Assistant/Field Officer

Wildlife Trust of India is seeking an Assistant/Field Officer for the Amphibian Recovery Project in Devikulam, Kerala. Candidates should have a Master's in Biology or related fields and 0-2 years of experience. Responsibilities include ecological monitoring, population surveys, data collection, and project management. A keen interest in biodiversity conservation, a two-wheeler license, and proficiency in Malayalam or Tamil are essential. This is a full-time position that requires on-site work.
Qualification - Master's Degree in Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Ecology/Science, or allied branches of life sciences

Experience - 0-2 years

Role Context: Amphibian Recovery Project has a position of a Biologist, who could be in the rank of Field Officer to Asst. Manager. He/she will ensure on-site implementation of activities pertaining to ecological monitoring of the targeted amphibian species in the Munnar landscape, as outlined in the project plan. The officer will conduct amphibian population surveys across the landscape, including protected areas, territorial forests, plantation estates and Panchayath lands. The officer will pilot habitat restoration measures under the guidance of Project Head and HQ team. Scientific rigour in studies will be demonstrated by him / her by publishing project findings in peer-reviewed journals.

The field officer reports to the Project Head Amphibian Recovery Project.

Key Responsibilities
• Responsible for monitoring of all targeted amphibian species in the target area and long term monitoring sites in the Munnar landscape using appropriate tools and methodology.
• Shall outline methodology for population and threat monitoring of the targeted species with the Project Head, Division Head and PI, and shall follow the same in monitoring.
• Shall be responsible for collection of field data through surveys, analyzing the data to answer specific ecological and management questions, prepare drafts of report and scientific publications under the supervision of Project Head, Division Head, and PI.
• Shall be responsible for collection of quality data for analysis and monitoring, and maintaining and sharing of the data on shared drive with the Project Head and team.
• Shall suggest and implement improved methodology of data collection, technology usage in ecological surveys and monitoring for enhancing project effectiveness, and potential of publication of the project results.

Project Planning & Management
• Shall be responsible for implementation of all activities assigned to him in the project plan.
• Shall be responsible for reporting monthly progress of the project.
• Shall be responsible for all field level governmental and partner liaison at appropriate levels for effective implementation of activities.

Fund & Financial Management
• Shall be responsible for management of day-today expenditures as part of the project

Any Other Responsibilities
• Shall be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the field station

Experience in field work with amphibians will be an added advantage.

Essential Qualifications
• Keen interest in biodiversity conservation
• Two wheeler driving license and experience in driving in the mountains
• Proficiency in Malayalam or Tamil

Good To Have Skills-
• Experience in working with herpetofauna
• Experience in data analysis and technical writing
• Good communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, and local communities.
• Strong organizational and project management skills