Conservation Scientist, King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre

About us:

ZSL have been managing the King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre (KKWRC) in Saudi Arabia 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, 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.

Overview of the Role:

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is recruiting for the position of Conservation Scientist at KKWRC. The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for research 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 2016 will be work to investigate and monitor mammal diversity in the Tubaq and Uruq Bani Ma’arid Protected Areas, and investigate mountain gazelle status in the Farasan Islands. Reviewing long-running datasets from the KKWRC captive collection and advising on statistical analyses will also be a key component of the post.   

Person Specification:

ZSL is seeking a suitably qualified, strongly motivated individual who is able to work independently and as part of a team. Candidates should preferably hold a PhD degree in a relevant field and be familiar with modern ecological survey techniques and equipment (especially the use of remote camera traps). Candidates without a PhD must be able to demonstrate they have significant fieldwork experience. 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. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate a high level of statistical knowledge, and have a good publication record in peer-reviewed journals. Fluent spoken and written English is essential and Arabic is of benefit.

Please note: 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. Other benefits include 60 calendar days annual leave and medical insurance in Saudi Arabia.

The position is available immediately.  A full job description is available from https://www.zsl.org/conservation-scientist-king-khalid-wildlife-research-centre

To Apply:

Applicants should send a full CV (maximum 3 pages) and covering letter detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability and their completed Equality of Opportunity Monitoring Form, by email to hr@zsl.org. Please include the job title in the subject header of your email. We regret that we will only be able to contact applicants who have been selected for interview.

Closing Date: Midnight Friday 25^th September 2015     

Anticipated Interview Date: W/c – 12^th October 2015

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