Position I: Research Assistant - (1 position)
Location: Bangalore (With travel to field sites across the Western Ghats)
Program: Agroforest Biodiversity and Conservation
Reporting Head: Program Head
Duration: 1 Year (extendable)
Desired language proficiency: English and Kannada/ Tamil/ Malayalam
About us:
The Wildlife Conservation Society-India works to conserve wildlife backed by science. We work in partnership with governmental and non-governmental organizations to deal with conservation challenges such as human-wildlife interaction, countering wildlife trafficking, conservation of marine ecosystems and species, conservation of endangered species, livelihood development of local communities, and so on. Committed to wildlife conservation and the ecological worldview that recognizes 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 Project:
The project will be examining the effects of land use management on biodiversity in agroforests of the Western Ghats. We will aim to develop spatial conservation strategies for terrestrial and aquatic habitats and inform land owner management practices for sustainable agriculture in the region. The RA will be expected to be involved in all steps of the project from conceptualizing study design and field work, conducting ecological and socioeconomic surveys, data collation and analysis and preparing of final reports and publications.
Roles and Responsibilities:
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Conduct field surveys to assist in ecological and/or social-economic data collection as per project requirements
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Assist with the collection of primary and secondary materials relevant to the project through desk-based research and visits to, as and when required.
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Assist in designing and executing outreach activities pertaining to the project.
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Liaise with individuals, research institutes, and governmental and non-governmental agencies towards collaborative efforts.
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Assist in maintaining databases, preparation of annual work-plans, budgets, scientific publications, popular articles and reports as required by WCS-India and donor partners.
Qualification & Requirements:
Essential qualifications
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Post-graduate degree, preferably a Master's degree in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Conservation Sciences, or allied subjects
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At least 6 months of field work experience and natural history skills in identifying amphibians, reptiles or birds.
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Comfortable traveling and working in remote locations and difficult field terrains and conditions
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Ability to lead field teams and engage with stakeholders – land owners, local community, forest department, etc.
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Proficiency with MS Office – Excel, Word, etc.
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Experience in academic and non-academic writing and editing.
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Highly motivated individual demonstrating a willingness to learn and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to project activities.
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Spoken language fluency in Kannada/ Tamil/ Malayalam
Desirable Skills
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Ability to conduct independent research and knowledge and experience in designing field methodology, data collection, biodiversity surveys.
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Data management and analytical skills using software such as R/ Python or visualizing data using GIS platforms.
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Ability to write technical reports with minimal supervision.
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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).
Compensation: Offered as per the qualification and experience.
Date of joining: April 1, 2023.
It’s time to apply:
To apply, please send together in one file a cover letter, an updated resume, and a sample of your writing such as a copy of your thesis, scientific report or publication. Submit your application using the position title “Research Assistant - WG-Ag” in the subject line to careers@wcsindia.org latest by March 15th, 2023.
Candidates should mandatorily share the contact details of three professional references. Please add this to your cover letter.
All applications will be reviewed; however, only shortlisted candidates will be notified for further process.