Wildlife Research and Conservation Society

 Number of Positions: 1

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For the love of Owls

For more than a decade, we, at the Wildlife Research and Conservation Society (www.wrcsindia.org) have been carrying out ecological research on the Forest Owlet and other sympatric owls in Central India. Our research has yielded useful insights on the distribution, occupancy, habitat preference, demography, breeding habits, foraging habits and behavior of the Forest Owlet and other owls cohabiting the landscape. Through our long-term studies on owls, we want to understand the drivers of the status, distribution and population of the Forest Owlet and ultimately strengthen management actions that will help in-situ conservation of these magnificent birds of prey. The findings of our research are available on various platforms as scientific papers, popular articles, technical manuals, blogs and also on webinars. We work in close association with the State Forest Departments,scientists, academicians, students and local communities.

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More about the Owls

We believe that we have just scratched the tip of the iceberg and there is a lot more to be unearthed about the ecology of owls in Central India. With this perspective, we are continuing our ongoing research on the Forest Owlet in Central India. The Project Area is in Melghat Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. The project offers excellent opportunities to study large and small owls from close quarters using best science.

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Who Should Apply?

We urge the applicants to consider the following criteria very seriously before sending in their application.

• We are seeking applications from highly motivated individuals interested in owl ecology.

• We will prefer post-graduate in Wildlife Science/Ecology or similar subject but will definitely consider applicants from different background having experience of working on owls and good understanding of ecology.

• Commitment to complete the entire duration of the project which will be up to 18 months. The duration of work may be extended based on the performance of the candidate.

• Minimum 4 years’ experience of working on field ecology and specifically on birds

• Well-versed with statistical analysis, GIS, field ecology, and scientific writing

• Excellent skill in spoken and written English

• Young and physically very fit to work in tough terrain of Melghat for long hours

• Ability to drive a 4-wheel vehicle and motorcycle on the rough forest roads and holder of permanent driving license

• Willing and happy to put in hard work in the field, and willingness to work during the day and night and through all the seasons.

• Willing to walk up to 10 km daily in rugged terrain.

• Willing to stay in very basic field accommodation.

• The area has very erratic electricity, internet and extreme weather conditions.

• Ready to stay in field staff camps if required.

• Having a great team spirit and able to work amicably with everyone.

• This is a completely field-oriented project and will require the researchers to spend maximum time in the forest.

• Honest and dedicated person with a pleasant personality, a sense of responsibility, adventure, humour and humility would be highly appreciated.

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Remuneration

Remuneration will be according to the UGC scale for applicants having qualified NET/GATE/PET.

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How to apply

Applicants interested in applying should send an email consisting of one introductory paragraph and attach the following in the email:

a. 1 page note on why you are applying for this project.

b. Recent resume with details on past and current work.

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Please share pdfs of your research publications if any. In the resume please include contact details of three referees (name, email and phone numbers) from the ecology field. Please send the email to mail@wrcsindia.org with subject line “Application for the Owl Ecology Project ” at the earliest.