VACANCY: Research Officer, African Elephant Research Unit

The EmployerKnysna Elephant Park (KEP) is seeking to recruit a Research Officerfor the on-site African Elephant Research Unit (AERU). He or shewilllive and work atKEP, whichhas provideda home for orphaned and unwanted elephantssince 1994.KEPaims for constant improvement towards the best possible quality of lifefor the elephants, including in tourist interactions, andestablished AERUin 2009to help achieve this; originallyjustaninternal research department, AERU has since become a non-profit trust collaborating with researchers across the globe. AERU’s primary mission is to improve the welfare of captive African elephants by conducting non-invasive, primarily behaviouralresearch (at KEP and beyond) and publishing the findings in peer-reviewed journals.The RoleThe Research Officer is responsible for implementing research projects under the Director’s instruction, and keeping research activities running smoothly on the ground. Dutiesare split between office and field work, to include:Overseeing long-term studies, ensuring consistent data collection, monitoring changes in elephant behaviourPlanning and testingmethodsfor new projects, training staff and volunteersAnalysing dataandwriting up results for both internal use and external publicationMaintaining the research database, training volunteers on data entryCoordinatingundergraduate and postgraduateresearch students, planning projects,andassisting students before, during and after their data collection placementFacilitating and participating in collaborations with external researchersOrganising research coverage of important events e.g.elephant moves, introductionsor new enrichmentsEducating volunteers, staff, tourists and others about elephant behaviour and AERU’s researchGeneral AERU team duties: regular data collection shifts, monthly reports, newsletter contributions, weekly cleaning, caring for any rescued animals, assisting volunteers out of hours,etc.This vacancy represents a rare opportunity to study and live withhabituated elephantsin a naturalisticenvironment where 24/7 observation is possible. Youwill directlyinfluence the care of captive elephants at KEP and beyond, while developing your career in the field of animal welfare or gaining crucial experience to prepare you for a PhD.RequirementsEssential:Master’s degreein animal behaviour, zoology,animal welfare science,conservation biology or similarExperience of field research as a research assistant or aboveKnowledgeof the study of animal behaviour, behavioural methods,ethograms etcUnderstandingof and respect forelephants, and a commitment to their welfare in captivityExperiencewith statistical analysis; competence withSPSS,Ror similarCompetence with Windows computersand programs, particularly MS ExcelA strong team ethic, but able to handle multiple projects with minimal supervision Able and willing to collect data in the field, potentially for extended periods and inall weathersDedication, integrity, reliability, and willingness to go ‘above and beyond’Fluent written and spoken EnglishDesirable:Published research in peer-reviewed journalsExperience ofcoordinating a research team andleadingteam-based research projectsField experiencewithlarge mammals, especially elephantsExperience of living in Africa, particularly South Africa Leadership, trainingand/or peer mentoring experience, ideally mentoring/assisting studentsThis is a full-time permanent position, to start as soon as possible. On-site accommodation will be provided.Please send a CV and cover letter to hr@knysnaelephantpark.co.za