|
Position title:
|
Applied Ecologist
|
|
Reports to:
|
Connectivity and Climate Change Manager
|
|
Country Program/Sector:
|
WCS Mongolia
|
|
Location:
|
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
|
|
Position type:
|
Full-time
|
|
Expected travel
|
Travel to work in other work locations, districts, and provinces as required and at times can be at short notice and for extended periods.
|
ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND:
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run programs spanning the entire ocean and more than 3 million biologically critical square miles in nearly 60 countries. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission. More information at www.wcs.org. WCS is organized into a set of regional programs, which includes the Temperate Asia region, Andes‐Amazon‐Orinoco (AAO) region, comprised of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru country programs, in addition to region‐wide engagement on a variety of conservation matters.
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 Applied Ecologist will play a leading role in advancing WCS Mongolia’s applied ecological research and conservation initiatives under the Connectivity and Climate Change Team. The position will focus on understanding how wildlife populations (Mongolian gazelles, goitered gazelles, khulans, and snow leopards) respond to habitat fragmentation, human pressure, and climate variability across Mongolia’s steppe and desert ecosystems.
The role combines field ecology, data analysis, and science communication to inform landscape-scale conservation planning. The successful candidate will design and implement ecological studies, manage and analyze spatial data, and contribute to donor reports, publications, and project proposals. The position reports to the Connectivity and Climate Change Manager, works closely with the wider Connectivity and Climate Change team, and collaborates with other WCS Mongolia teams.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Research Design and Field Implementation
- Support the design and coordination of ecological studies on wildlife movement, landscape connectivity, and climate resilience.
- Develop and apply standardized field methods for camera trapping, GPS collaring, and other ecological monitoring techniques.
- Ensure consistency, data quality, and adherence to scientific and ethical field protocols.
- Participate in or support fieldwork as needed in steppe and mountain landscapes.
2. Data Management and Analysis
- Manage and curate ecological and spatial datasets, ensuring proper data organization and backup.
- Conduct quantitative and spatial analyses (e.g., habitat modelling, connectivity modelling, spatial statistics, population or movement analyses).
- Integrate ecological data with climate, land-use, and socio-environmental datasets to inform conservation planning.
- Produce clear data visualizations, maps, and reports to communicate findings.
3. Science Communication and Reporting
- Draft or co-author technical reports, donor deliverables, and scientific papers.
- Synthesize key ecological findings to inform management, land-use planning, and national conservation policies.
- Support preparation of materials for presentations, workshops, and partner meetings.
4. Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
- Work collaboratively with WCS staff, national research institutions, government agencies, and local partners.
- Represent WCS Mongolia at relevant technical meetings, workshops, and conferences.
- Contribute to building team capacity in data analysis, ecological monitoring, and research methods.
4. Other Responsibilities
- Support project planning and implementation to ensure progress toward strategic goals and deliverables.
- Contribute to stakeholder engagement with government partners, protected area authorities, and local communities.
- Participate in and support field missions, training events, and community outreach when required.
- Support ongoing fundraising and partnership-building efforts within the Connectivity and Climate Change portfolio.
- Contribute to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and learning-oriented team culture.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
- MSc in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, or related field (PhD an advantage but not required).
- Minimum 5–7 years of professional experience in wildlife ecology, conservation science, or ecological data analysis.
- Demonstrated experience designing and implementing field-based ecological studies in remote or challenging environments.
- Proven proficiency in ecological and spatial data analysis using R, GIS, and related analytical tools.
- Strong record of scientific writing, including technical reports and peer-reviewed publications.
- Excellent communication skills in Mongolian and English (spoken and written).
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please submit your completed application by including
1) CV in English,
2) With a one-page cover letter in English explaining your interest and suitability for this position,
3) Along with diploma copies, and
4) at least 2 reference letters provided by previous line managers, all in one pdf file;
- The subject line of your email submission with “Application – Applied Ecologist [Candidate Name]” and interested applicants should submit the application to the following email address:
- Email address for Submission of Applications: WCS HR: hrmongolia@wcs.org
- Applications should be sent on or before 5:00pm, Friday, 31st of October 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted;
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
WCS is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the selection and hiring process. We are dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share the same values.
The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate based on age, color, race, disability, gender identity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by laws and regulations.
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