Science Officer (Mammals)
About the role
An entry-level position supporting the mammal research and monitoring programme, with particular responsibility for camera trapping, mammal data management and response to human-wildlife conflict, while contributing to field research, technical reporting, community outreach and project implementation. The role is supervised by the Science Manager with technical oversight from the Science Director, and is based at the main office on Ogaldez Street in Punta Gorda, with fieldwork in the Maya Golden Landscape.
Responsibilities
- Support and train research and monitoring rangers and citizen scientists so camera-trapping data is collected properly
- Carry out continuous data management, validation and entry for camera trapping and other programme areas as needed
- Work with the science team to plan, design and modify monitoring methods, keeping the ranger team informed of changes
- Assist with data analysis for camera trapping and contribute to annual and project reports that use this data
- Assist in coordinating fieldwork, logistics and implementation for projects needing mammal and camera-trapping expertise
- Prepare datasheets for the programme and introduce them to rangers
- Identify wildlife captured in camera images, with guidance from the science team
- Assist the Science Manager with maintenance and seasonal inventory of Science Programme equipment
- Support development of education and outreach materials for schools, educational activities, community forums and meetings
- Contribute to technical documents such as the Farmscape Biodiversity and State of the Protected Areas reports
- Liaise with the Community Outreach and Livelihoods team to share research and monitoring results with communities
- Respond to jaguar attack reports from community members
- Conduct farm visits to give technical advice on measures that reduce wildlife conflict
- Support professional relationships with visiting researchers, student groups, citizen scientists, government agencies and other partners
Requirements
- Associate degree in natural resource management, wildlife management, biodiversity conservation or a related field, or alternatively 2 years in field research and data handling and management
- Experience working on research projects and identifying Belizean wildlife
- Excellent communication skills, verbally and in technical writing
- Excellent interpersonal skills to build collaborative relationships and network effectively
- Ability to work independently and within a team, including in remote and dense jungle for extended periods
- Working knowledge and capacity to do basic statistical analysis of datasets
- Proactive at work and willing to learn
- Ability to work with a diverse team and diverse cultures
- Valid driver's licence
Preferred qualifications
- Knowledge of camera trap surveys is an asset but not essential
- Familiarity with the culture and traditions of the Toledo District
- Sensitivity to the needs of people with low literacy or English as a second language when creating written materials
- Ability to work with a wide variety of people, including a multicultural in-house team, using tact, diplomacy and flexibility
- Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks and allocate time effectively to meet deadlines
- Meticulous attention to detail, dependable and reliable, with a positive attitude