Raah Foundation is seeking a Field Ecologist to support their restoration work in Nashik district, Maharashtra.

Location: Nashik

Travel: In Nashik District, an average of 8 – 12 days a month (by Public Transport)

Reports To: Vice-President – Ecological Restoration

Employment Type: Full-Time

Consolidated Salary: Rs. 40,000/- per month (Salary is negotiable based on experience and skill set.)

Overview:
The Field ecologist will work closely with the ground staff to conduct ecological assessments under the supervision of the subject matter expert (SME).

Key responsibilities include monitoring biodiversity, analysing soil and water health, and supporting sustainable management practices in designated intervention areas.

This role involves extensive fieldwork, data collection, and collaboration with local communities to enhance conservation efforts, promote sustainable agriculture, and foster environmental education.

The Field Ecologist will also be responsible for completing baseline and periodic assessments, which include soil chemical and microbial analysis, biomass measurements, biodiversity studies, groundwater monitoring, temperature tracking, and species identification.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring (Under the guidance of SME):

• Conduct floral and faunal diversity assessments, including calculating species richness and identifying endangered species (RET).
• Monitor population ecology and health of species within intervention areas.

2. Vegetation and Biomass Analysis:

• Evaluate regrowth and vegetation regeneration, including measuring above and below-ground biomass.
• Assess grass cover percentage and monitor soil health parameters (biotic and abiotic).

3. Water Quality and Soil Health:

• Monitor Well Water levels and conduct water quality analysis for local water sources.
• Evaluate soil health by assessing key biotic and abiotic factors to ensure ecosystem sustainability.

4. Camera Trap Management and Wildlife Monitoring:

• Select, install, and maintain camera traps for wildlife monitoring in the project areas.
• Train team members on data collection using camera traps and analyze data to track wildlife occurrence.

5. Community Engagement and Education (Under expert’s guidance):

• Organize awareness sessions for schools and communities, coordinating with Subject Matter Expert to arrange lectures on topics such as human-animal coexistence, environmental education, and business opportunities related to biodiversity conservation.
• Gather feedback from participants.
• Analyse feedback to enhance future sessions.
• Develop and promote Agri-ecotourism initiatives to support local communities.

7. Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) Management:

• Collect and analyze data on NTFP availability across sites.
• Provide recommendations on sustainable NTFP harvesting to support community livelihoods.

8. Data Collection, Management, and Analysis:

• Gather, organize, and analyze ecological data, including biodiversity indices, soil health,
  and water quality.
• Prepare reports and publications for internal and external stakeholders based on research findings.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Botany, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, or
  a related field.
• Proven experience in fieldwork, data collection, and ecological monitoring.
• Proficiency with GIS, remote sensing, and other ecological data analysis tools (desirable but not mandatory)
• Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize complex ecological data.
• Excellent communication skills, with experience in community engagement and environmental education (desirable but not mandatory).
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and travel frequently to field sites.

Skills:

• Knowledge of Flora And Fauna Identification, Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation Techniques.
• Proficiency in camera trap setup and wildlife monitoring. (desirable but not mandatory)
• Familiarity with soil and water testing methodologies.
• Understanding of ecosystem services and sustainable agriculture practices.
• Experience in environmental education and community outreach.

Please send your resume to [email protected]
Along with your resume, please submit a brief concept note on the ‘Importance of Scientific Ecological Restoration.’

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further selection processes.