Raah Foundation is a not-for-profit organization committed to sustainable development and ecological restoration in India. Through our flagship initiative Program ReGreen Nation, we aim to restore 50,000 acres of degraded land by 2030, especially in ecologically critical regions like the Western Ghats. Our approach integrates scientific rigor, community participation, and long-term ecological stewardship.

Role Overview

We are looking for a dynamic and passionate Field Ecologist to join our ecological restoration team in Nashik. The candidate will be responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring ecological restoration efforts, particularly in degraded forests, grasslands, and community managed landscapes. You will work closely with field staff, community, local forest officials, and GIS analysts.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring

Coordinate with subject experts to conduct floral and faunal diversity assessments, including calculating species richness and identifying endangered species (RET).
Monitor population ecology and health of species within intervention areas.

2. Vegetation and Biomass Analysis:

Evaluate regrowth and vegetation regeneration, including measuring above and below-ground biomass.
Assess grass cover percentage and monitor soil health parameters (biotic and abiotic).

3. Water Quality and Soil Health:

Monitor Well Water levels and conduct water quality analysis for local water sources.
Evaluate soil health by assessing key biotic and abiotic factors to ensure ecosystem sustainability.

4. Camera Trap Management and Wildlife Monitoring:

Select, install, and maintain camera traps for wildlife monitoring in the project areas.
Train team members on data collection using camera traps and analyze data to track wildlife occurrence.

5. Community Engagement and Education:

Coordinate with subject matter experts to organize awareness sessions for schools and communities, coordinating with Subject Matter Expert to arrange lectures on topics such as human-animal coexistence, environmental education, and business opportunities related to biodiversity conservation.
Gather feedback from participants.
Analyse feedback to enhance future sessions.
Develop and promote Agri-ecotourism initiatives to support local communities.

6. Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) Management:

Collect and analyze data on NTFP availability across sites.
Provide recommendations on sustainable NTFP harvesting to support community livelihoods.

7. Data Collection, Management, and Analysis:

Gather, organize, and analyze ecological data, including biodiversity indices, soil health, and water quality.
Prepare reports and publications for internal and external stakeholders based on research findings.

Qualifications and Experience

Master’s degree (or exceptional Bachelor's) in Botany, Forestry, Environmental Science, or related field
Minimum 3 years of field-based experience in ecological restoration, reforestation, or biodiversity conservation
Strong knowledge of native flora of Maharashtra and Western Ghats; plant ID skills essential
Understanding of ecosystem services Experience in field data collection, monitoring protocols, and biodiversity assessments
Familiarity with GIS tools and vegetation mapping Familiarity with soil and water testing methodologies
Excellent communication in Marathi and English Ability to live and work in rural/field conditions, often in challenging terrain Page :
Sensitivity to working with indigenous and local communities Experience in environmental education and community outreach.

Desirable Skills

Proficiency in camera trap setup and wildlife monitoring Proficiency with tools like KoboToolbox, QGIS, Excel We encourage you to apply if you are passionate about ecology and possess strong field research skills.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: ₹700,000.00 - ₹900,000.00 per year

Education: