The Zambian Carnivore Programme (ZCP) is a non-governmental, non-profit field-based organization dedicated to the conservation of large carnivores and ecosystems across Zambia (and the broader region) through science, action, coexistence, and the strengthening of local leadership.
ZCP is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, team-focused, and hard-working Zambian national with strong computer and field skills to join our conservation organization as a Field Assistant or Field Team Leader with our Greater Kafue field project, starting in October 2024.
Title of Post: Field Assistant or Field Team Leader, dependent upon experience
Reports to: Project Manager
Responsibilities:
• Conduct field work collecting behavioral and demographic data on large carnivores and their prey,deployment of camera traps; collection of distance sampling data of large herbivores; collection of fecal samples for genetic analyses;
• Accurately collect data in the field using SMART mobile; ensure that data is kept upto-date using SMART desktop; assist with other data entry and data management duties using SMART, PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, and Microsoft Access;
• Identify individual carnivores from photographs using spot, whisker, and coat patterns; assist in the management of identification kits using PowerPoint;
• Assist with report writing and social media updates;
• Assist in creating maps using QGIS, when requested;
• Assist in implementation of conservation education activities with local schools and communities;
• Assist with presentations, activities, and logistics with partner organizations and collaborating lodges, as requested. This is inclusive of supporting marketing, publicity, and fundraising activities;
• Assist with logistical, administrative, and operational tasks as requested by the site manager, e.g. helping with dishes and cooking, cleaning, unpacking shipments, organizing vehicles, and helping fix camp and vehicle infrastructure.
The successful candidate will have:
• Experience collecting and managing environmental and/or ecological data;
• Strong and positive work ethic: able to work in challenging, remote field conditions
for long, unstructured hours;
• Strong computer skills: must be proficient with the Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Excel. In Microsoft Excel, the applicant must be able to use basic formulas, sort and filter data, and create and manage basic tables/graphs;
• A university bachelor’s degree in Biology, Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Management, or a related field; OR a professional safari guide operating license;
• Excellent spoken and written English;
• The possession of a driving license and the ability to drive a manual transmission vehicle will be considered very advantageous.
The successful candidate will be:
• Respectful, kind, positive, and team-oriented;
• Proactive, with an ability to manage their own work schedule to accomplish tasks
with minimal supervision;
• Organized, flexible, and communicative;
• Independent, adaptable, and solution-driven;
• Detail-oriented, and able to follow directions carefully and closely;
• Able to live in a remote and challenging field camp as part of a team;
• Passionate about nature conservation!
Special consideration will be given to applicants with the following:
• Experience making maps in GIS;
• Working knowledge of SMART;
• Experience with camera trap deployment, collection of distance sampling data,
experience using radio telemetry equipment, and using GPS units to navigate in the
field;
• General understanding of ecological principles, research methodologies, and large
mammal behavior and ecology;
• Experience driving vehicles in off-road environments, as well as skills in vehicle
servicing, mechanics, maintenance, and repair.
Interested applicants that meet the requirements should send a resume and cover letter before 20 October 2024 to ZCP’s Human Resources at jobs@zambiacarnivores.org with the subject line “2024 Kafue Field Ecologist”.
In your cover letter, indicate how your skills and experience meet the necessary qualifications and responsibilities of the position. Women are encouraged to apply. Late submissions will not be considered.