Reports to: Senior Researcher
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 researcher will conduct field-based research, collect information on threats, and help with the management of the field assistants at the project site in Endau Rompin Landscape.
Major responsibilities:
• Lead a team of field assistants in a field-based project in the Endau-Rompin Landscape.
• Collect biological data of target species, information on illegal activities and support multi-agency patrols on the ground. These includes planning of field trips, preparation of field equipment, preparation and maintaining inventory of rations.
• Key-in field data and management of the SMART database and camera trap database.
• Manage and work closely with field assistants.
• Report to line manager before, during and after every field task given.
• Ensure maintenance of organization’s assets such as field equipment, vehicles, field houses, office and laptops.
• Assist in related aspects of the project, including awareness programs, and other activities related to project
Minimum Requirements:
• Degree or diploma in biological sciences (zoology, ecology, biodiversity) or related field.
• Fresh graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Passion and enthusiasm for wildlife conservation.
• Has discipline and can work as a team.
• Physically fit to trek and carry field supplies during field trips (The work involve jungle trekking and backpacking)
• Willing to travel to rural areas for extended periods.
• Independent with ability to prioritize, work under pressure and under minimum supervision.
• Ability to drive a manual transmission 4x4 vehicle or ride a motorcycle will be a plus.
• Having exposure to or experience in QGIS / ARCGIS, SMART and statistics software is a plus.
• 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.
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