Location: Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai in Maharashtra
Program/Sector: Human-wildlife interactions program.
Position Type: Consultant
About us: The Wildlife Conservation Society-India works to conserve wildlife backed by science. We work in partnership with governmental and non-governmental organisations to deal with conservation challenges such as human-wildlife interaction, combating wildlife trafficking, conservation of marine ecosystems and species, conservation of endangered species, livelihood development of local communities, and so on. We are committed to wildlife conservation and the ecological worldview that recognises the inextricable link between human welfare and the protection of wildlife and wild spaces; WCS-India endeavours to inspire positive attitudes in people towards wildlife.
WCS-India is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.
About the Mumbai leopard Project:
The human-wildlife interactions programme aims to understand the complex relationship between humans and wild animals. Currently, the project focuses on leopard–human interactions in this urban landscape. The project aims to provide management interventions based on scientifically robust information on the leopard population, movement and human interactions. We engage and collaborate with stakeholders to engender an environment of co-existence through outreach and capacity building based on scientific findings.
About the Position:
This is an advanced-level position for people having one year or more experience. A research assistant (RA) is expected to coordinate and conduct fieldwork and other conservation activities in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and other territorial forest areas from the MMR.
This project, to be conducted in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department, aims to understand the population and movement of leopards and other carnivores in this urban landscape. The RA is expected to conduct months of fieldwork, data entry, and other responsibilities listed below. The RA will also significantly assist the research team in preparing the final report and other submissions. The project will cover simple accommodation and food during fieldwork.
Responsibilities:
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Rigorous fieldwork both inside and outside protected areas.
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Studying the movement, activity, habitat use and other aspects of the ecology of leopards and other mammals in the study site, using a combination of techniques
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Population estimation surveys.
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Engagement with local communities.
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Data entry, data validation and data processing.
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Other awareness and conservation-related activities in the landscape.
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Any other work assigned by the Programme Manager and supervisors on the field or in the office related to wildlife research or conservation
Required Qualification
Essential requirements
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A Master’s Degree in Wildlife Biology/Life Sciences/Zoology/Forestry.
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Prior field experience.
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Two-wheeler driving license and driving skills.
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Good communication skills with stakeholders and community members from the study area landscape.
Other additional skills
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Any other courses on wildlife/remote sensing/ecosystem services/environmental assessments will be advantageous.
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Fluency in Marathi and Hindi.
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Driver’s license and driving skills for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers (with at least two years prior driving experience).
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Advanced proficiency in field data collection methods, biodiversity surveys and assessments.
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Ability to write technical reports with minimal supervision.
Date of joining: February 1, 2022.
Compensation: 20,000 to 30,000 INR
It’s time to apply:
To apply, please send together in one file a cover letter and an updated resume. Submit your application using the position title “Research Assistant - HWI” in the subject line to careers@wcsindia.org latest by 16.59 on January 23, 2023.
Candidates should mandatorily share the contact details of at least two professional references. Please mention your driving licence, driving skills, and language proficiency.
All applications will be reviewed; however, only shortlisted candidates will be notified for further process.