Conservation Officer Roles x 4 and Data Base Manager x 1

Island Conservation Society (ICS), a leading not-for-profit conservation Non-Government Organisation registered in the Seychelles, is seeking applications from qualified and experienced candidates for the following positions -  

1. a.      Conservation Officer – Aride Island Special Reserve (1 position)
2. b.      Assistant Conservation Officer – Aride Island Special Reserve (1 position)
3. c.       Conservation Officer – Desroches Island (1 position)
4. d.      Assistant Conservation Officer – Desroches Island (1 position)
5. e.      Data Base Manager – ICS Head Office (1 position)

SECTOR

Conservation & wildlife; Ecology.

APPLICATIONS

Applications enclosing (i) a latest CV, (ii) all documentary evidence of tertiary qualifications, (iii) relevant experience and publications, if any, (iv) references (not from relatives or family members), (v) a short exposé of the reasons for applying including reasons why the applicant should be considered for the post, (vi) full contact details and any other relevant documentation, should be made by email to ceo@ics.sc copied to hr@ics.sc

CLOSING DATE

The closing date for all applications is Friday 28 October 2022.

SHORTLIST & INTERVIEWS

Candidates shortlisted will be advised by Tuesday 2 November 2022 of the time and relevant link for interview by Zoom.

JOB OFFERS

Following interviews, job offers to successful candidates will be made by 3 November 2022 at the latest. Successful candidates could expect to be in post by 8 January 2023 at the latest 

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further information on ICS can be found by visiting www.islandconservationseychelles.com and www.arideisland.com

DETAILS OF THE POSITIONS BEING ADVERTISED ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. a.  Conservation Officer (Aride Island Special Reserve)

Location: The position will be based on Aride Island.

Reporting to: Director of Conservation and Science.

Minimum requirements: University undergraduate degree in ornithology, biology, conservation and environmental sciences, or closely related field with relevant field working experience.

Preferred requirements: University postgraduate degree in ornithology plus significant field working experience.

Desirable additional requirements:Certification in open water scuba diving and demonstrable experience as a motor boat operator   

Duties and responsibilities: These include responsibility for the following –

• Overall management of the Conservation Centre on Aride Island Special Reserve.
• Conservation and protection of all plant and animal species in the Special Reserve in accordance with existing legislation, as further specified in policies, strategies and protocols derived, prepared and approved by ICS through the Aride Advisory Committee (AAC).  
• Planning and implementation of baseline surveys and monitoring programs for biodiversity conservation and rehabilitation of terrestrial and associated marine ecosystems. 
• Implementation of approved biodiversity and anti-poaching protocols.
• Implementation of the Aride Environmental Management Plan.
• Preparing and execution of the Annual Plan and the work of the Assistant Conservation Officer and Rangers on the island.
• Coordinating the preparation of the monthly, periodic and annual reports for Aride Island Special Reserve.

Terms of employment: The successful candidate will be expected to sign and complete a two- year contract with an optional renewal clause for similar further terms on the following terms and conditions -  

• The starting salary is SR19,500 (equivalent to c.US$1,400) per calendar month.
• A meal allowance of SR 1,500 per month will be provided.
• The successful candidate will be expected to reside on Aride Island during the full tenure of the contract during which accommodation will be provided.
• In the case of a successful expatriate candidate, international flights at the beginning and end of the contract, and a Gainful Occupation (Work) Permit or GOP will be provided.
• “Off-Island” leave of at least one long weekend (Friday to Monday) per calendar month is permitted.
• Annual leave entitlement is 21 working days (i.e., excluding weekends and public holidays) per annum, to be taken annually or accumulated to a maximum of 42 working days and taken upon completion of the initial two-year term. 

Other considerations: The ideal candidate will be able to physically and mentally cope with the rigours of working in a remote location. Applicants should also have good awareness of safety issues and be comfortable living and working in a small team with other people from different backgrounds and cultures. The successful applicant will be resilient, self-motivated, and be able to get along with other team members.

Downsides: Living and working on Aride Island Special Reserve is intense. Electrical supply provided by a solar PV installation is limited and potable water has to be brought in from the island of Praslin some 45 minutes’ boat ride away where are also located the nearest shops & other facilities. The tropical oceanic climate is tough on equipment and infrastructure and working in high temperatures, high humidity and uneven terrain can be tiring.

Upsides: The Reserve provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the continued conservation and continuation of rare and endemic species most of which would otherwise have been forever lost to humanity. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate that human development need be at the expense of conservation and biodiversity.

Special note: Due to the isolated nature of these contracts, we welcome applications for the two available positions (Conservation Officer & Assistant Conservation Officer) from applicants who are already well known to one another, although this is by no means essential.

