DUTY STATION
Home-based, Remote
COMMENCEMENT OF DUTY
To be determined NATURE OF APPOINTMENT
Variable (depending on needs of Department/Division)
Organizational Unit
The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) - Global Ecosystems Atlas WMO is committed to achieving diversity and a balanced workforce. Applications are welcome from qualified women and men, including those with disabilities. The statutory retirement age after 1 January 2014 is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) is a global partnership that promotes equitable access to Earth observations for informed environmental decisions, policies, and financing. GEOโs Post-2025 Strategy envisions transformative programs providing critical Earth intelligence to reshape how societies interact with the planet.
The Global Ecosystems Atlas (the Atlas) is a new GEO initiative delivering harmonized spatial data on global ecosystems. Through a user-centric platform, the Atlas supports ecosystem accounting, monitoring, and nature-positive reporting. To assist nations lacking existing ecosystem maps, the Atlas collaborates with national entities to provide capacity building, field data collection, and foundational training datasets.
To enhance field data collection, GEO seeks a Field Science Lead to design, plan, and oversee the collection of in-situ ecosystem training data in two countries in mid-2025. This role involves leading two 25โ30-day field deployments, supporting national ecosystem mapping aligned with the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology (GET). The Field Science Lead will work closely with the Atlas team, local partners, and the Field Operations Lead to ensure a robust and high-quality field campaign.
The incumbent will perform the following duties;
Methodology Development:
- Conduct a one-month desk study (15โ20 working days) in collaboration with IUCN and academic partners to develop ecosystem sampling methodologies for Level 3, covering approximately 40 EFGs across two nations;
- Work with the Atlas Global Science Lead (JCU Global Ecosystem Lab โ GEL) to define and refine initial sample locations, ensuring practical and efficient travel logistics;
- Coordinate with the Field Operations Lead to source required field equipment before deployment;
- Align data collection methods with Atlas best practices, ethical standards, and quality requirements to maintain data accuracy and consistency.
Data Collection:
- Over a 60-day period (40โ45 working days) (estimated JulyโAugust 2025), collect field data at pre-defined sample points alongside local partners and the Field Operations Lead;
- Ensure timely delivery of field data to JCU GEL and relevant stakeholders,
- Collaborate with JCU GEL and technical partners to adapt field sampling methods as needed to align with training model requirements.
Capacity Building:
- Conduct an initial 2โ3-day training in the field with local partners to ensure robust data collection.
- Support the Field Operations Lead in delivering ongoing training and maintaining standards throughout deployments.
- Participate in relevant workshops and identify future capacity-building opportunities.
Quality Assurance:
- Ensure ethical, scientific, and technical accuracy in field data collection.
Project Management & Reporting:
- Collaborate with the Climate and Biodiversity Coordinator, IUCN technical partners, JCU GEL, and others to develop the overarching fieldwork plan;
- Manage the overall project execution, ensuring fieldwork documentation, safety, and reporting;
- Coordinate with the Field Operations Lead to enforce safety protocols.
DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:
1. Refined field data collection methodologies for EFGs in the two target nations.
2. Submission of all collected field data and accompanying documents to the Atlas and JCU GEL.
3. A concise fieldwork report, detailing results, learnings, and feedback from in-country partners.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
PhD in Conservation Science, Ecology or related.
Experience
A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience conducting and running conservation field science projects, ecosystem mapping, or related projects.
A minimum of 10 years' experience in leading field teams in remote locations, with a proven track record of delivering conservation science / ecology field work at a high quality and cadence.
Proven experience leading teams in the wilderness/backcountry across multiple nations. Highly competent working alone and in teams in the wilderness (navigation, GPS use, experience travelling off-track) for extended deployments (months).
Broad field experience of deploying a wide range of ecology/conservation methods and running field science projects (e.g. abiotic, biotic, measurements such as acoustic, camera traps, mark-recapture, transects, tracking tunnels, etc.).
Experience in engaging with local teams, managing multi-stakeholder projects, and conducting capacity-building initiatives across multiple nations is desirable.
Other requirements
Excellent understanding of the practical application of conservation science / ecology in the field, across a range of conditions and ecosystems.
Excellent field craft, knowledge of how to operate remote field camps across a range of differing locations, navigating, remain safe and healthy for extended fieldwork.
Practical knowledge of deploying field methodologies (e.g. setting up field sites, deploying audio recorders etc.) at scale.
Excellent understanding of GIS, (e.g. Esri, QGIS) both in field data collection and desktop studies. With a clear skill in working with experts to understand technical advice, apply, and communicate technical information clearly.
Proven knowledge of field first aid, field risk management and use and application of safety equipment, EPIRBs, radios, etc.
A full driving license and competency driving offroad.
A high level of personal physical fitness.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills, with the ability to lead and deliver successfully in collaboration with different groups. Able to communicate well and build relationships to foster collaboration across diverse cultural and institutional contexts.
Languages
Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written). Knowledge of other official languages of GEO would be an advantage.
(Note: The official languages of the Organization are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.) Additional Information:
Focal point email for addional information: jobs@geosec.org
Applications should be made online through the WMO e-recruitment system at https://erecruit.wmo.int/public.
Do not send your application via multiple routes. Only applicants in whom GEO has a further interest will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit a written test and/or an interview. Date of issue of vacancy notice: