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Position title:
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Wildlife Ecologist
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Reports to:
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Connectivity and Climate Change Manager
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Country Program/Sector:
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WCS Mongolia Program
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Location:
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Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
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Position type:
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Full-time
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| Languages: |
Fluency in Mongolian and proficiency in English required. |
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Expected travel
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Travel to work in other work locations, districts, and provinces as required and at times can be at short notice and for extended periods.
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ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND:
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is a US non-profit, tax-exempt, private organization established in 1895 that saves wildlife and wild places by understanding critical issues, crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. With more than a century of experience, long-term commitments in dozens of landscapes, presence in more than 60 nations, and experience helping to establish over 150 protected areas across the globe, WCS has amassed the biological knowledge, cultural understanding and partnerships to ensure that vibrant, wild places and wildlife thrive alongside local communities. Working with local communities and organizations, that knowledge is applied to address species, habitat and ecosystem management issues critical to improving the quality of life of poor rural people whose livelihoods depend on the direct utilization of natural resources.
MONGOLIA PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Established in Ulaanbaatar in 2003, WCS Mongolia has dedicated over two decades to the conservation of Mongolia’s rich wildlife and expansive landscapes. The organization focuses on science-driven, landscape-level conservation, with key efforts in the Southern Gobi and Eastern Steppe, alongside emerging initiatives in Central Mongolia. In addition to regional projects, WCS Mongolia engages in national-level conservation efforts, collaborating with governments, communities, NGOs, and industries to promote biodiversity preservation, landscape connectivity, and sustainable resource management. In 2024, WCS Mongolia launched a five-year strategy focused on three key pillars: enhancing ecological function, strengthening landscape connectivity, and building resilience to climate change. These pillars guide the organization’s work, with the overarching vision of ensuring Mongolia’s ecological integrity for future generations.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Wildlife Ecologist will support WCS Mongolia’s connectivity and climate change work through ecological and conservation science approaches. These will include field monitoring of focal species (Mongolian gazelles, goitered gazelles, khulans, and snow leopards) in relation to ecological and social factors. This role involves designing and implementing field studies, managing and analyzing spatial and ecological data, and producing science-based outputs to inform conservation strategies and policies under WCS Mongolia’s 2030 strategy. The ideal candidate will bring strong ecological field skills, analytical proficiency, and a commitment to using science to guide conservation decisions in Mongolia.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Field Research and Monitoring
- Design and implement ecological monitoring in key landscapes supporting connectivity and climate resilience.
- Deploy and maintain monitoring tools (GPS collars, camera traps, and environmental sensors).
- Ensure high-quality data collection following standardized protocols.
- Contribute field-based data and insights to broader conservation research on landscape connectivity and climate adaptation.
- Data Management and Analysis
- Manage and analyse ecological and spatial data using R and GIS software.
- Support habitat and connectivity assessments and contribute to modelling species distribution and movement.
- Science Communication and Reporting
- Asist in technical reports, donor updates, and scientific publication.
- Translating scientific findings into accessible format to supports conservation planning and strategy implementation.
- Other Duties
- Support field logistics and project coordination as needed.
- Represent WCS Mongolia at meetings and stakeholder discussions.
- Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment.
- Support wider conservation science research related to the connectivity and climate change team.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Conservation Biology, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:
- At least 3 years of experience in field ecology, wildlife monitoring, or conservation research.
- Experience working in remote field settings.
- Proven skills in data analysis and scientific writing.
- Demonstrated proficiency in ecological data analysis and statistical modeling, particularly using R and GIS tools.
- Proficiency in English and Mongolian (spoken and written).
APPLICATION PROCESS:
- Submit one pdf file including your 1) CV in English, 2) one-page cover letter in English explaining your interest in and suitability for this position, and 3) Diploma copies;
- The subject line of your email submission with “Application – Wildlife Ecologist” and interested applicants should submit the following btsolmon@wcs.org email address;
- Applications should be sent on or before 5:00pm Friday 8th August 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted;
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Mongolia Program
201 San Business Center, Amar Street-29, Small ring road, Sukhbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia. Tel: +976-11-323719