Conservation Biologist position with WCS Mongolia 🦌 (full-time in Ulaanbaatar)
Conservation Biologist
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Organization: Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Mongolia
Contract Type: Full-time
Main Description:
The Conservation Biologist will play a key role in advancing WCS Mongolia's applied ecological research and conservation initiatives under the Connectivity and Climate Change Team. The position will focus on understanding how wildlife populations (Mongolian gazelles, goitered gazelles, khulans, and snow leopards) respond to habitat fragmentation, human pressure, and climate variability across Mongolia's steppe and desert ecosystems.
The role combines field ecology, data analysis, and science communication to inform landscape-scale conservation planning. The successful candidate will design and implement ecological studies, manage and analyze spatial data, and contribute to donor reports, publications, and project proposals. The position reports to the Connectivity and Climate Change Manager, works closely with the wider Connectivity and Climate Change team, and collaborates with other WCS Mongolia teams.
Major Responsibilities:
Research Design and Field Implementation
- Support the design and coordination of ecological studies on wildlife movement, landscape connectivity, and climate resilience
- Develop and apply standardized field methods for camera trapping, GPS collaring, and other ecological monitoring techniques
- Ensure consistency, data quality, and adherence to scientific and ethical field protocols
- Participate in or support fieldwork as needed in steppe and mountain landscapes
Data Management and Analysis
- Manage and curate ecological and spatial datasets, ensuring proper data organization and backup
- Conduct quantitative and spatial analyses (e.g., habitat modelling, connectivity modelling, spatial statistics, population or movement analyses)
- Integrate ecological data with climate, land-use, and socio-environmental datasets to inform conservation planning
- Produce clear data visualizations, maps, and reports to communicate findings
Science Communication and Reporting
- Draft or co-author technical reports, donor deliverables, and scientific papers
- Synthesize key ecological findings to inform management, land-use planning, and national conservation policies
- Support preparation of materials for presentations, workshops, and partner meetings
Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
- Work collaboratively with WCS staff, national research institutions, government agencies, and local partners
- Represent WCS Mongolia at relevant technical meetings, workshops, and conferences
- Contribute to building team capacity in data analysis, ecological monitoring, and research methods
Other Responsibilities
- Support project planning and implementation to ensure progress toward strategic goals and deliverables
- Contribute stakeholder engagement with government partners, protected area authorities, and local communities
- Participate in and support field missions, training events, and community outreach when required
- Support ongoing fundraising and partnership-building efforts within the Connectivity and Climate Change portfolio
- Contribute to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and learning-oriented team culture
Requirements:
- MSc in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, or related field (PhD an advantage but not required)
- Minimum 5 years of professional experience in wildlife ecology, conservation science, or ecological data analysis
- Demonstrated experience designing and implementing field-based ecological studies in remote or challenging environments
- Proven proficiency in ecological and spatial data analysis using R, GIS, and related analytical tools
- Proven record of scientific writing, including technical reports and peer-reviewed publications
- Excellent communication skills in Mongolian and English (spoken and written)
Benefits/Conditions:
WCS is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the selection and hiring process. The organization is dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce and is committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment.
How to Apply:
Please submit your completed application by including:
- CV in English
- One-page cover letter in English explaining your interest and suitability for this position
- Diploma copies
- At least 2 reference letters provided by previous line managers
All documents should be submitted in one PDF file.
Subject line: "Application – Conservation Biologist [Candidate Name]"
Email address: hrmongolia@wcs.org
Deadline: 5:00 PM, Friday, 30th of January 2026
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
More information: https://mongolia.wcs.org/
