Reports to: Tiger Coordinator
Location: Kahang, Johor
Country Program/Sector: Tiger Unit, Endau Rompin Landscape
Position Type: Full-time
Expected Travel: Yes
Organizational Background:
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, presence in more than 60 nations, and experience helping to establish over 150 protected areas across the globe, WCS has amassed the biological knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. Working with local communities and organizations, that knowledge is applied to address species, habitat and ecosystem management issues critical to improving the quality of life of poor rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct utilization of natural resources.
WCS Malaysia Program:
Wildlife Conservation and Science (Malaysia) Bhd (WCS) was officially registered in Malaysia in 2010. With a team of over 40 staff, WCS Malaysia aims to save wildlife and wild places across Malaysia (currently the three Malaysian states of Sarawak, Johor and Pahang) through the use of science, conservation action, education and inspiring people to value nature. The current long-term focal sites are: i) the core orang-utan habitats of Batang-Ai-Lanjak-Entimau Landscape, and ii) the Tiger source site of Endau-Rompin Landscape in Johor and Pahang. In Johor, WCS Malaysia works in collaboration with government partners under the Johor Wildlife Conservation Project to protect endangered wildlife and habitats.
Job Summary:
The Assistant Coordinator will supervise the researchers and group of field assistants in Johor and design/implement scientific camera-trapping/sign surveys and analyze the data recorded. He/She will assist the Tiger Coordinator in maintaining the engagement with the stakeholders, attending the workshop and meetings, reporting and budget when required.
Major responsibilities:
• Lead the scientific monitoring of tigers and their prey using camera-trapping, indirect sign surveys and other suitable methods
• Manage staff conducting the field activities and coordinate field work planning between different teams in Johor and Pahang
• Design the scientific monitoring methodology using robust scientific methods and keep up to date in peer-reviewed scientific methods for monitoring large mammals
• Analyze the scientific monitoring data to generate population density estimates of tigers and relevant population parameters of tiger prey species such as abundance and occupancy
• Prepare training materials and train new recruits on biological monitoring
• To manage and supervise data compilation, information and reference materials and selectively share them with relevant colleagues and partners where applicable
• Ensure proper collection, analysis and reporting of field data
• Engage with local communities to promote stewardship of wildlife and habitats
• Attend relevant meetings, workshops, strategy sessions, government events, and act as liaison between WCS and the Government of Malaysia and other agencies in relevant matters
• To support the communication of critical issues with regard to tiger conservation in general
• To produce relevant documentation (scientific papers, awareness materials, project reports, resource materials) according to the project document
• Facilitate communication between team members when necessary
• Monitor management of company assets and manage procurement processes for new assets
• Assist preparation of conservation strategy and facilitate discussion among team members
Minimum Requirements:
• Degree in biological sciences (forestry, zoology, ecology, biodiversity) or related field OR a minimum of two years working experience in the related field would be an added advantage
• Passion and enthusiasm for wildlife conservation
• Has discipline and can work as a team
• Willing to travel to rural areas for extended periods
• Having knowledge or experience in wildlife study design, using QGIS/ARCGIS, SMART and statistics software is a plus
• Able to work during weekends or public holidays or when required
• Good communication skills
• Fluent in English and Bahasa Malaysia and have moderate writing skills in both; ability to communicate in other languages is a plus
• Independent with ability to prioritize, work under pressure and under minimum supervision.
• Having a valid driving license is a plus
Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications, should send your queries and applications to Mary Barton at mabarton@wcs.org. Please include the following in your application:
• a cover letter
• a detailed resume
• a passport sized photo
• the names and contact details of two references