Round Island Conservation Biologist

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Round Island Conservation Biologist to join our Islands Restoration Programme.

Round Island Conservation Biologist

Mauritian and Rodriguans Applicants ONLY (ref RICB)

As a key member of our team, you will work alongside two other Conservation Biologists, collectively leading the conservation efforts on Round Island. This role is integral to our four-decade-long restoration work and offers the opportunity to engage in international research and collaborate with a diverse team of experts.

Job Brief

Main Responsibilities

• Lead on the multidisciplinary work with the main conservation themes of flora, seabirds, and reptiles.
  • Plant work involves plant propagation, the control/removal of invasive plants and restoration of the island’s plant community.
  • Animal work covers monitoring and handling of reptiles and seabirds.
• Accurate data collection/entry and reporting are a necessity.
• Ensure that all the functions of Round Island continue smoothly by maintaining infrastructure, organising changeovers, and ensuring biosecurity measures are maintained.
• Leading the work of other staff, interns and students that are working on the island.
• The induction, training, and safety of all staff on the island
• Work in a dynamic field team from various backgrounds, including researchers, interns and other Conservation Biologists specialized in Reptile and Tortoise work.

Requirements

• Not less than 25 years old.
• Only candidates with a degree or Master’s in Biological science or related subjects will be considered
• Experience in horticulture, flora conservation and restoration preferred, and additional fauna conservation, restoration and research will be an advantage.
• Be physically fit for working in tough remote conditions and be able to travel by boat.
• Ability to self-motivate and stay focused on repetitive work.
• Be ready to adapt to unforeseen circumstances with initiative and due care.
• Have good written and spoken English.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Have a sound knowledge of spreadsheet applications and data management.
• Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively.
• Experience of working in remote conditions alongside others from different backgrounds and cultures is desirable.
• Preferably have a clean driving license for car and/or motorbike.
• Be a good swimmer and have a first aid certification and/or training in wilderness first aid.
• Be flexible with working at odd hours when required.

Location

Staff work on a rotation of one month on the island, living in the field station and two weeks on the mainland, with one week off and one week working.

Conditions

This is a paid position with a duration of 12 months.  The contract can be renewed for a further 12 months on mutual agreement.  Other conditions will be further discussed at interview. 

The post entails living in a field station or a tent while on Round Island. There is solar electricity and internet. Food is provided while on Round island and transport is provided for work purposes. 

Recruitment and selection process

After reviewing applications, only shortlisted applicants with desired qualifications will be contacted via email for interview.

How to apply

Please send a motivation letter quoting the job reference (RICB) and your CV to given email address and fill in the questionnaire at https://forms.office.com/r/bfqzSC4fY5 .

Selection will start from 25^th August 2025 and continue until the position is filled. 

Supplementary information

This position best suits those that are passionate about nature, can work under challenging condition and in a team, can challenge themselves and are looking to gain new skills and experiences. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and encourage those from underrepresented groups to apply.

Our project

Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF) endeavours to protect and safeguard the natural heritage of the Republic Mauritius from extinction through scientific conservation work and community awareness. The MWF is the pioneer and the largest non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Mauritius whose mission is to save endemic Mauritian and Rodriguan Fauna and Flora, undertake research and implement programmes to restore and manage the ecosystem, share the results with the public and protect the native species’ future.

Round Island project is managed within the Island Restoration Project.  The project partners are the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the National Parks and Conservation Service. 

Round Island is one of the few places in the Indian Ocean to have remained free from non-native and invasive predatory mammals and reptiles. For this reason, Round Island became the last location in the Mascarenes to support endemic and native invertebrates, reptiles, seabirds, and plants that have declined or become extinct elsewhere. However, introduced herbivores almost denuded the island’s vegetation, threatening the existence of its unique biodiversity. Herbivores were removed by the 1980s, which led to the recovery of palm-rich habitats. Since 2002, there has been a permanent presence of conservation staff who monitor the fauna and flora, and work to restore the island’s lost plant species. These actions have been important for rebuilding the unique ecosystem on Round Island.

TAKE ON THIS EXCITING OPPORTUNITY AND MAKE THIS MISSION YOUR OWN

APPLY HERE