Small Cat Research Project Officer

Panthera Corporation

Panthera is the only organization in the world that is devoted exclusively to the conservation of the world’s 40 wild cat species and their ecosystems. Utilizing the expertise of the world’s premier cat biologists, Panthera develops and implements global strategies for the most imperiled species. Representing the most comprehensive effort of its kind, Panthera partners with local and international NGOs, scientific institutions, local communities, governments around the globe, and citizens who want to help ensure a future for wild cats. Panthera Corporation consists of Panthera Corporation- USA and several foreign legal entities and foreign branch offices. For more on Panthera, visit www.panthera.org.

Position Title: Small Cat Research Project Officer

Location: Based in Kanchanaburi, Thailand – regular travel between Kanchanaburi Province and Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

Reports to: Small Cat Research Project Manager (SCRPM)

Position Overview

The key purpose of this Thailand-based position is to assist in the development of small cat work across the country in line with the small cat regional priorities with the SCRPM. Also, the Small Cat Research Project Officer will provide support in coordinating, managing and reporting on activities related to the Fishing Cat Project in collaboration with the King Mongkut’s University of Technology, Thonburi (KMUTT), Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University and the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation (SNF) in and around Khao Sam Roi Yot (KSRY) National Park). This will primarily consist of logistical preparation for both community engagement and ecological monitoring activities, following the fishing cat 5-year action plan developed for the KSRY landscape.

Major Responsibilities

Project Management

• With the SCRPM, this person will be responsible for the development of small cat work across the country in line with the small cat regional priorities.
• Assist the SCRPM in organizing and conducting ongoing community engagement and ecological monitoring activities of the Fishing Cat Project in KSRY landscape to ensure that fieldwork is completed as planned. This includes securing the requisite permits and authorizations to carry out research in the protected areas and communities.
• Work with SCRPM to coordinate and/or collaborate with partners to implement fishing cat ecological monitoring in Thailand scientifically and professionally.
• Work with SCRPM to develop activity budgets, request cash disbursements, manage field expenses, and reconcile disbursements and receipts following Panthera’s protocols
• Compile results of community engagement activities and follow up with locals.
• Coordinate with Panthera’s Wildcat Research Data Specialist (WRDS) to manage data in a systematic manner and assist with data analysis.
• Assist the SCRPM with the production of project materials (e.g. reports and other communication materials) as needed

Project Management

• With the SCRPM, this person will be responsible for the development of small cat work across the country in line with the small cat regional priorities.
• Assist the SCRPM in organizing and conducting ongoing community engagement and ecological monitoring activities of the Fishing Cat Project in KSRY landscape to ensure that fieldwork is completed as planned. This includes securing the requisite permits and authorizations to carry out research in the protected areas and communities.
• Work with SCRPM to coordinate and/or collaborate with partners to implement fishing cat ecological monitoring in Thailand scientifically and professionally.
• Work with SCRPM to develop activity budgets, request cash disbursements, manage field expenses, and reconcile disbursements and receipts following Panthera’s protocols.
• Compile results of community engagement activities and follow up with locals.
• Coordinate with Panthera’s Wildcat Research Data Specialist (WRDS) to manage data in a systematic manner and assist with data analysis.
• Assist the SCRPM with the production of project materials (e.g. reports and other communication materials) as needed

Development and Reporting

• Work with the SCRPM to develop and implement plans for fishing cat conservation activities, particularly community engagement for fishing cat at KSRY landscape and ecological monitoring in focus sites.
• Assist the SCRPM in developing progress reports in Thai and/or English for all Science and Research work.
• Attend training courses, meetings, workshops, or events as assigned by SCRPM.
• Improve knowledge of and practice the use of the English language in the office.
• Work with Panthera’s Wildcat Research Data Specialist on the systematic analysis of project data and development of project outputs.

Building relationships

• Always exemplify professional communication and maintain effective stakeholder relationships, particularly with the Department of National Parks and other relevant government agencies, universities and other relevant organizations in Thailand.
• Attend conferences and seminars to communicate the Panthera's wild cat conservation work (presentations or poster displays)

Qualifications and Skill Set

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor of Forestry, preferably in a field such as Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology or similar.
• At least 1 years of previous experience study ecology and implementing scientific research and/or social projects.
• At least 1 year of experience using camera trap data management and analysis tools.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of species conservation principles and an understanding of approaches to wildlife surveys and management
• Working knowledge of conservation issues in Thailand and the Asia region
• Knowledge of Thai conventions, acts, decrees, laws and regulations related to wildlife trade and law enforcement, especially pertaining to wildcats.
• Working knowledge of the protected area and wildlife law enforcement principles and operations.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal in Thai, and good communication skills in English.
• Drive to learn new things and skills and be at the cutting edge of conservation
• Well-developed skills in using MS office packages, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Intermediate skills using statistical and Analytical packages such as R.
• Advanced skills in mapping and spatial analysis through the use of QGIS or ArcGIS.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, both face to face and in writing.
• Good contacts among communities and stakeholders.
• An ability to manage competing priorities.
• Proven ability to work effectively with multi-agency teams and provide leadership.
• Physically fit and willing to undertake fieldwork in remote locations.
• Valid driving license for manual transmission vehicles.

Other Requirements

The Small Cat Research Project Officer must have the ability to travel, have a current and valid driving license, be willing to work outside of normal office hours (e.g. on weekends) and work in the field for extended periods of time.