Flora Restoration Biologist

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is an international charity working to save species from extinction. Headquartered in Jersey in the Channel Islands, Durrell focuses on the most threatened species in the most threatened places.

Established by author and conservationist, Gerald Durrell, in 1963, Durrell delivers its conservation mission through our three integrated core areas of operation:

• FieldProgrammes: conservation action where it is needed most.
• Conservation Knowledge: training future conservation practitioners and monitoring and evaluating conservation science, which underpins all Durrell activities.
• Jersey Zoo: a centre of excellence in animal husbandry, research, training and education.

With a track record of more than 60 years, Durrell leads some of the world’s longest running and most successful species and habitat recovery programmes. The quality of our work is equally as important as how we deliver it. Our values, underpin how we approach our work and the work environment we create.

Department: Field Programmes
Reports to: Islands Restoration Manager
Hours: Full time (35 hours per week)
Term: 1-year fixed term
Location: Mauritius

Our values

 
JOB PURPOSE

Durrell have worked in Mauritius for over 45 years, supporting the country to conserve their native flora and fauna. We work in partnership with the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), which is the largest conservation NGO in Mauritius to be exclusively concerned with the conservation and preservation of the nation’s endangered plant and animal species. The MWF host Durrell personnel and provide the administrative and operational support to Durrell staff. This role will be embedded in the MWF-Durrell Island Restoration Programme, which operates in close collaboration with the Government’s National Parks and Conservation Service and Forestry Service.

This role will lead on Durrell’s flora restoration strategies, primarily on Round Island in Mauritius. Working with the MWF Flora team and other MWF and Durrell staff, the position will be responsible for delivering the Round Island Management Plan for the restoration of Round Island’s plant communities and critical species. This will include: the management of the Round Island plant nursery and seedbank; overseeing all planting and plant after care on the island; further developing and implementing biosecurity protocols; the collection, management and reporting of data; and supporting the wider programme for the restoration of Round Island. They may also be asked to advise on and contribute to relevant strategies and activities in Durrell’s other rewilding sites.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Lead on the development and implementation of strategies for flora restoration on Round Island and contribute to other relevant Durrell strategies;
• Liaise with MWF’s Flora team, following their guidance, to produce and implement plans for all relevant work, including annual propagation, planting, and weed management plans for Round Island;
• Monitor and evaluate activities to track, adaptively manage and report on the progress and performance of the flora restoration work within the Round Island Management Plan;
• Work with the Island Restoration Coordinator and Durrell’s Delivery and Impact Manager to identify fundraising opportunities and secure funds for the programme, including the preparation of fundraising proposals;
• Support the professional development of other programme staff and interns through training and mentoring, including in the areas of effective propagation, hardening and management of plant stocks, habitat/plant surveys, planting and aftercare and invasive species identification and management;
• The management, maintenance and where needed the enhancement of all relevant infrastructure and materials, organising procurement through Durrell and MWF when required;
• Where needed, assist with recruitment of staff required to support plant restoration activities on the island;
• In collaboration with the Islands Restoration Research Coordinator, oversee data collection and management for all plant restoration activities;
• Ensure all activities are carried out in compliance with Durrell and MWF policies, including HR, Health & Safety, and finances, and in line with donor funding conditions.
• Participate in meetings, workshops, and presentations in support of Durrell’s and MWF’s conservation priorities;
• Due to the nature of the role the post holder will be expected to support other activities and logistics within the Island Restoration Programme, particularly for Round Island;
• When requested, to advise on and contribute to relevant strategies and activities in Durrell’s other global rewilding sites.

This post is based in Mauritius, working out of MWF’s offices in Blue Bay and Vacoas, although it is expected that more than 50% of the time will be based on Round Island.

Round Island is 22 km from mainland Mauritius and is accessed by boat once per fortnight where possible, with the majority of staff generally staying one month on the island followed by two weeks on the mainland. Delays in boat trips of up to a week or more are frequent.

The living conditions on the island are basic and communal, with a small field station, solar electricity, and filtered rainwater. Internet connectivity on the island can be inconsistent.

The terrain on the island is steep and a high level of fitness is required. The post holder will be expected to contribute to food costs whilst on the island, which is collectively purchased by the island’s staff. On the mainland a shared vehicle will be available for work duties. Shared accommodation is available, but it is expected that the post holder will find their own accommodation within the Blue Bay region within three months of arriving. On occasion they may be asked to visit other Durrell rewilding sites and Jersey Zoo.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

• A post-graduate degree in a relevant subject and/or significant work experience in a relevant field;
• Demonstrable experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating delivery/work plans;
• Experience in the design, planning, implementation, and management of conservation projects;
• Proven experience of carrying out botanical field surveys;
• Prior experience of working in a small multicultural team is desirable;
• A track record in the training and mentoring of early career conservationists;
• Proven experience in managing budgets and grants;
• Data management and database skills are desirable;
• Proven experience of engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including non-governmental organisations, academic, government stakeholders and individuals with various levels of skill;
• Experience of living and working in developing countries and in remote and basic field conditions;
• Understanding and experience of working for or with NGOs;
• Experience of working on Small Island Developing States is ideal;
• A good understanding of current international biodiversity conservation issues;
• A good knowledge of ecological and botanical survey methodologies and practices is essential;
• A working knowledge of the project cycle and project/programme management;
• A knowledge of and, ideally, experience of implementing, the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation is desirable;
• Skills in plant identification, nursery management, seed banking, planting, pest management and weed control are essential;
• Fluent spoken and written English is essential, with an excellent standard of English writing skills.;
• People management, coaching and capacity building/development skills;
• Analytical skills and proficient use of statistical software, ideally programme R;
• GIS skills;
• Strong skills in project planning, financing, management, implementation, and evaluation;
• Ability to think strategically and innovatively with strong decision-making capability;
• Excellent project management skills;
• Excellent communication, networking, presentation, and interpersonal skills;
• Strong organisational skills, with an ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing circumstances;
• Practical maintenance of equipment and infrastructure;
• Ability to lead and motivate a team;
• Excellent report writing skills;
• Ability to work in different cultural settings;
• Must be highly computer literate;
• Must have a valid driving license and be able to drive a manual vehicle;
• Must have a high level of fitness and be able to swim;
• Ideally have first aid certification.

WORKING AT DURRELL

Our employees are one of our most important assets and everyone plays a part in ensuring that we deliver our conservation mission.

We are committed to equal opportunities and employing a diverse workforce.

How to apply

Please fill in the application form and send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@durrell.org clearly stating the job you wish to apply for.

Application deadline: Friday 13th August 2021