Required Qualifications & Experience -
- MSc in Wildlife Science (Essential) with PhD on freshwater Indian turtles (desirable).
- At least 5-6 years proven field experience in research or conservation action for freshwater turtles in India
- Demonstrated ability to work for extended periods in remote, challenging field conditions across multiple states.
- Proven ability data analysis and report writing
- Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder processes
Role Summary -
We are looking for an experienced Turtle Biologist to take the lead on our Pan India Turtle Project. This position is ideal for someone who combines strong field experience in India with the ability to turn science into practical conservation action.You will guide the process of reviewing and compiling knowledge on India’s freshwater turtles, lead the regional
IUCN Red List assessment
, and develop clear, actionable plans for their conservation. You will also design and oversee projects that address key threats, strengthen habitats, and support recovery efforts for priority species.A big part of the role will be working with State Forest Departments, research partners, and local communities—building trust and partnerships that help conservation efforts succeed on the ground. You will balance time between shaping strategies at the desk and ensuring that work in the field is carried out to high standards, with strong data collection and analysis to back it.This is a chance to combine your scientific expertise with leadership in the field, and to make a lasting contribution to the future of India’s freshwater turtles.
Key Responsibilities -
- Carry out a detailed desk review and prepare an annotated bibliography on all Indian freshwater turtles, bringing together existing knowledge on their ecology, distribution, threats, and conservation measures.
- Lead the regional IUCN Red List assessment process – from organising expert workshops and coordinating inputs to compiling and finalising the assessment report.
- Prepare species-specific action plans that set clear priorities, timelines, and monitoring frameworks for turtle conservation.
- Design and implement on-ground conservation projects for freshwater turtles, covering areas such as habitat protection, nest monitoring, threat reduction, assurance colonies, and community engagement.
- Work closely with State Forest Departments, research organisations, and local partners to strengthen collaborative efforts for turtle conservation.
- Plan and guide field surveys across India, often in remote or difficult locations, ensuring sound data collection and safe field practices.
- Manage and analyse survey data, and convert findings into practical recommendations for conservation action.
- Write and deliver high-quality technical reports, scientific papers, and donor communications, and represent the project at meetings and workshops.
- Supervise project staff, manage budgets, and ensure work is delivered on time and to agreed standards.
Skills & Competencies -
- Advanced understanding of freshwater turtle ecology, threats, and conservation tools in the Indian context.
- Fluency with Red List categories & criteria, risk assessment, and evidence synthesis.
- Experience in project design (logframes, ToC), MEL, and budget stewardship (desirable).
- Partnership building with Forest Departments and statutory bodies; familiarity with permits, MoUs, and compliance.
- Clear, persuasive scientific and technical writing; comfort presenting to experts and decision-makers.
- Team leadership with a strong field safety and ethics culture.
- Working proficiency in R, GIS softwares, and standard data management practices (desirable).
