Ornithologist

ABOUT KTK-BELT

KTK-BELT (www.belt-project.org) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2014 to catalyze new models of biodiversity conservation and environmental learning in eastern Nepal. Its mission is to work with teachers, farmers, youth, and women to create a ‘Vertical University’ that will span from Koshi Tappu Wildlife Sanctuary (67 m.) to Kanchenjunga (8,586 m.), the third tallest peak in the world. The idea is to give a framework to local farmers to become ‘professors’ of the Vertical University, to share their indigenous knowledge while conserving threatened species and landscapes. 

KTK-BELT works with non-profit cooperatives called ‘Learning Grounds.’ Each Learning Ground, governed by a diverse local Board, owns its own biodiversity-rich conservation land base, which it holds in perpetuity in order to prevent ecosystem fragmentation and deforestation. Local BELT Youth Fellows, trained by KTK-BELT staff, run and administer the Learning Grounds.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

KTK-BELT is working with the Rainforest Trust to create new Conservation Areas in the eastern region of Nepal. The new Conservation Area will help expand protected areas, safeguarding endangered species on the IUCN Red List. To achieve this, KTK-BELT is building a team of project managers, thematic experts, community mobilizers, and youth fellows, to work at both the community level and at the advocacy level.

SCOPE OF WORK

The incumbent will be responsible for collecting bird data that will contribute to the creation of a geo-referenced biodiversity inventory/portal to build the science case for new protected area delineation. The incumbent will be responsible for helping delineate important bird areas (IBAs) and link them to national and global priorities in furtherance of the project goals. S/he will lead technical staff and youth fellows in bird counting exercises and train them in protocols.  S/he will support the taxonomic team for KTK-BELT’s biological inventory work and advise on strategic hires that are necessary.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Carry out bird counting and inventory works in the
• Digitize herbarium specimens by geo-referencing and entering data according to protocol
• Organize citizen science workshops and sampling works
• Train staff and engage local communities in bird inventories
• Develop educational modules for schools for local birds
• Take photos and video of native birds for the KTK-BELT Indigenous Knowledge Portal (IKP) 

KEY QUALIFICATION/EXPERIENCE

• B.Sc. or PhD in Botanical Sciences, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or related topic
• Experience in bird photography/videography desirable
• Experience using guides and familiarity with the major bird groups of the Himalayan region
• Demonstrated experience in identifying birds of the Himalayan region
• Authorship of articles and papers on Himalayan taxa of birds
•  Experience in related fieldwork and surveys with an emphasis on wildlife in the Himalayan region

TIMING

Applications must be received by April 7, 2017. The position will be filled by the end of April 2017 and will be for an initial six-month term, with possibility of extension contingent on performance and funding.

RENUMERATION

Dependent on qualifications and experience and limited by allocation from the project funder. 

DUTY STATION

Eastern Region of Nepal 

APPLICATION PROCESS

The contract is for a six-month term with one-month trial basis. Please submit your cover letter, CV, 3 work samples and 3 references with a range for salary expectations to info@belt-project.org including the position title in the subject heading of your email.