Open Positions – Wildlife Conservation Society-India

Wildlife Conservation Society-India is seeking an Ecological Restoration Specialist for a fixed-term position in Hyderabad, India. The role involves planning and executing habitat assessments and conservation efforts in Eastern Ghats and Telangana, with up to 70% travel required to remote field sites. Candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or related fields. Strong communication and field skills are essential.
The Wildlife Conservation Society-India works to conserve wildlife backed by science. We work in partnership with governmental and non-governmental organizations to deal with conservation challenges such as human-wildlife interaction, combating wildlife trafficking, conservation of marine ecosystems and species, conservation of endangered species, livelihood development of local communities, and so on. Committed to wildlife conservation and the ecological world view that recognizes the inextricable link between human welfare and protection of wildlife and wild spaces, WCS-India endeavours to inspire positive attitudes in people towards wildlife.

WCS-India is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.

Application Closing Date 15th April 2023

1. Ecological Restoration Specialist needed for WCS-India’s Project in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Location: Hyderabad; the candidate should be ready to travel to remote areas in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (Adilabad, Mancherial, Nandyala, Achampet etc.)

Programme/Sector: Eastern Ghats and Telangana Programme of WCS-India

Position Type: 1 year- Fixed Term employment

Expected travel: Up to 70%, as required to field sites and to coordinate with Field Staff

The Position: The Ecological Restoration Specialist is a mid-level position situated in WCS-India’s Eastern Ghats Program. This new position will play a key support role to WCS-India’s efforts to conduct field surveys, map and conserve forested and other Natural Habitats. Skills needed will be planning and executing restoration works.

Responsibilities:
• Planning and executing through habitat and Biodiversity assessments in Eastern Ghats and other project sites
• Make Floral checklists after conducting surveys and prepare field guides
• Publishing results in scientific journals, donor reports and popular media
• Conduct ecosystem services assessment using methods using recognised and available rapid assessment techniques using open source platforms including R and GIS software
• Any other works given by Programme Manager on field or in office related to wildlife research or conservation

Qualification Requirements

Experience and Knowledge
• This is a Mid-level position with people having three years or more experience in Forest/Ecological Restoration should only apply.
• Advanced proficiency in Field methods, knowledge of floral surveys and writing skills
• Foundation in terrestrial ecology and/or forestry
• Demonstrated ability to lead the authoring of high-quality, clearly written reports covering methods and results from Literature and fieldwork

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree with extensive experience in biology, ecology, forestry, restoration, agroforestry, or a related field.
• Strong communication, attention to detail, troubleshooting and teamwork skills.
• Field experience such as conducting forest inventory surveys, grass surveys, data collection or plant surveys.
• Experience with data entry programs and data collection.
• Strong communication in both English and preferably Telugu.

Desired Qualifications

Knowledge of the flora of Eastern Ghats, Telangana inside forests and in Open Natural Ecosystems.

Experience conducting scientific research.

Technical Skills
• Excellent written and oral language skills are required in English
• Telugu language skills will be added advantage
• Knowledge of Analyses using R, GIS Softwares, Remote sensing applications and restoration tools/apps
• Able to do field work in harsh condition will be given preference.
• Compensation: Offered as per the qualification and experience.

It’s time to apply:

To apply, please send together in one file a cover letter and an updated resume. Submit your application using the position title “Restoration Specialist” in the subject line and send us to careers@wcsindia.org latest by April 15, 2023.

Candidates are to share at least two professional references. Please note that only candidates with relevant qualifications and experience can apply.

All applications will be reviewed; however, only shortlisted candidates will be notified for further process.

Application Closing Date 21 April 2023

2. Human Resource Manager

Location: Bangalore

Job Type: Full-time

Reports to: Head of Operations, WCS-India

Expected Start Date: Immediate/Flexible

Manages: HR Associate

Job Summary:

The HR Manager will support the full scope of Human Resources responsibilities and partner with the country head on strategic initiatives. They will maintain and enhance the organization’s human resources by planning, implementing, and evaluating human resources policies, programs, and practices.

Job responsibilities:
• Serve as a day-to-day HR focal point for employees in India.
• Design, review, propose and monitor compliance of Human Resource policies and procedures throughout the employee lifecycle and ensure implementation.
• Support delivery of HR departments short-term and long-term goals which aligns with program needs and objectives.
• Work closely with leadership to build company culture and implement core values.
• Determine hiring needs with managers and leadership, lead recruitment and onboarding experience for hiring the best talent.
• Provides professional support and guidance to all employees in HR issues including career maps and employee relations
• Manage benefits including system management, data management, record keeping of file for employees, contractors, interns, and volunteers.
• Process monthly payroll processing/administration and ensure compliance to all statutory payroll requirements
• Administer the WCS India compensation scale
• Provide support to implement a new HRIS system.
• Design and implement new benefits policies after consultation with the senior leadership within budget available.
• Lead performance evaluation process to assess employees on technical skills and WCS core values
• Assess and identify training needs with management to design, develop, implement, and conduct training programs.
• Manage and oversee implementation of all HR related statutory compliances.
• Facilitate the internal complaint committee.
• Maintain employee database for 100% data accuracy and HRMS.
• Oversees and track the attendance and leave to ensure compliance with policies.
• In charge of HR administrative/operational tasks including filing, preparing, and maintaining contracts (employee and consultant), HR Manual and Standard Operating Procedures, and other HR documents/files to meet regulatory and internal requirements.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Director of Operations and Finance or Country Director.

Qualifications:
• Minimum bachelor’s degree in human resources or other relevant fields
• More than 5 years of HR experience. Exposure to the non-profit sector (NGO, International organizations) is an added advantage.
• Strategic thinker with excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills
• Competent and able to provide the necessary HR support and advice as per the local labor laws.
• Being a self-starter who can initiate and able to work as a team/individual with a positive attitude and open minded.
• Ability to manage and influence across all levels of organization.
• Considerate when dealing with people and managing conflict.
• Ability to work with less supervision and under pressure.
• Skilled in multi-tasking, coordination, follow-up, problem solving and decision-making.
• Proficient in written and verbal communication skills in English language
• High level of computer literacy using Microsoft tools and HRIS systems.
• Demonstrate skills in database management and record keeping.

How to apply:

Please submit a resume and detailed cover letter to hrmanager@wcsindia.org describing specific experience in the skills listed above or other relevant skills on or before 21st April 2023. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by one of our HR team members.

WCS-India is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.