Bird and Habitat Survey Specialist Volunteer
Supervised By: Marine Project Manager, WEA Cambodia Program
Work Location: Preah Sihanoukville Province and Phnom Penh
Work Duration: Two times, starting in May and July, and Nov to Dec 2025
Benefits: Monthly salary (work-based)/subsistence based on WEA policy.
Objective:
The main objective of the baseline bird survey is to assess bird diversity and hotspot areas in the Preak Kampong Smach MFMA in order to promote policies and practices to protect birds and their habitats. The survey results will also inform education and outreach initiatives be promote bird conservation, bird-friendly practices, and bird-watching tourism projects.
- Scope of Work:
- Design a detailed methodology and work plan for the assessment.
- Conduct a literature review and gather secondary data on bird diversity in Preak Kampong Smach MFMA;
- Interview with the eight Community Fisheries, older people, and local authorities within the Preak Kampong Smach MFMA regarding birds' history and their habitats;
- Engage with stakeholders through surveys, observation, bird counting, bird census, interviews and participatory methods;
- Analyze survey data to assess species richness, abundance, diversity index, and hotspot areas of threatened bird species and threats in each community;
- Produce a map of bird diversity and habitat in the Preak Kampong Smach MFMA;
- Prepare a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations for integrating bird conservation and eco-tourism into Preak Kampong Smach MFMA management.
- Education:
- Master’s degree in Biodiversity Conservation or Biology.
- Experience
- Minimum of 3 years of working experience at the national and international level on relevant research projects;
- Proven experience in bird conducting, bird Census, and habitat research, preferably in coastal or marine contexts;
- Proven experience producing science reports.
- Skills
- Expert in bird species identification (scientific name), including seabirds, migratory birds, shorebirds, and common birds;
- Strong scientific research skills;
- Capacity to analyze data with advanced skills;
- Ability to guide and conduct interviews in fishing communities;
- Excellent communication and science report-writing in English;
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.