Panthera Corporation, the only global organisation exclusively dedicated to the conservation of the world’s 40 wild cat species and their ecosystems, is seeking a highly motivated and capable Field Scientist to join its team in Tabora, Tanzania.
Panthera works through strategic partnerships with local and international NGOs, research institutions, governments, and communities to secure a future for wild cats. The organisation has a registered presence in Tanzania as an international NGO since 2025. In Tanzania, its conservation work focuses on the western regions, where it supports wildlife monitoring and protection activities through technical, financial, and logistical assistance.
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge conservation science and make a direct impact on the survival of Africa’s iconic carnivores in some of the continent’s most critical and remote ecosystems.
Position Summary
- Position Title: Field Scientist
- Division: Southern and East Africa
- Reports To: Regional Hub Director: Southern and East Africa
- Location: Tabora, Tanzania
- Geographic Scope: Western Tanzania
The Field Scientist will play a leading role in the planning and execution of ecological monitoring activities across Panthera-supported landscapes in western Tanzania. This includes direct fieldwork, data management, logistical coordination, partner engagement, and contribution to scientific publications. The role involves extended time in remote field sites, requiring strong resilience and self-sufficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, coordinate, and implement wildlife monitoring projects including camera trap and spoor surveys, in collaboration with Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) and other stakeholders.
- Manage survey logistics, including equipment preparation, inventory, and deployment schedules.
- Handle data management via Panthera’s Integrated Data System (IDS), SMART, and the African Carnivore Wildbook.
- Conduct data analysis (with training and support from Panthera’s senior scientific staff), focusing on species presence, occupancy modelling, and capture-recapture techniques.
- Produce high-quality technical reports, survey summaries, and presentations for internal use and partner dissemination.
- Liaise with field partners, assist with training and capacity-building as required.
- Maintain ongoing relationships with stakeholders through regular communication, meeting participation, and minute-taking.
- Oversee field expenditure tracking and reporting, including the management of petty cash and field procurement processes.
- Assist in the maintenance of Panthera’s monitoring vehicles and field equipment.
- Contribute to the preparation of scientific articles, conference abstracts, and other conservation publications.
- Support senior staff on additional project or operational needs.
Qualifications and Skills
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, conservation biology, ecology, or a related field.
- Experience coordinating or supporting field-based research or conservation projects.
- Extensive field experience in remote Protected Areas of Tanzania.
- Strong organisational skills, particularly in field logistics and data management.
- Proven ability to work independently in rugged, isolated environments for extended periods.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Basic knowledge of GIS and database management.
- Valid driver’s license and demonstrated competence driving 4WD vehicles in challenging terrain.
- Strong written and spoken communication skills in both Kiswahili and English.
- Tanzanian citizenship.
Preferred:
- Postgraduate qualification in conservation or ecology.
- Hands-on experience using camera traps and related technologies.
- Familiarity with R statistical software and ecological modelling.
- Budgeting and financial reporting experience.
- Demonstrated capacity for scientific writing and literature reviews.
Professional Development
The Field Scientist position offers growth opportunities through field-based mentorship and participation in specialised training workshops offered by Panthera’s international science team. This is a rare opportunity to work at the forefront of African carnivore conservation with one of the world’s leading organisations in wild cat protection.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit the following via the Panthera Careers Page:
- A current CV
- A detailed cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation for applying
Application Deadline: 11 July 2025
Note: Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Work Environment
- Primary base: Tabora, Tanzania
- Frequent travel to Protected Areas in western Tanzania
- Occasional travel to Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, and potentially internationally
Panthera is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in conservation science and practice. The organisation encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
