Senior Ecologist - Conservation Research

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Field research opportunities

Professional development support

Conservation impact

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg seeks a Senior Ecologist to lead conservation research projects, design field studies, and protect biodiversity in South Africa. You will analyze complex ecological data and contribute to policy recommendations for sustainable resource management.

The role requires a Ph.D. in a related field and 7+ years of ecological research experience, with strong GIS, statistical, and scientific writing skills. Opportunities for fieldwork and professional development are offered.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required with substantial research experience.
• Proven expertise in field data collection and ecological analysis.
• Strong writing and presentation skills for reports and publications.
• Experience with GIS and spatial analyses for biodiversity assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead ecological field research projects and biodiversity assessments.
• Conduct wildlife surveys, habitat assessments, and vegetation monitoring.
• Analyze data with statistical tools and GIS to identify trends and priorities.
• Develop evidence-based management plans for conservation areas and species.
• Collaborate with government, NGOs, and communities on conservation initiatives.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to varied audiences.

Skills

Field data collection

Ecological modeling

Statistical analysis

GIS proficiency

Scientific writing

Project management

Education

Ph.D. in Ecology/Conservation Biology/Environmental Science

Tools

GIS software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Ecologist to lead critical conservation research projects in Randburg . This role focuses on understanding and protecting biodiversity, assessing ecological impacts, and developing sustainable management strategies for natural resources. You will design and conduct field studies, analyze complex ecological data, and contribute to policy recommendations for conservation efforts. This position offers a significant opportunity to make a direct impact on environmental stewardship and biodiversity preservation within a dedicated research institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage ecological field research projects, focusing on biodiversity assessment and conservation strategies.
• Conduct wildlife surveys, habitat assessments, and vegetation monitoring using established ecological methodologies.
• Analyze ecological data using statistical software and GIS to identify trends, threats, and conservation priorities.
• Develop and recommend evidence-based management plans for conservation areas and threatened species.
• Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and local communities on conservation initiatives.
• Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, and present findings to diverse audiences.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in ecological research and conservation science.
• Proven expertise in field data collection, ecological modeling, and statistical analysis.
• Proficiency with GIS software and other spatial analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of conservation principles, biodiversity assessment, and environmental management.
• Excellent scientific writing, presentation, and project management skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for field research in diverse ecological settings.
• Support for professional development, including workshops and conferences.
• Contribution to significant conservation and environmental protection efforts.