Conservation Scientist - King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre, Saudi Arabia

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is recruiting for the position of Conservation Scientist at the King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre (KKWRC) in Saudi Arabia. ZSL have been managing KKWRC for the Saudi Wildlife Authority (SWA) since 1987. The Centre’s major activities comprise conservation science research and monitoring inside protected areas and running the largest captive breeding programmes in the world for mountain gazelles, Arabian sand gazelles and Nubian ibex. Ecological, epidemiological and genetic research is carried out on these captive animals and wild populations in protected areas across Saudi Arabia. KKWRC has carried out reintroductions into three protected areas in Saudi Arabia and continues to
monitor these populations whilst planning future reintroductions.

ZSL is seeking a suitably qualified, strongly motivated individual who is able to work independently and as part of a team. Candidates should hold a PhD degree in a relevant field and be familiar with modern ecological survey techniques and equipment. They should be able to work in isolated conditions and be able to gather and analyse data, write comprehensive reports, scientific journal articles and present findings.  Fluent spoken and written English is essential and Arabic is of benefit.

The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for field work to provide the Saudi Wildlife Authority with information that will assist in the effective conservation of biodiversity and management of protected areas of Saudi Arabia. Activities therefore include biodiversity surveys, monitoring of condition and use of vegetation by wild ungulates, domestic livestock and people, collection of data on habitat condition and environmental factors affecting biodiversity, wildlife monitoring and the communication of findings and recommendations to SWA. Work will be in protected areas around the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The major focus for 2014 will be work to investigate and monitor mammal diversity in the Ibex Reserve and Uruq Bani Ma’arid and investigate mountain gazelle status in the Farasan Islands. 

The position is a one year fixed term contract with the possibility of renewal each year thereafter. The post will be based at KKWRC in Thumamah, 1 hour outside of Riyadh, with a considerable amount of time spent in the field, often in remote areas. Accommodation is provided at KKWRC. The salary range is SR170,138-SR214,403 (approx. £28,028-£35,320) (tax free) commensurate with experience, with 45 calendar days leave per annum.

Please visit our website (www.zsl.org) for the Job Description.

Application procedure

The post is available immediately.  Applicants should send a full CV (maximum 3 pages) and covering letter detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why you want the position and including details of availability, by email to hr@zsl.org.

Closing date: 25 November 2013

We regret that we will only be able to contact applicants who have been selected for interview.

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728