Conservation Technology Officer

Job Overview

The Conservation Technology Officer will provide comprehensive IT and radio/satellite communication support across departments, assisting field teams and partners, especially the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The role involves developing and implementing integrated conservation technology solutions that enhance communication, law enforcement, research, and monitoring of wildlife within the Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth Protected Area (QEPA), Uganda.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and support conservation technology systems including LoRa, radio, satellite communications, lion satellite collars, VHF radios, Garmin, Thuraya, SMART devices, solar power systems, Wi-Fi, and work toward fully integrated technology solutions for QEPA.
• Lead improvements in operational law enforcement and ecological monitoring data collection and management.
• Provide expert technical support for WCS and UWA in the use and management of SERCA and other conservation technology platforms, ensuring data security and the implementation of standard operating procedures.
• Deliver training and mentorship on tools such as SMART, EarthRanger, GIS, mobile data collection applications, UAVs, wildlife camera traps, One-Health SMART Toolkit, KoBo, and ODK.
• Assist the community conservation team in creating data collection templates for SERCA, ODK, and KoBo tools.
• Manage GIS datasets and spatial information, producing high-quality maps and analyses to support conservation planning in the Ishasha Sector and QEPA.
• Oversee the inventory and maintenance of law enforcement-related IT and conservation technology equipment; identify and propose new technological opportunities.
• Contribute technical expertise to project plans, reports, donor deliverables, and participate in meetings and technical working groups.

Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Systems Administration, Conservation Technology, Bioinformatics, or related fields; a master's degree is advantageous.
• At least five years of experience applying conservation technologies and telemetry, with geospatial analysis supporting conservation or law enforcement operations.
• Strong capabilities in data management, analysis, and reporting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, GPS, SMART, EarthRanger, GIS, and remote sensing software.
• Advanced computer and networking skills, including expertise in Microsoft Word, Excel, ArcGIS, Esri, and Cybertracker.
• Demonstrated ability to train and communicate effectively in multicultural environments.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in complex situations.
• Detail-oriented, organized, proactive, positive attitude, and accountable in work delivery.
• Willingness to reside in a remote field location with minimal amenities.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Swahili is a plus.

Additional Information

This role reports to the Law Enforcement Pillar Head and is based in the Ishasha Sector within QEPA, under the WCS Uganda Country Program. Collaboration with multiple stakeholders including Uganda Wildlife Authority departments and regional/global teams is essential.

The position is available to Ugandan nationals or candidates holding a valid work permit in Uganda. The employer promotes equal opportunity and diversity, ensuring non-discriminatory hiring practices.

Application Details

Applications should be submitted by August 19th, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Compensation

No salary information has been provided.