Reports to: Assistant Coordinator
Location: Kuala Rompin, Pahang
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 senior researcher will supervise researchers, conduct field-based research, collect information on threats and wildlife signs, and help with the management of the field assistants at the project site in the Pahang Endau Rompin Landscape.
Major responsibilities:
• Train other staff, new recruits and field assistants on camera trapping and wildlife surveys
• Assist with preparation of reports and presentations related to biological monitoring
• Assist the Assistant Coordinator in planning and conducting wildlife and habitat threats assessments in the Endau Rompin Landscape
• Assist the Assistant Coordinator in planning and conducting wildlife surveys in the Endau Rompin Landscape and the Greater Endau Rompin Landscape
• Co-manage WCS Malaysia's camera-trap database
• Participate and lead field surveys in the Endau Rompin Landscape and the greater landscape when needed
• Manage field expenses and claims
• Assist and support in other activities related to projects from time to time
• Guide researchers in managing a group of field assistants of Orang Asli
Minimum Requirements:
• Degree in biological sciences (Forestry, Zoology, Ecology, Biodiversity) or related field OR a minimum of one year 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
• Physically fit to trek and carry field supplies during field trips (the work involves 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
• The ability to drive a manual transmission 4x4 vehicle or ride a motorcycle will be a plus
• Having knowledge or experience in 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
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