About Us:
The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), founded in 1826, is a leading conservation, science and education charity whose mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries around the world and through education and engagement at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.
With global biodiversity in rapid decline and a growing number of species on the brink of extinction, advances in technology are becoming ever more important in helping us to address conservation challenges. ZSL has setup a dedicated Conservation Technology Unit (CTU) and is working with a range of expert partners to develop innovative and integrated technology solutions.
Role Profile:
The CTU Field Specialist will play a vital role in the design, field testing, deployment and evaluation of new and existing conservation technologies. ZSL’s lead existing technologies include: Instant Detect (a real time anti-poaching alarm system); Mataki (animal tracking device); and Instant Wild (citizen science camera trap initiative). The role will be based primarily in Kenya, with regular travel to ZSL’s head office in London, reporting directly to the Conservation Technology Programme Manager.
As a member of the CTU you must be inspired by technology and inspire others in the development of innovative technical solutions to solve conservation challenges. You will ensure products are developed to the highest quality and deployed effectively in the field. You will work on the ground with front line conservation managers and ranger teams to test new systems, develop best practise guidelines and ensure technology is maintained and performing well on an ongoing basis. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fun and talented team with a start-up mentality and an opportunity to define and drive forward your own innovative ideas.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Working with ZSL’s Conservation Technology team and Country Managers to design, develop and deploy innovative technology solutions to support conservation projects around the world.
- Collaborating with third party technology companies to advance and deliver ZSL’s own portfolio of technology products, understanding field challenges, troubleshooting and making recommendations for new innovations or work around solutions.
- Deploying and testing a suite of technologies in the field, working closely with field partners and ensuring rigorous testing and reporting programmes are implemented to meet ZSL technology targets.
- Developing best practise guidelines for new technology products to ensure effective deployment.
- Supporting ZSL and partner field operations to ensure technology is implemented safely and effectively. Providing ongoing support to end users and troubleshooting queries. Quick original thinking is often required to fix unforeseen issues that arise in the field.
- Supporting the research of emerging technologies that have potential to address conservation challenges. This could include research into new sensors, tools or software.
- Recording and evaluating the impacts of technology on anti-poaching and monitoring projects, working closely with front line teams to understand how technology can be used to enhance on-the-ground realities.
- Reporting to CTU and Country Managers on field trials and providing recommendations on the potential and suitability of new solutions.
- Training of rangers in the field in use of technology, supporting law enforcement and species monitoring activities. Ensuring accurate and timely collection of all data.
Person Specification:
The successful candidate will ideally have:
- A technology related degree (is advantageous but not essential).
- Proven experience delivering technical solutions in a relevant field.
- Technical competence to learn and develop new technologies.
- In-depth and extensive knowledge of best practice software & hardware protocols.
- Practical implementation experience of technology in conservation or relative projects.
- Strong organisational, interpersonal and communication skills, both face to face and in writing.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Independently driven and able to take initiative.
- A full driving licence.
- Good fitness and willing to spend long durations in remote environments
- Willingness to live in Tsavo or Lewa in Kenya for extended periods, sometimes in very remote locations in basic field camps.
- Fluency in Swahili is desirable.
Please note: This is a full-time, 1 year fixed-term contract and the role will be based primarily in Kenya, with regular travel to ZSL’s head office in London. Having a Kenya work permit / right to work is advantageous but not essential.
To Apply:
Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button. If you have any queries regarding these positions or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources at hr@zsl.org.
Closing date for applications: Midnight Friday 30th September 2016
The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.
