Conservation Research Africa
Conservation Research Africa (CRAs) is a charity in England and Wales that conducts and supports applied research to inform conservation and wildlife management in Africa. We are conducting behavioural ecology field research to assess the urban spotted hyaena and other small carnivores in the capital city of Lilongwe, to inform human-wildlife conflict management. We are currently recruiting for a Research Assistant. The position is based in the city of Lilongwe working in partnership with Lilongwe Wildlife Centre.
Duties:
- Radio tracking spotted hyaena and other carnivores in the city at night
- Conducting carnivore trapping/captures for collaring (specifically jackal, genet, serval and hyaena)
- Conducting camera trap surveys
- Conducting behavioural observations and habituation of hyaena and other carnivores
- Collecting faecal samples for diet analysis
- Creating and maintaining a photographic database of hyaena using MS Access
- Creating and updating ArcGIS habitat and sightings maps
- Developing awareness and education materials about carnivores and the project in collaboration with our community outreach team
- Assisting the outreach team in responding to community calls to our Wildlife Assistant Helpline, to assist communities experiencing human carnivore conflict
- Writing local and international press releases and international publications
- Collating public field records of sightings
- Leading and managing small teams of volunteers and students
Requirements
Essential:
- Minimum of BSc, in ecology, conservation or similar field
- At least 6 months experience of field research
- Excellent team-work skills, written and oral communication skills
- Clean driving license
- Passion for conservation and wildlife
- Computer literacy: MS Office, including Access; Photoshop, ArcGIS
- Positive mental attitude, resilient, ability to muck in and get on with it
- Hard work ethic, flexible and conscientious approach
- Be willing to track and observe carnivores at night in the city
Desirable
- Experience of field research with carnivores preferably in Africa
- A good understanding of current concepts in African conservation as well as issues in environmental science, policy and management
- Experience of ArcGIS mapping, digitising and home range analysis
Contract conditions
Timing: This is a 8 month position commencing from July 2016 with a possibility of extension to 1 year.
Location: You will be based in Lilongwe at our project staff house, which is shared with other staff and volunteers. Your accommodation will consist of a shared room in the staff house, with a living room, kitchen shower and bathroom. There is power and a cell network.
Conditions: CRM will provide accommodation and bills, work related travel, airport transfers and limited personal use of a project vehicle. You will be required to cover your own flights, food, visas, insurance and vaccinations.
Application process
To apply please send a completed application form (www.carnivoreresearchmalawi.org/vacancies.html) and covering letter (outlining why you think you would be suitable for the post) and a CV is you wish to Dr Emma Stone on emma@conservationresearchafrica.org