Field Ecologist

Overview Musekese Conservation works within the Greater Kafue Ecosystem to support biodiversity conservation through a combination of resource protection, community engagement, and ecological monitoring. The Research & Monitoring programme generates high-quality data to inform conservation management and decision-making across the landscape. The Field Ecologist supports the implementation of this programme through field-based data collection, data management, and quality control. Working under the guidance of the Research & Site Manager, and alongside the rest of the research team, the role contributes to monitoring activities including intensive monitoring of collared large carnivores, camera trapping, herbivore transects, and vehicle-based search & encounter surveys. The position requires confident driving skills in 4×4 and off-road conditions, a structured approach to data collection and handling, and the ability to work effectively in remote field conditions. The Field Ecologist will also support the training and supervision of intern field staff, contributing to overall team capacity and maintaining high data quality standards. Key Responsibilities Field Data Collection Support and lead assigned research drives and monitoring activities in line with approved plans and SOPs Accurately record sightings, survey effort, and field activities using SMART and associated tools Collect high-quality photographic data for identification purposes Collect and manage citizen science data from partner lodges Data Entry & Management Enter, clean, ID and manage field data in line with organisational protocols Ensure all datasets are complete, accurate, and submitted within required timelines Conduct first-level quality control on all data prior to submission Supervision & Training Train, mentor, and supervise Intern Field Ecologists based at our field camp in Kafue National Park Ensure adherence to field and data collection protocols Review and verify intern-collected data prio