Project Coordinator – Grassland and Watershed Restoration

The Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment is hiring a Project Coordinator for Grassland and Watershed Restoration in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The role involves on-ground implementation of restoration activities in rural Karnataka, requiring extensive fieldwork, community coordination, and fluency in Kannada. Responsibilities include supporting local communities, facilitating meetings, and assisting with ecological assessments. A degree in relevant fields and experience in rural development are preferred.
Description
ATREE is seeking a motivated and field-oriented professional to support on-ground implementation of grassland and watershed restoration activities in rural Karnataka.
The role is suited for someone comfortable working extensively in villages, coordinating with local communities and government officials, and supporting restoration activities across socio-ecological landscapes. Fluency in Kannada and a willingness to travel regularly to field sites are essential.
The Project Coordinator will work closely with ATREE researchers, nursery teams, local institutions, and Watershed Department staff to facilitate restoration planning, mobilisation, monitoring, and implementation.


Background
Karnataka’s grazing commons and scrublands are ecologically important landscapes that support livestock-based livelihoods, groundwater recharge, soil conservation, and biodiversity. However, these ecosystems face increasing degradation due to overgrazing, soil erosion, invasive species, and declining biomass productivity.
ATREE, in collaboration with the Watershed Development Department, is implementing field-based restoration pilots that integrate native grassland restoration with existing watershed interventions such as gokattes, nala bunds, trench-cum-bunds, and check dams.


The work involves close engagement with Watershed Executive Committees (WECs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), local pastoralists, and village institutions to support community-led restoration and long-term stewardship of commons.


Responsibilities

Support implementation of grassland-integrated watershed restoration activities at pilot sites.
Coordinate with Watershed Executive Committees (WECs), SHGs, livestock keepers, and village communities.
Facilitate community meetings, village consultations, and participatory planning processes in Kannada.
Support social mobilisation around restoration activities including social fencing, grazing agreements, and fire protection measures.
Assist in restoration activities such as native grass planting, nursery development, monitoring, and maintenance.
Coordinate with Watershed Development Department officials and local institutions during field implementation.
Help maintain field records, activity documentation, monitoring data, and photographs.
Support organisation of trainings, exposure visits, and community outreach activities.
Assist ATREE researchers in ecological and socio-economic field assessments where required.
Travel regularly across project landscapes and spend extended periods in rural field locations.

Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in environmental science, rural development, social work, ecology, geography, natural resource management, agriculture, forestry, or related fields.

1–3 years of experience working in rural landscapes, community-based programmes, or natural resource management projects preferred.
Comfortable working in rural and semi-arid environments with local communities.
Fluency in Kannada is essential; working knowledge of English is preferred.
Familiarity with watershed programmes, commons governance, grazing systems, or ecological restoration is desirable
Experience working with village institutions, SHGs, farmer groups, or government programmes is an advantage.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work independently in field settings and coordinate across multiple stakeholders.
Willingness to travel extensively within Karnataka.

Remuneration
ATREE offers compensation commensurate with experience and aligned with non-profit sector standards.
How to Apply
Contact
Please direct your questions regarding this position to hr@atree.org
Note

Only candidates who are shortlisted for the interview will be contacted.
The institution is an equal opportunity employer that encourages women, people with disabilities, and those from economically and socially excluded communities to apply for positions with the requisite skills and qualifications.

Date Posted
18 May 2026
Valid Through
June 15, 2026
Employment Type
Full-time
Job Location
Tumakuru / Chikkaballapura / Bangalore, Karnataka