Conservation Release Programme and Data Manager – CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND

Conservation Release Programme and Data Manager – CHEETAH CONSERVATION FUND

Job Overview

The applicant will work directly with the Director to coordinate and direct all activities relating to
Cheetah Conservation Fund’s (CCF) rehabilitation and release programme. The applicant will use expert knowledge,
training, and experience to supervise husbandry staff to ensure appropriate rearing of releasable animals, will
facilitate/coordinate all release efforts, including but not limited to the coordination with release sites, the investigation
of potential release site, and coordination with Namibia’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET). Additionally,
the applicant will be directly responsible for all releases and post-release monitoring/management. The applicant will
be responsible for the maintenance of CCF’s FilemakerPro (FMP) database systems, will coordinate with all
departments to fill database needs gaps by developing and deploying new customized FMP solutions.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Manage and direct CCF’s Conservation Release Programme under the supervision of the Director
• Supervise husbandry staff to ensure proper care and preparation of releasable animals
• Uses expert knowledge to assess and determine the release candidacy status of new arrivals to CCF’s captive population and makes release recommendations to Director
• Uses expert knowledge to assess and determine when a release candidate is ready for release and makes
  recommendations to Director
• Responsible for all work or the coordination of all work regarding preparations for a release, releases, and
  post-release monitoring of released animals and uses expert knowledge/experience to direct post-release
  monitoring action (supplementation, interference, veterinary assistance, etc.), and ensures best practice in
  release data collection/storage/management
• Responsible for Filemaker Pro database management, design & development, and upkeep for all CCF work
  regarding wild animals.
•  Uses expert knowledge to coordinate and direct all CCF’s hands-on procedures of any wild animal
• Liaise with potential release sites and develop working relationships with their management
• Manage and coordinate CCF’s inventory (both in storage and deployed) of GPS/Radio-Telemetry collars and
  equipment, and liaises with manufactures regarding all troubleshooting concerns, data storage/access, and new collar orders/purchases.
• Responsible for the preparation and publication of release-related scientific articles

Qualifications

• A bachelors degree with top marks in biology, ecology, conservation, or similar field – with additional formal captive wildlife care training/education/degree
• A post-graduate degree in conservation management from a leading university
• At least 5 years experience working with captive cheetahs in a reputable captive care institution
• At least 4 years experience working with the release of cheetahs into both open and closed wild environments
• Thorough understanding of animal health, physiology, biology, and behaviour
• Thorough understanding and experience with GPS/VHF radio collars and proven experience working with
  multiple manufacturers of GPS/VHF radio collars
• Demonstrable expert level ability and at least 5 years experience with VHF Radio Telemetry tracking
• Intermediate level ability with design and development of Filemaker Pro databases and at least 5 years work
  experience with the programme
• High level of experience with 4×4 driving, orienteering, and solo field operations in areas with high wildlife
  density, particularly with high dangerous wildlife density
• Notable vehicle maintenance/mechanics experience, thorough understanding of preventative maintenance
• Physical fitness with the ability to lift 50kg unassisted.

How To Apply

If you meet the qualifications and wish to apply, forward a .pdf of your CV and a letter explaining your interest to
[email protected] . This position requires extreme computer literacy and fluency in English. Email application
only: phone /fax/mail applications will be ignored.