Job Opportunity: Field Ecologist
Name of position: Field Ecologist
Reporting to: Ecology and Conservation Science Managers
Works closely with: NTCP Project Team, DNPW Partners, local communities and international partners
Line Management Responsibilities: An Ecological Monitoring Team of up to 10 people
Location: Nsumbu National Park in northern Zambia; accommodation provided
Salary: Competitive based on qualifications and experience
Start date: April 1, 2024
Purpose of the Job

NTCP has an opportunity for a Field Ecologist to lead ecological monitoring activities. The purpose of the Field Ecologist is to implement an applied ecological monitoring and research programme across the terrestrial and aquatic landscapes within the Nsumbu-Mweru ecosystem to support both landscape-scale adaptive management and the restoration of several keystone mammal species (including African lions). The monitoring programme should deliver meaningful results based on conservation science to enable adaptive management and an improved understanding of ecosystem functions and changes on a landscape scale. This includes areas under different management regimes as well as different stages of recovery.

Responsibilities

1. Manage the ecological monitoring team:
   i. Structure, strategy, funding, and evaluation- In line with the NTCP’s organisational structure, plan, budget, and coordinate ecological monitoring activities with partners and stakeholders. Provide input into the development of project proposals and reports for donor funding.

    ii. Recruitment, line management, and development of the sub-department- Oversee the recruitment and onboarding of new team members, manage and assess staff performance under direct line management, and coordinate capacity building and training initiatives for the team.

2. Ecological monitoring and research:
   i. Fieldwork – where applicable, implement or contribute to ecological monitoring programmes, including climate and hydrological monitoring, remote sensing, fire monitoring, vegetation surveys, wildlife surveys, carnivore monitoring, and aquatic biodiversity monitoring.

     ii. Data management, analysis, and reporting – manage ecological monitoring databases and analyse and report on ecological monitoring data in collaboration with the Ecology and Conservation Science Managers. Communicate results to partners, donors, local stakeholders, and the public using appropriate mediums to showcase the biodiversity of the landscape and the achievements of the NTCP.

Qualifications, skills and attributes

• A University degree in Ecology, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources Management, or any related subject
• Minimum 2 years of fieldwork experience or internship in a relevant field. Experience working in a rural setting will be an advantage
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment, including in a leadership role, as well as the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Good written and spoken English communication skills
• Proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
  Proficiency in GIS, including desktop and mobile applications
• Experience riding a motorbike and driving a manual vehicle with valid licenses
  Able to communicate in Bemba or Tabwa

Working Conditions/Physical Effort

• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours
• Willingness to camp in the field during ecological monitoring surveys
• Willingness to work in rural areas with local communities and government partners
• Ability to work under stress during peak workload periods

The successful candidate will be expected to accompany the team and/or scouts on data collection and monitoring expeditions in the field, requiring physical exertion on rugged terrain both in Nsumbu National Park and surrounding GMAs as well as on boat patrols on Lake Tanganyika.

Your application should include:

A cover letter (maximum of 2 pages) including your earliest possible starting date. The cover letter will be used to judge the quality of your application and should answer the following:

• What interests you most about the position?
• Describe your experience conducting fieldwork in wilderness areas
• What are the most important personal attributes and technical skills you will bring to the role?
• How do you see applied research and ecological monitoring complementing restoration efforts?
• Three traceable references with a short description of your working relationship and their contact details.

Any applications clearly drafted using AI writing assistants (e.g., Microsoft Copilot) will be set aside.