Overview

The One Forest Project works to study and protect animals and their rainforest habitats in Borneo. For over a decade we have conducted research, conservation, and capacity building activities in the tropical forests in and around Gunung Palung National Park, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Using a variety of methods, our team monitors forest vertebrate populations and factors that potentially affect their distribution and abundance– including habitat type, elevation, climate change, human activity, and forest productivity. Our research makes important contributions to both theoretical and applied conservation science, and provides information and expertise that directly contribute to the protection of a wide diversity of endangered vertebrates and ecosystem types at Gunung Palung. We build capacity among Indonesian students, national park staff, and members of local NGOs through field courses, technical workshops, training internships, and research opportunities. The project is directed by Dr. Andy Marshall, a professor at the University of Michigan, USA.

The position will be primarily based at the Cabang Panti Research Station, located in Gunung Palung National Park. The station is quite remote, reached by a walk of 4–6 hours through the forest or a 12+ hour boat ride. The research camp is located in pristine, lowland Dipterocarp rainforest; the camp buildings are rustic and living conditions are simple but comfortable.

Primary responsibilities:

  1. Overseeing and participating in collection of long-term data. Data collection includes monitoring plant phenology in botanical plots, recording weather at weather stations across a broad elevational gradient, surveying vertebrates along established census routes, and maintaining a system of sixty remotely triggered camera traps, among other activities
  2. Ensuring that data are accurately entered into the project database in an efficient and timely manner
  3. Managing a team of four experienced local assistants
  4. Responsibly dispersing and accounting for project funds
  5. Maintaining positive, collaborative relationships with relevant government officials, university counterparts, and the Gunung Palung National Park Bureau
  6. Organizing and facilitating conservation and capacity building activities
  7. Serving as an effective conduit of information between the PI and the field staff

Nationality:

Open, although candidate must speak fluent English or Indonesian to permit communication with the project PI. Ideally, candidates will have proficiency in both languages, although this is not a pre-requisite.

Qualifications:

Applicants should have relevant university coursework and at least a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a related field. Master’s or post-doctoral candidates are also welcome to apply.

Applicants must have aptitude and strong interest in biology, ecology, botany, anthropology, or a related field; be mature, independent, responsible, and culturally sensitive; be of sufficient physical, mental, and emotional condition to live and work in a remote tropical rainforest; be able to work well with others in close proximity; and be comfortable both following instructions and using personal initiative. In addition, the ideal candidate would have previous field research experience (preferably in the tropics); experience with management; proficiency with computer programming and databases; and speak Indonesian. Applicants who are enthusiastic about the position but do not fulfill all of these ideal requirements are nevertheless encouraged to apply.

Salary/Funding:

The main compensation is the opportunity to live and work in a beautiful, diverse tropical forest and gain valuable experience in field ecology research. Opportunities also exist for collaboration on scientific publications with the project leader or to conduct independent research projects. In addition, the field manager will have all direct costs associated with the project covered by the PI (e.g., round trip airfare, lodging, ground transportation, research permit and visa fees, research station fees). Additional compensation may be possible possible, based on the candidate’s experience and education level and the availability of funds– such compensation typically comprises a modest monthly stipend. Individuals will be responsible for their own basic field equipment, health care, and medical expenses. 

Term of Appointment:

A minimum of 12 months, starting 1 July 2018. Preference is for candidates interested in staying with the project for multiple years.

Application Deadline:

Applications will be accepted until position is filled, but all materials should be submitted by March 15th to receive full consideration. Skype interviews with top candidates will be conducted in March and a final decision will be made in early April.

Comments:

Please submit to Dr. Marshall via email: a CV and a cover letter of no more than two pages explaining your relevant experience and qualifications and your reasons for applying for the position. In addition, please have two recommenders capable of evaluating your suitability for this position submit letters of recommendation directly to Dr. Marshall. 

Please submit all application materials and any questions to Prof. Andrew Marshall: ajmarsha@umich.edu.