 

b. Assistant Conservation Officer (Aride Island Special Reserve)

Location: The position will be based on Aride Island.

Reporting to: Conservation Officer (Aride Island Special Reserve) 

Minimum requirements: University undergraduate degree in ornithology, biology, conservation and environmental sciences, or closely related field with relevant field working experience.

Desirable additional requirements:Certification in open water scuba diving and demonstrable experience as a motor boat operator     

Duties and responsibilities: Under the direction of the Conservation Officer: -

• Responsibility for the conservation and protection of all plant and animal species in the Reserve accordance with existing legislation, as further specified in policies, strategies and protocols derived, prepared and approved by ICS through the Aride Advisory Committee (AAC) and the CEO of ICS.
• Planning and implementation of baseline surveys and monitoring programs for biodiversity conservation and rehabilitation of terrestrial and associated marine ecosystems. 
• Responsible for implementation of approved biodiversity and anti-poaching protocols.
• Implementation of the Aride Environmental Management Plan.
• Execution of annual plans and oversight of the work of Rangers.
• Any other duties as directed by the Conservation Officer.

Terms of employment: The successful candidate will be expected to sign and complete a two- year contract with an optional renewal clause for similar further terms on the following terms and conditions.

• The starting salary is SR15,000 (equivalent to c.US$1,070) per calendar month.
• A meal allowance of SR 1,500 per month will be provided.
• The successful candidate will be expected to reside on Aride Island during the full tenure of the contract during which accommodation will be provided.
• In the case of a successful expatriate candidate, international flights at the beginning and end of the contract, and a Gainful Occupation (Work) Permit or GOP will be provided.
• “Off-Island” leave of at least one long weekend (Friday to Monday) per calendar month is permitted.
• Annual leave entitlement is 21 working days (i.e., excluding weekends and public holidays) per annum, to be taken annually or accumulated to a maximum of 42 working days and taken upon completion of the initial two-year term. 

Other considerations: The ideal candidate will be able to physically and mentally cope with the rigours of working in a remote location. Applicants should also have good awareness of safety issues and be comfortable living and working in small team with other people from a range of cultures. The successful applicant will be resilient, self-motivated, and be able to get along with other team members.

Downsides: Living and working on Aride Island Special Reserve is intense. Electrical supply provided by a solar PV installation is limited and potable water has to be brought in from the island of Praslin some 45 minutes’ boat ride away where are also located the nearest shops & other facilities. The tropical oceanic climate is tough on equipment and infrastructure and working in high temperatures, high humidity and uneven terrain can be extremely tiring.

Upsides: The Reserve provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the continued conservation and continuation of rare and endemic species most of which would otherwise have been forever lost to humanity. It provides an opportunity to push back unfettered and destructive human development at the expense of biodiversity. It is hard but rewarding work and where else can you end your working day with fresh coconut water (or a cold beer) on the beach watching the sun set over the horizon!

Special note: Due to the isolated nature of these contracts, we welcome applications for the two available positions (Conservation Officer & Assistant Conservation Officer) from applicants who are already well known to one another, although this is by no means essential.

1. c.  Conservation Officer (Desroches)

Location: The position will be based on Desroches Island.

Reporting to: Director of Conservation and Science.

Minimum requirements: University undergraduate degree in biology, marine biology, conservation and environmental sciences, or closely related field with relevant field working experience.

Preferred requirements: University postgraduate degree in biology plus significant field working experience.

Desirable additional requirements:Certification in open water scuba diving and demonstrable experience as a motor boat operator   

Duties and responsibilities: These include responsibility for the following –

• Management of the Conservation Centre on Desroches.
• Responsibility for the conservation and protection of all plant and animal species, as further specified in policies, strategies and protocols derived, prepared and approved by the Desroches Foundation through ICS.
• Responsibility for the implementation of the Desroches Annual Plan and work plans deriving therefrom.
• Responsibility for organizing the work of the Assistant Conservation Officer and Rangers on the island.
• Responsibility for coordinating the preparation of the monthly, periodic and annual reports for Desroches.
• Responsible for the planning and implementation of baseline surveys and monitoring programs for biodiversity conservation and rehabilitation of terrestrial and associated marine ecosystems. 
• Responsible for implementation of approved biodiversity and anti-poaching protocols.

Terms of employment: The successful candidate will be expected to sign and complete a two- year contract with an optional renewal clause for similar further terms.

• The starting salary is SR19,500 (equivalent to c.US$1,400) per calendar month.
• Meals are provided at the staff canteen.
• The successful candidate will be expected to reside on Desroches during the full tenure of the contract during which accommodation will be provided.
• In the case of a successful expatriate candidate, international flights at the beginning and end of the contract, and a Gainful Occupation (Work) Permit or GOP will be provided by ICS.
• Annual leave entitlement is 21 working days (i.e., excluding weekends and public holidays) per annum, to be taken annually or accumulated to a maximum of 42 working days and taken upon completion of the initial two-year term. 

