Overview

Responsible for carrying out conservation and monitoring of the reserve, management of research activities and reporting on the work. To assist in this work, Reserve Wardens and Conservation Boot Camp (CBC) participants will need to participate and the role includes training of Wardens and training and leading Conservation Boot Camp participants in the conservation work. Coordination of 2 conservation stakeholder groups is also necessary. The post holder will need to work very closely with the Chief Warden and the Warden team managing the Special Reserve.

Reporting to: Reserve Coordinator

Working with:

1. Reserve Chief Warden
2. Conservation Boot Camp Coordinator

Duties:
Data Collection & Management
• Carry out the Cousin Island Special Reserve monitoring plan including implementation of survey and census techniques for marine turtles, seabirds, coral reefs and landbirds, etc.
• Ensure all data is entered and databases are updated and easy to use, ensuring data is stored appropriately and safely.
• Compile specific reports on surveys and censuses.
• Train Cousin island staff in field work and data collection
• Set weekly staff timetable of conservation work through Chief Warden, for participating staff.
• Compile Cousin island Special Reserve conservation report annually
• Advise visiting researchers when needed.
• Develop research ideas based on reserve needs when needed.

Communication
• Ensure good relations with island management staff
• Communicate work plans to Reserve staff via meetings through Chief Warden.
• Presenting data findings to Reserve staff via verbal presentations through Chief Warden.
• Through the Communications Manager contribute to Nature Seychelles’ communication work with articles, blogs, photographs, video, social media posts, etc.

Conservation Boot Camp participation
• Work closely with the CBC Program Coordinator for the calendar and schedule of conservation activities for the participants.
• Brief all CBC participants on conservation activities on the Special Reserve and their schedule of conservation work/training
• With Program Coordinator’s collaboration, lead Boot Camp participants in conservation work and ensure that they are participating as per schedule and plans.
• Ensure that participants are given on the job training in the relevant monitoring, census and survey methods for seabirds, turtles, land birds, vegetation beach and coast and any other species and habitats as determined
• Communicate to Boot Camp participants about conservation and science work in general via verbal presentations when needed
• Manage any conservation volunteers (as needed) during their stay.

SMART & SSG

• Coordinate the Seychelles Magpie Robin Recovery Team (SMART) and the Seychelles Seabird Group (SSG) via annual meetings.
• Write Minutes of Meetings and blogs/articles for the SSG blog.

Minimum Qualifications, skills and experience
Degree(s) in conservation biology, or natural sciences. At least 3 years experience in similar position and experience in tropical/island biology and conservation. Advanced Open water PADI qualification with 50 + dives (desirable up to Rescue Diver qualification). Experience in catching and handling (and ringing) of land and seabirds. Experience in monitoring and tagging of turtles. Current First Aid qualification. Computer literate in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and use of statistical package such as SPSS or R. Personal attributes required include: maturity, self-motivated, good communicator, high physical fitness, ability to motivate others, willing to train others, ability to live and work in a remote location with a small team.

Excellent references from at least 2 senior referees/previous employers will be necessary.

Post Title: Science and Conservation Officer
Responsible to: Chief Executive
Salary range: SR20,000 – 25,000 (depending on qualifications and experience)
Free housing and Cousin island transport
Location: Cousin Island, Seychelles

Contact: Eric Blais, Cousin Island Special Reserve Coordinator, Nature Seychelles P.O.Box 1310. Tel: 4601100. Email:eric@natureseychelles.org