Primate re-introduction manager in Central Vietnam

Primate re-introduction manager in Central Vietnam


The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Central Vietnam is known for its impressive karst landscape and complex geomorphic features and has been recognized as a World Heritage Site in 2003. The park is also home to an outstanding wildlife and presents an important stronghold for Hatinh Langurs (Trachypithecus hatinhensis) and Red-shanked Douc Langurs (Pygathrix nemaeus), both species endemic to Vietnam and Laos and listed as endangered by the IUCN.

In 2005 Frankfurt Zoological Society and Cologne Zoo in cooperation with the PNKB Park authorities started a re-stocking project for Hatinh and Douc Langurs. The aim is to strengthen the scattered wild population and to develop the Hatinh Langur to a conservation flagship of the area. A semi-wild enclosure of 20 ha was built at the park’s border and so far 8 Hatinh Langurs have been transferred from the Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) in Northern Vietnam. Their adaptation has been observed and the individuals been radio-tracked. In addition, primate field surveys and support of the ranger work were carried out. “Primate Scouts” have been trained to observe and protect released as well as the freeranging
animals. The next steps include the final release and the post-release monitoring of the current
Hatinh Langur group and the transfer, training and release of other groups from the EPRC.
For the implementation of this new exciting project phase FZS and CZ are now seeking a
project manager starting October 1, 2009.

Under the supervision of the FZS and CZ and working alongside other members of the FZS and CZ team in Vietnam, you will be responsible for


General project management, administration, accounting, and reporting


Supervision and maintenance of the semi wild enclosure


Coordination of primate transfer from the EPRC in Northern Vietnam


Supervising the adaptation time in the enclosure


Developing and implementing the final release in the park area


Coordinating primate surveys in the park and its environment


Ranger training in cooperation with the park authorities


Assist the park to develop an education and awareness program


Supporting the public relation offices in Frankfurt and Cologne


Cooperating with national and international NGOs as well as with local authorities

Requirements
- University degree (biology, forestry, agriculture, natural resource management)

- Previous experience in international conservation work

- Faunistic field experience, in particular with mammals

- Experience in project planning, management, and fund-raising

- Practical project and office management, administration and financial skills

- Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic communication skills

- Good craftsmanship and technical skills

- Physically fit to conduct field work

- Driver’s license (car and motorbike)

- Excellent written and spoken English

- German language skills are preferred but are not obligatory

An initial contract of one year will be offered, subject to a three-month probation period, however, potential candidates should ideally be considering a longer-term commitment. The contract will be offered on a “freelance work” basis.

Frankfurt Zoological Society has been working for the conservation of primates and their habitats in Vietnam since 1991 and helped to establish the EPRC. For more information on the Society, please visit the website at www.fzs.org Cologne Zoo has been working in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National park since 1999 and has been focusing on surveys and biodiversity research, wildlife rescue and forest protection.
For more information please visit the website www.koelnerzoo.de

Applications including a letter of interest, a CV, references and desired salary should be sent
electronically to muellner@zgf.de and pagel@koelnerzoo.de no later than July 15.

Please quote “PNKB re-introduction project” in the subject line and attach the documents as separate attachments in pdf format, not in the body of the email. No telephone inquiries please.

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