Ecology Research Coordinator at Loisaba Conservacy

The Ecology Research Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing ecological research activities of the Giraffe, Leopard and Black Rhino Conservation Programs under the direction of the lead Scientist(s) from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA). The position requires a candidate with a background in ecological research and experience with maintaining camera trapping operations including deploying and maintaining camera traps and collating the image data into usable outputs for research. Additional skills include experience in other forms of ecological monitoring, such as sample collection, abundance estimation, and the deployment of GPS tags. The Ecology Research Coordinator will be expected to manage a field team of 3-5 individuals at a time depending on the activity. The ideal candidate will be able to balance the demands of field research on a variety of species, some of which cover rugged and remote terrain, with prioritizing the personal relationships that allow the program to function in the landscape.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Research Duties
• Lead a field team on the selection of sites and deployment of camera traps to meet the methodologies required for occupancy, density and animal behaviour studies.
• Lead a field team on downloading, organising and storing data from all camera traps, acoustic recorders and weather stations related to the SDZWA Conservation programs on a regular basis.
• Lead a team on the collation of camera trap data, using image classifier AI to sort images at the species level, verified for accuracy within Camera Base.
• Maintain all metadata on camera trap functionality and longevity in the field.
• Use attractants at camera sites according to the schedule defined by the SDZWA Lead Scientist(s).
• Lead the field team on the collection of wildlife DNA from the field (e.g. fecal, hair) using collection and storage protocols as defined by the SDZWA Lead Scientist(s).
• Lead population monitoring surveys and subsequent analyses.
• Assist in collecting human dimensions data if needed.
• Coordinate on-the-ground communications with SDZWA-Kenya, the Wildlife Research & Training Institute (WRTI) and Kenyan Wildlife Service (KWS) to advance program objectives, including but not limited to: permits, updates, reports, publications, presentations and press releases.
• Help identify and establish potential relationships with conservancies, private ranches, NGOs, or other organizations to propel the scientific work forward.
• Write quarterly reports on conservation program activities.
• Coordinate collaborative research activities on-the-ground, including but not limited to: volunteers, students, internships, and visiting researchers.
• Contribute to the process of identifying research activities that increase the value of the work on-the- ground, and work with SDZWA Scientist(s) to implement new programs.
• Present research findings in meetings and conferences to local communities, conservancies, partners, and government agencies as directed to advance conservation efforts in Kenya.
• Maintain relationships with partnering conservancies and reserves to the highest degree of operational integrity.
• Equipment Maintenance
• Ensure that all field equipment are properly maintained, tracked and stored. Note any losses or malfunctions of equipment to the appropriate SDZWA team and Loisaba managers.
• Ensure there are enough supplies (e.g. batteries, SD cards, etc.) available to maintain scientific projects.
• Keep a record of work vehicle distance driven and report any maintenance or performance issues.
• Coordinator and Management Duties:
• Provide regular, day-to-day, leadership and management of the field team and work with team to ensure high performance and morale.
• Work with Loisaba Conservancy, SDZWA-Kenya, and SDZWA Scientists to help orient, advise, train, and communicate job expectations to field team members.
• Maintain regular communication with the joint management team (SDZWA-USA / SDZWA-Kenya / Loisaba Conservancy) to organize procedures, activities, and schedules.
• Community Duties
• Maintain positive relationships with the families and elders of the communities in which SDZWA conservation programs work.
• Work with the SDZWA Scientist(s) and Loisaba Conservancy to run Community Education Days and School Education Visits.
• Safety
• Drive the work vehicle safely and observe conservancy regulations. Driving over rough and difficult landscapes is expected.
• Maintain safe passenger and transportation of good practices that ensures the safety of others and care for the vehicle(s).
• Train in First Aid and general safety practices to help ensure your safety and that of team members.
• Proposed Salary, Bonus Structure, & Accommodation:
• Expected Monthly Salary Level (dependent on qualifications): 110,000 – 140,000 KES
• Expected Reporting Schedule: Three weeks on, one week of leave per month.
• Accommodation: all required accommodations, including living quarters, food, office space and internet will be provided.
• Airtime: a monthly allocation for airtime
• Supplies: all necessary supplies to conduct work in an appropriate manner (example: laptop, DSLR camera, uniform, camping gear, etc.)

Person profile:

• Kenyan citizen.
• Fluent in English and Swahili. Fluency or advanced abilities in Maa (Samburu) is considered an asset.
• Minimum of Bachelor’s of Science and two years of relevant work experience. A MSc degree counts for 2 years of work experience.
• Experience using computer programs such as MS Office (Word, Excel, Access), statistical packages (R), and GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS).
• Experience with camera traps and image management.
• Interest and ability to contribute to scientific publications as a coauthor.
• A driving license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Initiative and drive.
• Honesty and integrity.
• Commitment to nature conservation and the goals of Loisaba Conservancy and SDZWA.