Other considerations: The ideal candidate will be able to physically and mentally cope with the rigours of working in a remote location. Applicants should also have good awareness of safety issues and be comfortable living and working in small team with other people from a range of cultures. The successful applicant will be resilient, self-motivated, and be able to get along with other team members.

Special note: Due to the isolated nature of these contracts, we welcome applications for the two available positions (Conservation Officer & Assistant Conservation Officer) from applicants who are already well known to one another, although this is by no means essential.

 

d. Assistant Conservation Officer (Desroches)

Location: The position will be based on Desroches.

Reporting to: Conservation Officer (Desroches) 

Minimum requirements: University undergraduate degree in ornithology, biology, conservation and environmental sciences, or closely related field with relevant field working experience.

Desirable additional requirements:Certification in open water scuba diving and demonstrable experience as a motor boat operator     

Duties and responsibilities: Under the direction of the Conservation Officer: -

• Assistance in the management of the Conservation Centre on Desroches.
• Responsibility for the conservation and protection of all plant and animal species, as further specified in policies, strategies and protocols derived, prepared and approved by the Desroches Foundation through ICS.
• Responsibility for the implementation of the Desroches Annual Plan and work plans deriving therefrom.
• Responsibility for organizing the work of the Assistant Conservation Officer and Rangers on the island.
• Responsibility for coordinating the preparation of the monthly, quarterly and annual reports for Desroches.
• Responsible for the planning and implementation of baseline surveys and monitoring programs for biodiversity conservation and rehabilitation of terrestrial and associated marine ecosystems. 
• Responsible for implementation of approved biodiversity and anti-poaching protocols.

Terms of employment: The successful candidate will be expected to sign and complete a two- year contract with an optional renewal clause for similar further terms.

The starting salary is SR15,000 (equivalent to c.US$1,070) per calendar month.

Meals are provided at the hotel’s staff canteen.

The successful candidate will be expected to reside on Desroches during the full tenure of the contract during which accommodation will be provided.

In the case of a successful expatriate candidate, international flights at the beginning and end of the contract, and a Gainful Occupation (Work) Permit or GOP will be provided by ICS.

Annual leave entitlement is 21 working days (i.e., excluding weekends and public holidays) per annum, to be taken annually or accumulated to a maximum of 42 working days and taken upon completion of the initial two-year term. 

Other considerations: The ideal candidate will be able to physically and mentally cope with the rigours of working in a remote location. Applicants should also have good awareness of safety issues and be comfortable living and working in small team with other people from a range of cultures. The successful applicant will be resilient, self-motivated, and be able to get along with other team members.

Special note: Due to the isolated nature of these contracts, we welcome applications for the two available positions (Conservation Officer & Assistant Conservation Officer) from applicants who are already well known to one another, although this is by no means essential.

1. e.  Data Base Manager

Location: The position will be based at ICS Head Office.

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer thru’ Director of Conservation and Science.

Minimum requirements: Undergraduate degree in data base administration or related degree OR degree in conservation and environment science or closely related field with some field experience OR knowledge and advanced demonstrable skills in database management systems.

Knowledge and familiarity with Structured Query Language (SQL), ability to perform basic and advanced queries and writing database procedures and triggers.

Desirable additional requirements:Strong interest in open-source software and spatial technology (Linux, Postgre SQL/Post GIS, geodatabases, OGC web services etc.)

Strong interest in the field of geographic information services and familiarity with GIS software, (ArcGIS, QGIS)

Duties and responsibilities: These include responsibility for the following –

• The overall development, management and maintenance of a centralised administrative, ecological and conservation database at the ICS head office.
•  Developing of a standardised file-naming convention and archiving system for digitised ecological, spatial, and temporal data on the ICS server.
• Centralisation, management, storage, security and backup of the central database.
• Import, integration and maintenance of data from conservation centres into the central database.
• Development and update of data management protocols and manual on an annual basis. 
• Monitoring of the central database ‘health’ and ensuring on and off site backups.
• Understanding and validation of data prior to uploading and storage in the central database.

Terms of employment: The successful candidate will be expected to sign and complete a two- year contract with an optional renewal clause for similar further terms.

• The starting salary is SR21,000 (equivalent to c.US$1,500) per calendar month.
• In the case of a successful expatriate candidate, international flights at the beginning and end of the contract, and a Gainful Occupation (Work) Permit or GOP will be provided by ICS.

Annual leave entitlement is 21 working days (i.e., excluding weekends and public holidays) per annum, to be taken annually or accumulated to a maximum of 42 working days and taken upon completion of the initial two-year term.