OuTrop requires an Orangutan Research Assistant to work on our
Orangutan Behaviour Project at the Natural Laboratory of Peat-swamp
Forest (NLPSF) research station located in Sabangau, Central Kalimantan,
Indonesia (Borneo). This is a new role which will incorporate both data
collection in the field (following wild orangutans) and data
management. You will work within a team of Indonesian research
assistants and international field interns, students and volunteers.
Your primary role will be responsibility for the day-to-day management
of all data collected by this project, including checking data
integrity; ensuring samples (fruit/faecal/urine), datasheets, GPS
downloads, photographs and videos are processed and stored properly;
entering data into the on-site database; and ensuring consistency of
individual animal identifications. The successful candidate will report
directly to OuTrop’s Primate Scientist with whom you will work on a
daily basis. You will also help supervise international interns and
volunteers working on the Project, assist in research planning and
overall project logistics as requested, and provide reports on your
activities to the Primate Scientist and Director of Orangutan Research.
The position is based at the NLPSF Research Station to reflect that the
majority of your time is expected to be spent working in the field.
We are looking for a field primatologist/ecologist, with enthusiasm
for and ideally prior experience of tropical field research, a
scientific mind and aptitude, and strong attention to detail. Personal
skills required include the needs to be flexible, patient, amicable
(good social skills), well organized, a good communicator, and
physically and mentally fit. You must be prepared to work in a difficult
field environment characterised by dense forest, wet and muddy swamp,
many mosquitoes and other biting insects and long and unsociable working
hours. Applicants must have the ability to cope well under stress and
to readily master new skills.
You will:
- Search for and follow wild orangutans in the Sabangau peat-swamp forest, and collect data on activity, diet, social interactions and infant development according to our standard protocols.
- On a daily basis, assist the Primate Scientist in checking the integrity of all orangutan behaviour data collected by our team of field assistants, interns and research students, including ensuring accurate individual identifications; proper management and storage of data sheets, GPS downloads, photographs and videos; plus proper processing and storage of fruit, faecal and urine samples collected.
- Coordinate the entry of data into our on-site database.
- Assist the Primate Scientist and Director in any data analysis as and when needed.
- Report on any issues encountered to the Primate Scientist, and respond to requests for data and/or information from the Primate Scientist or the Director of Orangutan Research in a prompt and accurate manner.
- Assist the Primate Scientist in the training of new Project staff, interns, visiting students and/or volunteers, including helping review data and samples collected, and resolving problems in these areas.
- Assist the Primate Scientist and Orangutan Research Director in the design, piloting, and implementation of new research as requested.
- Occasionally work on other field research projects or logistical tasks as requested.
- Compile reports and other materials as requested and in relation to your work with OuTrop.
- Provide information, stories, photographs and videos to the Communications Team for use on our website, blog, YouTube site and in quarterly newsletters.
Qualifications/Experience preferred:
- Degree or similar in primatology, ecology or a related discipline
- Previous research experience and demonstrated enthusiasm for field research
- Experience of the tropical field environment
- Previous experience of training and supervising staff/interns/volunteers
- Good computing skills (including Access, Excel, Word, etc)
- Good spoken and written English
- Applicants with experience of Indonesia and competence in the Indonesian language preferred
Salary/funding:
- This is a voluntary position with all in-country expenses covered , including accommodation at the research camp and at our mess-house in Palangkaraya, food at the research site, internet access, essential equipment and all visa-related costs
- · A stipend of IDR 250,000/month to cover basic food and other minor costs in Palangka Raya will be provided.
You need to provide personal supplies and field clothing, your own
health and travel insurance, and return flight to Palangka Raya.
Term of Appointment:
6-12 months minimum
Application Deadline:
15th September 2013 or until the position is filled.
Interviews will be conducted in September 2013, with short-listed
candidates notified of exact dates in due course. The post is
anticipated to begin in November or December 2013, permits/visas
permitting.
Comments:
Please send a covering letter detailing why you believe you are
suitable for the position and an up-to-date CV to OuTrop’s Director of
Orangutan Research, Dr Helen Morrogh-Bernard: info@outrop.com, with the job title as the subject heading.
