JOB PROFILE
JOB TITLE: Aldabra Rat and Cat Eradication Feasibility Consultant
SALARY: Subject to qualifications and experience
REPORTING TO: Director of Research and Conservation (DRC) and CEO
START DATE: 01/12/2023, or as soon as possible
DURATION: 6–7 months over a 2-year period
LOCATION: Aldabra Atoll and remote
INCLUDES: Transport to and accommodation on Aldabra
This position is responsible for providing expert input and field leadership, support, training and guidance to the preparation work for the Aldabra rat and cat eradication (RaCE), including designing world-leading feasibility trials (in liaison with the DRC and RaCE project manager), providing comprehensive input into preparation phase protocol development and implementation, critical review of project reports, regularly reviewing project progress and data to enable adaptation if needed, advising on safety in the field, assessing risks and advising on mitigation strategies for native biodiversity, contributing to scientific papers (in liaison with other SIF staff), advising on equipment sourcing, using network and knowledge to ensure that past lessons from other successful and failed eradications are accounted for in Aldabra’s RaCE preparation phase. The position will require some time on Aldabra (expected to be over two trips), to lead the set-up of the feasibility trials and to regularly advise on progress.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
This position requires:
- A highly experienced expert in invasive rodent and cat eradication practice and science (essential)
- Experience in leadership and advisory positions on multiple island rat and cat eradications, including large islands, and tropical islands, with demonstrated and multiple successes (essential)
- Extensive on-the-ground experience in operational planning of multiple large-scale eradications (using aerial baiting from helicopters/drones and trapping) (essential)
- 10+ years of experience in developing and setting up pre-eradication feasibility trials and ecological monitoring protocols (essential)
- Outstanding working knowledge of all aspects of rodent/cat eradications and recent advances in the field (essential)
- Experience in Seychelles and familiarity with Indian Ocean islands (desirable)
- Regularly published their work in this field, be considered a leader in the field (essential)
SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:
- Professionalism: Capable of strategic thinking and planning to achieve overall goal while setting an excellent example to others
- Horizon scanning and critical planning: Capable of horizon-scanning, identifying and effectively resolving problems, and learning from lessons that arise during the planning phase
- Teamwork: Demonstrated experience of accounting for different viewpoints, listening to and taking account of local context for eradications and working around challenges collaboratively and inclusively
- Communication: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
- Leadership: Ability and initiative to lead and mentor teams, and to plan ahead and organise effectively
- Networking: Possessing and able to make effective use of an extensive network of invasive species practitioners and related experts
- Adaptability: Ability to synthesise and account for new information and adapt workplan accordingly
- Commitment to island conservation: Demonstrated career interest in and commitment to island restoration and advancing IAS methods
- IAS knowledge: Excellent working knowledge of the forefront of invasive species practice and advances in the field of rodent eradications
- Data management skills: Excellent data management, analysis and reporting skills
- Integrity: Honesty, transparency, a positive attitude and a sound work ethic are essential for this position
- Fitness and first aid: Excellent physical fitness and first aid qualification for remote field work are essential for the fieldwork
- Language: Fluency in English (essential), understanding of Seychelles Creole and/or French (advantage)
APPLICATIONS
Interested applicants should send a CV and a cover letter addressing why they are interested in the post and how they meet the criteria to nancy@sif.sc and hr@sif.sc. The deadline for applications is 15th September 2023. Late applicants will only be considered if the positions cannot be filled.