Conservation Nepal Vacancy for Field Research Officer
Field Research Officer
Conservation Nepal (CN) is a non-for-profit organization committed to preserving the Nepal’s biodiversity. CN adopts a holistic approach and focuses on both research and conservation action in pursuit of its motto of “translating knowledge into action” to support science-based conservation of species and ecosystems. Besides, it conducts capacity-building programs, including awareness raising activities to foster sustainable management of Nepal’s natural resources. CN’s recent program encompasses multidisciplinary aspects in conservation such as climate change, socio-cultural aspects of local community and disasters.
CN invites applications from dynamic, self-motivated, and qualified Nepali citizens for the position below under the project “Conservation of River Dolphins in Nepal.” The Ganges River dolphin (Platanista gangetica) is the world's most endangered freshwater cetacean, inhabiting the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna and Karnaphuli River Basins across Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. In Nepal, fewer than 50 individuals remain in waterways, facing severe risks of local extirpation due to human pressures and habitat degradation. To overcome the limitations of limited scientific data, SN is carrying out extensive survey using state of arts technology (e.g,, drone survey, underwater monitoring) including traditional boat survey across the three river systems in Nepal.
Duty Station: Project Field Sites (Koshi, Narayani and Karnali, including their river systems)
Duration: Three years
Key Responsibilities
Lead field implementation of combined traditional boat-based surveys and drone-based biological/ecological surveys as per plan and guideline of team leader.
Collect, analyze, and process spatial and video data on dolphin population size, health, and underwater behavior.
Collaborate with local governments, conservation partners and government agencies as required.
Conduct ecological mapping and contribute to comparative methodological assessments (boat vs. drone methodology).
Mobilise and execute the research team in the field as per the instructions of the team leader.
Eligibility Criteria
Master's degree in Zoology, Environmental Science, Forestry Biodiversity Conservation, Wildlife Biology, or a related field.
Minimum of 3 years of relevant field research experience in freshwater ecosystems or megafauna monitoring.
Demonstrated skills in GIS/Remote Sensing and statistical analysis software (e.g., R, ArcGIS, QGIS).
Hands-on experience or certified expertise in operating drones (UAVs) for wildlife monitoring is strongly preferred.
Willingness to stay in remote river basin communities under basic field conditions.
Submission Guidelines & Application Process
Interested candidates meeting the above criteria should submit the following documents as a single merged PDF file:
Cover Letter (maximum 1 page) explaining suitability for the position.
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) with contact details of two professional references.
Application Email:
career@conservationnepal.org.np
Email Subject Line:
Application for Field Research Officer - River Dolphin Project
Application Deadline:
September 14, 2026, by 5:00 PM (NPT)
Conservation Nepal is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women, local residents from target river basins, and candidates from underprivileged communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for written tests and interviews.