Orangutan Conservation Research Director

Position Description:

We are seeking a motivated individual for a minimum two-year position as the Conservation Research Director for the Gunung Palung Orangutan Conservation Program, which works in and around Gunung Palung National Park, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. This program is comprised of a long-term orangutan research study and community-based conservation program led by Executive Director, Dr. Cheryl Knott. 

The Conservation Research Director (CRD) is primarily responsible for carrying out and supervising GPOCP's Applied Conservation Research Program. This program includes SMART patrolling, biodiversity monitoring, phenological monitoring, camera trap analysis, bioacoustic monitoring, abiotic monitoring, nest density analysis, and use of drones for orangutan and nest detection. The position involves assisting with study design, implementation, staff supervision and project oversight. The CRD will work with, train and supervise our teams of local staff and students carrying out these projects. 

The CRD will also be responsible for assisting with grant reporting, grant writing, data analysis and publication of applied conservation research, under the direction of the Executive Director and Deputy Director. The CRD will work closely with Indonesian staff, including but not limited to the Field Director, Research Director, Research Manager, Hutan Desa Staff, the Rangkong Research Coordinator and other Project Scientists.

The CRD will be expected to rotate their working area between the Cabang Panti Research Station, the Rangkong River Research Area, the Sungai Paduan and Sungai Purang Hutan Desa regions, and our offices in Ketapang and Kayong Utara. Applicants must be comfortable with camping in conditions with limited electricity and no cell phone service.

Qualifications/Experience:
Applicants should have a graduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in conservation biology, biology, biological anthropology, or a related field. Previous experience conducting tropical rainforest fieldwork is critical. Applicants should also have experience with project design and supervision and with conducting statistical analysis in R. They should also have, be physically fit, independent, resourceful, and able to handle substantial responsibility! Applicants must be proficient in English and ideally speak Bahasa Indonesia. Previous experience working in Indonesia or Malaysia is preferred. Cultural sensitivity is very important. Staff must be ready to adapt to a wide variety of situations.

Salary/funding:
Salary will be commensurate with experience. We will cover all incurred costs related to getting to our office and study location (including international and domestic flights, food and hotels, visa fees, research permits, etc.). We will provide housing and cover living expenses at the field sites. The CRD is required to has their own health and travel insurance, vaccinations and malaria medication.

Term of Appointment:
2 years. Position open until filled. Exact start date flexible and dependent on research visa approval. 

To Apply:

Position will be open until filled, interested applicants should email a CV, 2 letters of recommendation, and a two-page personal statement to savegporangutans@gmail.com.