Field Research Officer - VdM

JOB TITLE:                             Field Research Officer

SALARY:                                 SG 8

REPORTING TO:                    Vallée de Mai Scientific Coordinator (VSC) /Site Manager (SM)

HOURS OF WORK:                40 hours per week and the person will be required to work outside normal working hours

MAJOR OBJECTIVES:

The Field Research Office’s (FRO) main role is to develop and maintain knowledge and information resources of relevance to the  Vallée de Mai World Heritage Site – including biological, ecological, historical, cultural etc.. details. This includes but is not limited to:

WORK DUTIES:

1. Participates in and conduct scientific monitoring and conservation projects at Vallée de Mai, ensuring that all monitoring programmes are carried out efficiently, accordingly to established protocols and standard methodologies and produce high quality data.
2. Create, organise, use and keep a library of hard copy information materials for updating knowledge, supporting research and identifying points of interests for staff, visitors and the local community.
3. Develop and maintain of electronic databases such as species lists, identification information, photographic records, equipment inventories and other resources for use by Rangers, Researchers, tourists, school children and others as appropriate.
4. Develop and maintain skills and train others in use of field work equipment including GPS, binoculars, clinometer, compasses, canopy scopes, callipers, spring balances, tape measures, distance meter etc…
5. Assists in updating records and reports relating to on-going research work, including methodological adaptations, data entry, data analysis (where appropriate skills are available).
6. Develop IT skills software use (including MS excel, Word and Power point) and strive to understands 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.
7. In collaboration with the Vallée de Mai Science Coordinator and Site Manager, continually review and evaluate procedures in place to develop and improve upon activities taking place over the long run
8. Submit weekly reports and assists in the creation and dissemination of monthly and annually reports and recommendations, to be shared with the SIF Board of Directors, Head Office on Mahe and others as appropriate
9. 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).
10. Finding and filing relevant and useful information in support of research and management of the Vallée de Mai and its biodiversity, particularly from the internet
11. Support and integration of external research and conservation management projects
    1. Support external researchers with familiarisation, field work and data entry as appropriate
    2. Maintain records and contact details of all research undertaken in the Vallée de Mai, following up reports and other expected outputs as appropriate with volunteers and visiting students and researchers
    3. Assist in managing involvement with external research around existing priorities and seek complementarities with other on-going research and  or/monitoring
    4. Seek opportunities for personal skills development in relation to new techniques, methodologies, information introduced by external researchers etc…
    5. Work with the VSC and researchers to produce reports and presentations for SIF, for internal as well as external interest
    6. Support the VSC in identifying opportunities for continuation of relevant work even once the researcher(s) leave
    7. 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)
    8. Attend all presentations given by researchers and students in the Vallée de Mai and ail to use this information to develop in knowledge and skills
12. Conservation awareness and education
    1. Assist the Education and Outreach Programme Officer in the planning, managing and implementing environmental education projects linked to the Vallée de Mai including presentations for different audiences
    2. Contribute to the development and display of educational materials as appropriate
    3. Assist Education and Outreach Programme Officer in maintaining good relations with schools and other partners
    4. Assist in seeking opportunities for the linking ongoing research work with awareness-raising, capacity building and education
    5. Assist in compiling articles and other media information to promote the work taking place in Vallée de Mai and raise awareness of conservation needs and challenges within Vallée de Mai
13. Collaboration and support of other Vallée de Mai Departments
    1. Assist the Site Manager and the Field workers in sharing information relating to issues such as water management which have both conservation and practical implications
    2. Assist the Site Manager as and when requested, for example, with providing guides with up-to-date information about research activities; supporting VIP guided tours; and general visitor management
    3. Assist Fieldworkers in conducting surveys of all facilities within Vallée de Mai, to ensure that conservation objectives are maintained within practicalities of managing the site as a tourist venue
    4. Alert the Site Manager and staff to particular conservation issues and /or the need for minimal disturbance of wildlife in particular areas
    5. Work with the Site Manager to advise other Vallée de Mai Departments and Praslinois involved with Vallée de Mai of the conservation importance of the site and the need to adhere to rules and regulations
    6. Be aware of conservation implications of various activities, and raise these with the VSC and Site Manager
    7. Conduct guided tours to visitors as requested by SIF Management and assist Sales Clerks in briefing tourists about the conservation of Vallée de Mai 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 Manager which may include but are not limited to:
    1. Participation in fighting forest
    2. Participation in anti-poaching activities as appropriate
    3. Support other unplanned activities as they arise
15. Ensures 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 at least 5 years’ experience in a similar position or 2 years as a 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 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 Aldabra
• Computer literate 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 9/07/22