Senior Wildlife Ecologist

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 97,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Wildlife Ecologist to join our field research team based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA. The role involves designing and implementing field studies, conducting ecological surveys, and contributing to long‑term wildlife conservation strategies in diverse ecosystems.

You will work with government agencies, communities, and stakeholders to translate data into practical conservation actions. The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology or related field required.
• 7+ years of relevant research experience in wildlife ecology and conservation.
• Experience designing and leading field research projects.
• Proficiency with population monitoring techniques and GIS.

Responsibilities

• Design and manage field-based wildlife research projects.
• Conduct ecological surveys, population assessments, and species monitoring.
• Analyze ecological data using statistical software and modeling.
• Develop wildlife management plans and conservation strategies.
• Mentor junior ecologists and collaborate with stakeholders.

Skills

Wildlife ecology

Field research leadership

Population monitoring

Statistical analysis

GIS

Education

Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology or related field

Tools

R

SPSS

ArcGIS

GPS technology

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading environmental conservation organization dedicated to protecting biodiversity and managing natural ecosystems. We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Wildlife Ecologist to join our dedicated field research team based in the Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA region. This critical role involves conducting in-depth ecological research, developing conservation strategies, and contributing to the long-term management of wildlife populations. You will be responsible for designing and implementing field studies, analyzing ecological data, and providing expert advice to conservation initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of wildlife behavior, population dynamics, habitat management, and conservation science, coupled with strong fieldwork and analytical skills. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution to wildlife conservation in a vital region. The role requires a strong commitment to fieldwork and requires presence at our Queenstown base and surrounding natural areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage field-based research projects on wildlife populations and ecosystems.
• Conduct ecological surveys, including population assessments, habitat evaluations, and species monitoring.
• Collect and analyze ecological data using statistical software and modeling techniques.
• Develop and refine wildlife management plans and conservation strategies.
• Contribute to scientific publications, technical reports, and grant proposals.
• Collaborate with government agencies, local communities, and other stakeholders on conservation efforts.
• Provide expert advice on wildlife management, habitat restoration, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
• Mentor and supervise junior ecologists and field technicians.
• Ensure adherence to ethical research practices, safety protocols, and conservation principles.
• Maintain detailed records and databases of ecological observations and research findings.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology, Zoology, or a related biological science field.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant research experience in wildlife ecology and conservation.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and leading field research projects.
• Expertise in wildlife population monitoring techniques (e.g., mark-recapture, camera trapping, transect surveys).
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software (e.g., R, SPSS) and GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS).
• Strong understanding of ecological principles, habitat assessment, and conservation strategies.
• Excellent field skills, including experience with remote sensing, GPS, and ecological sampling methods.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex scientific information clearly.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in challenging field conditions.
• Experience in the Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA region or similar ecosystems is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement contributions.
• Paid time off includes vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including workshops and conferences, are provided.
• This role is based full-time in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA, involving significant fieldwork.
• We are committed to providing a supportive and impactful work environment for individuals passionate about conservation.
• Career advancement opportunities within our respected organization are available for dedicated professionals.