Remote Lead Wildlife Conservation Biologist

Placements24; Queenstown; Remote; NZD 98,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Retirement contribution

Home office stipend

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Lead Wildlife Conservation Biologist to drive research and conservation initiatives from a remote location in South Africa, preferably near Queenstown. You will lead field teams, perform advanced analyses, and develop strategies to protect endangered species.

The role demands a PhD, extensive field experience in Southern Africa, and strong leadership to coordinate with government bodies and partners, all while contributing to global conservation efforts.

Qualifications

• PhD in Wildlife Biology, Ecology or Conservation Biology.
• 7+ years post-doctoral field research in wildlife conservation.
• Experience leading conservation projects and teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead wildlife research projects focusing on population dynamics and habitat use.
• Develop evidence-based conservation strategies and action plans.
• Supervise and mentor field research teams with safety and protocols.
• Conduct advanced statistical analyses and inform decisions.
• Prepare reports, publications, and grant proposals to secure funding.
• Collaborate with governments, communities and partners.
• Monitor and evaluate interventions and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Represent the organization at scientific forums.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Independent work

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in Wildlife Biology or related field

Tools

R

SAS

SPSS

GIS / Remote sensing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation, is seeking a passionate and accomplished Remote Lead Wildlife Conservation Biologist. This position offers the unique opportunity to work remotely from anywhere in South Africa, with a preference for candidates residing within or near Queenstown, Eastern Cape , to align with the organization's primary field operations. You will lead critical research initiatives, develop and implement conservation strategies for endangered species, and manage field teams engaged in data collection and habitat monitoring. The ideal candidate possesses extensive field experience, a deep understanding of ecological principles, advanced statistical analysis skills, and a proven ability to manage complex conservation projects. This role demands a proactive and innovative approach to conservation challenges, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and other conservation organizations. Your expertise will be instrumental in safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring the long-term survival of vulnerable wildlife populations. This role is perfect for a dedicated biologist looking to make a significant impact on conservation efforts, working autonomously yet as a vital part of a global team committed to environmental stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex wildlife research projects, focusing on population dynamics, habitat use, and conservation threats.
• Develop and implement evidence-based conservation strategies and action plans for target species.
• Supervise, train, and mentor field research teams, ensuring adherence to scientific protocols and safety standards.
• Conduct advanced statistical analysis of ecological data and interpret findings to inform conservation decisions.
• Prepare scientific reports, publications, and grant proposals to secure funding and disseminate research outcomes.
• Collaborate with government bodies, local communities, and other conservation partners to foster cooperative conservation efforts.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation interventions and adapt strategies as needed.
• Contribute to the organization's strategic planning and policy development related to wildlife conservation.
• Represent the organization at scientific conferences, workshops, and public forums.
• Ensure ethical treatment and handling of wildlife in all research and conservation activities.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, Conservation Biology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-doctoral research experience in wildlife conservation, with significant fieldwork in Southern Africa.
• Demonstrated experience in leading conservation projects and managing research teams.
• Advanced proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SAS, SPSS) and ecological modeling techniques.
• Strong understanding of GIS and remote sensing technologies for habitat analysis and wildlife tracking.
• Proven track record of securing research grants and publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Excellent scientific writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently in remote and challenging field conditions.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Passion for wildlife conservation and a commitment to ethical research practices.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with the candidate's extensive qualifications and experience, along with performance-based incentives.
• This fully remote position provides unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to contribute from your chosen location within South Africa, ideally near Queenstown, Eastern Cape .
• The benefits package includes comprehensive medical coverage, a generous retirement contribution, and ample opportunities for professional growth through workshops, conferences, and further research collaborations.
• Additional benefits include a home office stipend and substantial paid time off.
• This role offers the immense reward of directly contributing to vital wildlife conservation efforts on a significant scale, working autonomously yet collaboratively with a passionate global team.