Field Researcher

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a young Vietnamese conservationist to join the CPCP’s young and dynamic team of enthusiastic conservationists. The Field Researcher will primarily assist in the CPCP’s Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) release and monitoring field project in Cat Tien National Park. This project will be in one of Vietnam’s most important and wildlife rich National Parks. The successful applicant will not only improve their field skills and professional experience but will also be contributing to an important project that will be the first of its kind in Vietnam.

The Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Program is committed to securing a future for wild populations of threatened carnivores and pangolins in Vietnam. We are dedicated to increasing the understanding of and respect for these unique species and their habitats and empowering people to take action to conserve them.

Start date: 1st June 2011
Duration: 12 months – contract is renewable

Job mission
To improve the conservation of carnivores and pangolins in Vietnam, as well as South-East Asia, through the development and implementation of field research activities and subsequent in-situ conservation actions

Objectives & responsibilities
The research officer will be involved in all aspects of the CPCP (inc. awareness, training, administration, captive management) but will spend most of their time assisting the CPCP’s Field Research Program.

- Design, co-ordinate and conduct field surveys for carnivores and pangolins in priority areas throughout Vietnam
- Conduct social surveys to investigate hunting techniques, trade in, and local attitudes towards carnivores and pangolins
- Develop and implement training courses and seminars for rangers and students in Vietnam
- Carry out literature and museum based research projects to compile reviews on the distribution, status and ecology of CPCP priority species.
- Develop conservation initiatives, based on the results of field research, to improve the conservation of carnivores and pangolin
- Use information gained from field research to improve ex-situ conservation techniques.

Salary grade and benefits: To be discussed

Location of work:
Based in Cuc Phuong National Park (where the CPCP’s main operational base is located) and Hanoi Offices but this is open to discussion if the successful applicant lives in the South of Vietnam.
Approximately 50% of their time in Cat Tien National Park.

Professional qualifications:
- BSc/MSc degree in Biology, Conservation, Zoology or related subject
- Practical experience in field surveys and/or ecological studies
- Good English language skills, both spoken and written

Desirable personal qualities
- Patience, tolerance and flexibility
- Ability to live and work in difficult conditions
- Commitment to team work, coaching and mentoring other people
- Ability to cope with cultural isolation and basic living conditions
- Prepared to work with limited resources within a challenging environment
- Motivation, energy and enthusiasm

Interested candidates should e-mail a CV and covering letter, summarising their professional background and reasons for interest in the position to Tran Quang Phuong ([email protected]) no later than 15th May 2011.