Senior Field Research Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:                        Senior Field Research Officer

SALARY:                             SG 10

REPORTING TO:               Vallée de Mai Science Coordinator

LOCATION:                         Vallée de Mai

HOURS OF WORK:           40 hours per week, may require to work outside working hours

           

1.      Functional reporting to: Vallée de Mai Science Coordinator

2.      Advisory scientific reporting and engagement to: Head of Science and Conservation

 

MAJOR OBJECTIVES:

The Senior Field Research Officer (SFRO) provides leadership in ecological monitoring, research, and conservation at the Vallée de Mai (VdM) World Heritage Site. The role ensures that data collection, verification, quantification, and standardisation are conducted to the highest scientific standards. The SFRO mentors and trains staff, strengthens collaboration with external researchers, and ensures that scientific outputs inform conservation management, education, and outreach. This includes but is not limited to:

WORK DUTIES:

1. Lead and conduct scientific monitoring and conservation projects at VdM, ensuring that all monitoring programmes are carried out efficiently, accordingly to established protocols and standard methodologies and produce high quality data.
2. Oversee data verification, quantification and standardisation ensuring accuracy and comparability across different monitoring protocols in VdM.
3. 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.
4. Develop and maintain 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.
5. 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…
6. Produce and update reports and protocols relating to on-going research work, including methodological adaptations, data entry, data analysis.
7. 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.
8. Develop training materials and provide structured training sessions for staff, interns, and volunteers in scientific methods, data management, and analytical tools.
9. In collaboration with the VSC and Site Manager, continually review and evaluate procedures in place to develop and improve upon activities taking place over the long run
10. Assist in the writing and dissemination of monthly and annually reports and recommendations, to be shared with the SIF Board of Directors, Head Office on Mahé and others as appropriate
11. 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 up to-date electronic format for research (both in-house and external).
12. Finding and filing relevant and useful information in support of research and management of the VdM and its biodiversity, particularly from the internet
13. 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 VdM, 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 VdM and ail to use this information to develop in knowledge and skills.

 

14. Conservation awareness and education

1. 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
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 VdM and raise awareness of conservation needs and challenges within VdM

 

15. Collaboration and support of other VdM Departments

1. 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
2. Assist Fieldworkers in conducting surveys of all facilities within VdM, to ensure that conservation objectives are maintained within practicalities of managing the site as a tourist venue
3. Alert the Site Manager and staff to particular conservation issues and/or the need for minimal disturbance of wildlife in particular areas
4. 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

 

16. 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

 

17. Ensures that the SIF code of Conduct and all protocols and regulations are adhered to at all times and ensure (politely) that others (staff and visitors) do likewise.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree (MSc) in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field (essential).
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in conservation research
• Demonstrated expertise in data verification, quantification, and standardisation.
• Proven track record of scientific publications and contributions to conservation management.

 

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Advanced scientific reasoning and analytical 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
• Proficiency in data management, GIS, and statistical software (e.g., R, ArcGIS)
• 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