SALARY: SG 7
REPORTING TO: Vallee de Mai Scientific Coordinator (VSC) /Site Manager (SM)/Science Coordinator
HOURS OF WORK: 40 hours per week and the person will be required to work outside normal working hours
MAJOR OBJECTIVES:
The Field Research Assistant’s (FRA) main role is to develop and maintain knowledge and information resources of relevance to the Vallée de Mai – including biological, ecological, historical, cultural etc details. This includes but is not limited to:
WORK DUTIES:
- Participation in and conducting of monitoring and research programmes in the Vallée de Mai (VdM) according to established protocols and standards to meet SIF’s monitoring and research objectives.
- Creation, organisation, use and upkeep of a library of hard copy information materials for updating knowledge, supporting research and identifying points of interest for staff, visitors and the local community
- Development and maintenance of electronic databases such as species lists, identification information, photographic records, equipment inventories and other resources for use by Rangers, researchers, tourists, schoolchildren and others as appropriate
- Develop and maintain skills and train others in use of fieldwork equipment including GPS, binoculars, clinometer, compasses, canopy scopes, callipers, spring balances, tape measures, distance meter etc
- Assist in updating records and reports relating to ongoing research work, including methodological adaptations, data entry, data analysis (where appropriate skills are available) etc
- Develop skills in IT software use (including MS excel, Word and Powerpoint) and strive to understand research opportunities and pitfalls, which promote the research staff’s ability to fulfil their potential and contribute meaningfully to in-house research, over and above basic data collection and entry.
- In collaboration with the Science Programme Officer and Site Manager, continually review and evaluate procedures in place to develop and improve upon activities taking place over the long term
- Submit weekly reports and assist in the creation and dissemination of monthly and annual reports and recommendations, to be shared with the SIF Board, Head Office on Mahé and others as appropriate
- Ensure that climatic variables are monitored daily and that the results are communicated to the Seychelles Meteorological Service in a timely manner, as well as being available in a usable and upto-date electronic format for research (both in-house and external)
- Finding and filing relevant and useful information in support of research and management of the VdM and its biodiversity, particularly from the Internet
- Support and integration of external research and conservation management projects :
- a. Support external researchers with familiarisation, fieldwork and data entry as appropriate
- b. Maintain records and contact details of all research undertaken in the VdM, following up reports and other expected outputs as appropriate with volunteers and visiting students and researchers
- c. Assist in managing involvement with external research around existing priorities and seek complementarities with other ongoing research and/or monitoring
- d. Seek opportunities for personal skill development in relation to new techniques, methodologies, information introduced by external researchers etc
- e. Work with the Science Programme Officer and researcher(s) to produce reports and presentations for SIF- for internal as well as external interest
- f. Support the Science Programme Officer in identifying opportunities for continuation of relevant work even once the researcher(s) leaves
- g. Ensure a thorough understanding of the research work aims, methodology and preliminary results of all monitoring projects and able to relay those, with or without the presence of the researcher(s)
- h. Attend all presentations given by visiting researchers and students in the VdM and aim to use this information to develop in knowledge and skills.
12. Conservation awareness and education :
- a. Assist the Education and Outreach programme Officer in the planning, managing and implementing environmental education projects linked to the VdM including presentations for different audiences
- b. Contribute to the development and display of educational materials as appropriate
- c. Assist the Education and Outreach programme Officer in maintaining good relations with schools and other partners within the community
- d. Assist in seeking opportunities for linking ongoing research work with awareness-raising, capacity building and education
- e. Assist in compiling articles and other media information to promote the work taking place in VdM and raise awareness of conservation needs and challenges within VdM
13. Collaboration and support of other VdM Departments :
- a. Assist the Site Manager and the Fieldworkers in sharing information relating to issues such as water management which have both conservation and practical implications
- b. Assist the Site Manager as and when requested, for example, with providing guides with up-todate information about research activities; supporting VIP guided tours; and general visitor management
- c. Assist the Fieldworkers in conducting surveys of all facilities within VdM, to ensure that conservation objectives are maintained within the practicalities of managing the site as a tourist venue
- d. Alert the Site Manager and staff to particular conservation issues and/or the need for minimal disturbance of wildlife in particular areas
- e. Work with the Site Manager to advise other VdM Departments and Praslinois involved with VdM of the conservation importance of the site and the need to adhere to rules and regulations
- f. Be aware of conservation implications of various activities, and raise these with the Science Programme Officer and Site Manager as appropriate
- g. Conduct guided tours to visitors as requested by SIF management and assist Sales Clerks in briefing tourists about the conservation of VdM and the need to adhere to rules and regulations
14. Participate and be actively involved in any other duties as may be assigned by Head Office/Site Manger which may include but are not limited to:
- a. Participation in fighting forest fires
- b. Participation in anti-poaching activities as appropriate
- c. Support other unplanned activities as they arise
15. Ensure that the SIF Code of Conduct and all protocols and regulations (including EMS protocol) are adhered to at all times and ensure (politely) that others (staff and visitors) do likewise.
Qualifications:
A levels in Biology or equivalent subjects and 2 years experience in a similar position or 6 months as a Trainee Field Research Assistant with SIF.
Skills and attributes:
Basic scientific thinking and reasoning skills - Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and effective interpersonal skills with a range of people - Teamwork and respect for diversity – Ability to assist volunteers, researchers, and to motivate trainee rangers and other members of the team to achieve results. - High interest in and enthusiasm for working in Seychelles biodiversity and conservation - Commitment and diligence – Committed to and diligently working towards achieving results for sustainable future of the Vallée de Mai - Computer literacy in at least internet and email use, MS Word and Excel - Basic data management skills - Professionalism and willingness to represent SIF even when not at work - Flexibility in work time and tasks - Ability to take initiative and be proactive about seeking solutions
Languages:
Fluency in Creole and English essential.
Please note this vacancy is only open to Seychelles applicants. Apply for this post by sending your CV, and a cover letter explaining your capability and suitability for this position. Applications and enquiries on this position can be made at info@sif.sc.
The deadline for applications is 09/07/22