Overview

Restor is a nonprofit foundation formed from the Crowther Lab, which is part of ETH Zurich, and is an open data platform for the restoration movement, enabling everyone everywhere to engage in the global restoration movement. The platform is based around three main themes: to provide ecological insights and a knowledge base to restoration practitioners; to provide a data sharing platform that can connect the global restoration network so that they can learn from one another and finally, a monitoring tool that combines detailed satellite data and ground-sourced data to provide full transparency to the restoration process.

The foundation has a two year project, funded by Google for Good, to research and develop standardised field-survey methodologies for the restoration community that can be scaled at the global level. These methodologies will include the evaluation of drones, smart apps, field-based LIDAR, Google TrekkerCams, soil and vegetation monitoring and other field-based techniques in measuring a range of biological, chemical and physical parameters. This field-based data will be combined with high resolution satellite imagery and machine learning algorithms to produce detailed guidelines which restoration practitioners can use to measure the progress and success of their own projects. Within the first year of the project 4-5 partners in Africa, Asia and the Americas will pilot these monitoring techniques and this will then be rolled out to a further 15 partners in the second year.

This exciting opportunity will be working with a range of project partners around the world including the World Resources Institute, the Crowther Lab, ETH Zurich, the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and many others. The position would suit someone with an interest in applying cutting-edge technologies to support the restoration of earth’s ecosystems and mitigate against climate change and biodiversity loss.

This person will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination and communication of the project between the project partners and ensuring that progress remains on track.

Essential functions include:

• Organisation of project meetings and workshops with key stakeholders.
• Identification of providers of field-based equipment and evaluation against a set of scientific criteria.
• Manage the distribution of field-based technologies to the global pilot project sites.
• Regular liaison with the pilot project sites to track progress in deploying and using field-based technologies.
• Collation of data generated by the pilot projects in a centralised repository to support scientific analysis.
• Identification and purchase of suitable high-resolution imagery for project sites based on scientific criteria.
• Budget and financial management of the overall project budget and sub-contractors (where necessary).
• Preparation of regular reports back to the funders on project progress and implementation.
• Manage general administrative activities such as arranging complex domestic and international travel and accommodations, preparing, processing and reviewing expense reports.

We are looking for a highly-motivated candidate with a passion for climate change and biodiversity. The individual should demonstrate an ability to work with scientists, technologists and in-country field staff and should have a strong background in science and/or technology.  Excellent project management skills, a proactive nature, the ability to learn quickly, network and be resourceful in sometimes challenging field locations. In addition, a knowledge of data science would be a distinct asset as would previous experience in ecological monitoring. Excellent oral and written skills in English are required. French/Spanish language skills are beneficial, but are not essential.

The position is based in the Restor office beside the River Limmat in the heart of Zurich, Switzerland and will involve some international travel. The role offers an opportunity to work with a small entrepreneurial organisation with strong links to the academic sector and with a deep commitment to applying scientific knowledge to improve restoration and conservation outcomes.

Salary: up to CHF 80,000 depending on experience

Start date:  As soon as possible

Contract type: 2 years with the possibility of extension

Location: Restor, Zurich, Switzerland

To apply, please send a cover letter and a CV to jobs@restor.eco.