Research Assistant – Ecological Monitoring (Sera Rhino Sanctuary) at Northern Rangelands Trust

Purpose of the position:

Reporting to the Conservancy Manager and the Sanctuary Manager with a close working relationship with the NRT team, the Research assistant will be responsible for all ecological monitoring in Sera Wildlife Conservancy with specially focus on the ring-fenced rhino sanctuary.

This position will work closely with the Sera Conservancy Manager and Senior Research and Monitoring Coordinator (NRT HQ).

Key responsibilities.

• Supporting rhino monitoring team by ensuring all rhinos are positively identified by updating Master ID file, data entry and maintenance of KIFARU database, and producing monthly rhino monitoring reports.
• Monitoring Grevy’s Zebra and reticulated giraffe population status and profiling individual animal through stripe patterns with effective use of HotSpotter.
• Supporting the Conservancy warden by assisting in data entry and maintenance of Wildlife Conservancy Management Monitoring System (WCoMMS) and producing regular reports with spatial analysis to Sera management.
• Seasonal monitoring of habitat to quantify available biomass and rangeland health. Supporting the rangelands team in ground truthing – NDVI done by remote sensing.
• Participating in biodiversity assessment for various taxa under carbon trade program.
• Taking charge of habitat restoration/ rehabilitation and monitor successes/ challenges of various prescribed restoration/ rehabilitation projects.
• Participating in seasonal aerial and ground census for large mammals.
• Monitoring and tracking trends on wildlife mortality.
• Monitoring and tracking movement of wildlife in and out of the sanctuary with specific focus on large predators especially lions and wild dogs.
• Monitoring impact of elephants on rhino habitat especially plant damages at watering holes.
• Monitoring and reporting on daily weather forecasts from the various weather stations.
• Monitoring and reporting status of translocated wildlife (post-translocation monitoring) including tracking using radio telemetry.
• Participating in periodic ecological assessments conducted by NRT and partners.
• Developing and delivering conservation education on Sera Rhino Sanctuary.
• Working with visiting scientist to Sera on various research projects.
• Maintenance of all ecological monitoring equipment and ensuring all equipment are functional or replaced when needed.
• Performing any other duties which may be assigned to you by your immediate supervisor.

Qualifications: Education/Knowledge/Technical Skills and Experience

• A minimum of a Diploma in Conservation, Natural Resource Management or Community Development.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant experience.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and solve problems effectively.
• A strong drive for results with demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a member of team.
• In depth knowledge and demonstrated commitment to natural resource management & community development.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in remote areas and in cross-cultural situations.
• Computer literacy in micro soft office, word, excel, power point and Emails .