Job Opportunity at STEP, Elephant Researcher

Position: Elephant Researcher

Location: Ruaha-Rungwa landscape

Description: Southern Tanzania Elephant Program (STEP) is seeking a full-time Elephant 

Researcher for the research project “Ecology and Conservation of the Elephant 

Metapopulation of south-central Tanzania”. The Researcher’s main duties will be to conduct 

fieldwork and manage and analyze project data. The Researcher will spend up to 3 weeks per 

month in the field, based at a camp or at ranger posts. Training on field methods, protocols, 

and data analysis will be provided. Salary will be based on experience and come with all 

required benefits. The position will be for 1 year starting June 2021, pending all necessary 

research approvals and a probation period of 3 months, with possibility of extension.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Coordinating and conducting field research including: demographic monitoring, monitoring of known individuals, recording behaviour, recording food plants, conducting elephant transects and camera trapping
• Daily post-fieldwork data management: data entry and processing, data and photos organization, updating field logbook.
• Updating project databases.
• Summarizing project data and conducting analysis.
• Mapping of project data.
• Report writing.
• Cultivate excellent relationships with stakeholders, partners, and authorities.
• Share project progress and results within the organization and with stakeholders and partners.
• Organize logistics: food and fuel resupplies, set up of camp, assist with cooking and cleaning, permission letters. 
• Safe-keeping of all project equipment.
• Supporting research student’s logistics, training, and fieldwork, assisting with coordination of research student activities when requested.
• Contribute to newsletters, blogs, social media posts.
• Accurate budget record keeping and reporting.
• Comply with all field and research protocols and regulations, STEP policies, and procedures.

Required qualifications, experience, and qualities:

• BSc in related field (biology, wildlife management, zoology, ecology, conservation, animal behaviour, etc.). 
• Prior experience conducting research and independent field work in remote conditions.
• Prior experience and demonstrated proficiency with data collection, entry, quality management, organization, and analysis.
• Demonstrated passion for fieldwork, research and conservation.
• Ability to spend long hours in the field and to conduct fieldwork patiently, accurately, and conscientiously. 
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to live in remote areas and to live with others for extended periods of time, while acting professionally at all times.
• Computer literacy: applicant must be proficient in information technology, especially Microsoft applications. Excel and Word are essential skills. 
• Fluent in Kiswahili and English (spoken and written).
• Highly organized and able to deliver work to a high standard in a timely manner.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a multicultural team.
•  Interest in learning new skills and developing professionally.
•  Ability to learn quickly and on-the job.
• Self-motivated, hard-working, trust-worthy, reliable, flexible, resilient and a positive attitude.
• Must be a team player and to conduct camp tasks and logistics (cleaning, cooking, food and fuel resupplies etc).
• Permission to live and work in Tanzania.

Preferred qualifications and experience:

• MSc in related field.
• Driver’s license and experience with off-road/bush driving.
• Database design and/or management experience.
• Experience with data collection applications e.g., Kobo Collect, Survey 123.
• Proficiency in use of camera and GPS units.
•  Proficiency in GIS applications.
• Proficiency in data analysis.
• Proficiency in report writing.
• Strong presentation skills.
•  Previous experience with elephant monitoring, conducting transects, camera trapping, animal behaviour.
• Previous experience with plant identification or vegetation analysis.
• Knowledge of First Aid.

How to Apply

If you possess the skills and qualifications outlined above, please email your CV (with three referees) and cover letter to applications@stzelephants.org. You may also submit one piece of academic work if you feel this would strengthen your application. Please write ‘Elephant 

Researcher’ in the email subject.

The cover letter must include the following:

• Highlight relevant experience and skills.

• Explain why you are interested in this position. 

• Tell us about your professional goals. 

The deadline for applications is 7th June 2021.

For updates on this position or to contact us if you have difficulties applying, please use: 

https://ift.tt/2Sq0mVw

Interviews will be held in mid-June 2021. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

STEP is an equal opportunity employer, women with qualifications are highly encouraged to 

apply.