SFM Safari Gabon (SFM-SG) is seeking applications for the position of gorilla habituation manager. SFM-SG is a new organization working in partnership with the Gabonese national parks system to develop ecotourism in two of Gabon’s premier national parks: Loango and Pongara. The gorilla habituation manager will work with the concession development staff to habituate 1 or more groups of western lowland gorillas for tourism. While the central goal is a product deliverable to guests of the national park, we are seeking individuals who are interested in and motivated to design research projects on great apes and other wildlife that will facilitate conservation and parks management initiatives.
The habituation manager will be responsible for organizing and managing the habituation with support from the concession development management team. This will principally include organization of the daily/weekly/monthly work plan and logistics necessary to habituate lowland gorillas in the Loango National Park. Specifically, the work will include, but is not limited to: selecting, hiring and managing appropriate staff members, organizing logistics for the transportation of staff, provisions (food, water, fuel, etc…), developing the work schedule, and collection, management and analysis of data where appropriate. The habituation manager will, however, also very much be part of the habituation process and it is expected that most of your time will be in the field carrying out the habituation with the help of trackers. Finally, the habituation manager will need to collaborate well with other gorilla habituation programs in the area (e.g., Max Planck Institute and Procoba) and with in-country (e.g., ANPN) and international partners. The habituation manager will report directly to the Manager of Safari Development and the Safari Development Officer – both of whom are also based full-time in Loango National Park.
The position will be on a one year contract – renewable for long-term after the first year. Anticipated start date is October – December 2013 and will be confirmed during the interview process.
Qualifications/Experience:
Requirements for the Candidates:
Competent spoken French and English with competent English writing at a minimum
Minimum Bachelor of Science, or equivalent, university degree in biology, anthropology, wildlife or other conservation-related field
Prior experience with primate habituation
Prior experience living for extended periods of time in remote areas in developing countries, preferably West or Central Africa
Prior experience working in tropical wet/humid forests
Fitness for long hours of walking daily
Good humor for endurance of life with only basic comforts
Additional Qualifications of Benefit:
Advanced (MSc, PhD, DVM, etc…) degree
>1 year experience in field research, conservation, etc… in developing nation and/or remote field setting
Prior experience with great apes, especially gorillas
Prior experience in Central Africa, especially Gabon
Prior experience as a manager of conservation or research-related projects
Salary/funding:
Salary will be dependent on experience but will be minimum 1500 euros/month
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
International flight to/from Gabon for start/end of contract
Two months paid vacation annually
Reimbursement of vaccine and visa costs
Allotment for comprehensive insurance coverage
All living expenses covered while “on duty” in country including food, transport, communications stipend, lodging, etc…
Term of Appointment:
1 year
Application Deadline:
30th August 2013
Contact Information:
Dr. Emilie Fairet
BP 1107
Libreville
Gabon
Telephone Number:
0024104894792
E-mail Address:
efairet@sfmafrica.com