fundraising & Grants Officer: Identifies funding opportunities and manages grant applications.

  • Communications Manager: Handles public relations, marketing, and community outreach.

  • Finance & Administration Officer: Manages budgets, financial reporting, and administrative tasks.

Phase 2: Program Expansion (Months 7-18)

  • Marine Biologists: Conduct ecological studies and monitor reef ecosystems.

  • Policy & Compliance Officer: Ensures adherence to environmental regulations and manages permits.

  • Community Engagement Coordinator: Builds relationships with local communities and stakeholders.

  • Volunteer Coordinator: Recruits and manages volunteers for various projects.

Phase 3: Scaling Operations (Months 19-36)

  • Additional Project Managers: Oversee new initiatives and geographic expansions.

  • Data Analyst: Interprets research data to inform project development.

  • Education & Outreach Officer: Develops educational programs and materials.

  • IT Support Specialist: Maintains digital infrastructure and data security.

Estimated Salary Ranges

Salary estimates are based on UK averages for the non-profit sector and may vary depending on experience, location, and organizational budget.

  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO): £50,000 - £80,000 per annum

  • Marine Engineer: £35,000 - £55,000 per annum

  • Project Manager: £30,000 - £45,000 per annum

  • Chief Scientist: £40,000 - £60,000 per annum

  • Fundraising & Grants Officer: £28,000 - £40,000 per annum

  • Communications Manager: £30,000 - £45,000 per annum

  • Finance & Administration Officer: £28,000 - £40,000 per annum

  • Marine Biologists: £25,000 - £40,000 per annum

  • Policy & Compliance Officer: £30,000 - £45,000 per annum

  • Community Engagement Coordinator: £25,000 - £35,000 per annum

  • Volunteer Coordinator: £22,000 - £30,000 per annum

  • Data Analyst: £30,000 - £45,000 per annum

  • Education & Outreach Officer: £28,000 - £40,000 per annum

  • IT Support Specialist: £25,000 - £35,000 per annum

Note: These figures are approximate and should be adjusted based on the foundation's specific circumstances and prevailing market rates.

Additional Considerations

  • Funding Alignment: Ensure that hiring plans are closely aligned with secured funding to maintain financial stability.

  • Role Flexibility: In the early stages, team members may need to undertake multiple roles to optimize resources.

  • Volunteer Engagement: Leverage volunteers and interns, especially for support roles, to manage costs effectively.

  • Professional Development: Invest in training and development to enhance team capabilities and retention.

By following this structured hiring timeline and offering competitive salaries, the EcoSphere Foundation can build a competent and dedicated team to advance its mission of marine conservation and environmental restoration.