Upstream Ecology is looking to hire a lead ecologist for our projects in the Nilgiris. The lead ecologist will be responsible for the following:
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Carrying out restoration activities across various sites in the Nilgiris
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Guiding field teams with respect to the restoration activities
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Conducting data collection for studies on soil ecology, plant diversity, invasive abundances, etc
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Creating frameworks for processes like removal of invasive flora, planting of native species, etc
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Helping conduct community events across the Nilgiris
(This is not an exhaustive list, and there may be a few additional tasks where the lead ecologist is required to help out)
Requirements:
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PhD or MSc in Botany (preferred)
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4–5 years of experience in ecological restoration, habitat conservation, or related wildlife conservation work
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Fluency in Tamil and English; Hindi, Kannada or Malayalam is a bonus
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Willing to relocate to Ooty, Tamil Nadu and travel across multiple field sites (two or four wheeler license required)
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Experience with GIS is an added advantage
Application process: Please send an email to [email protected] with the subject “Application for Lead Ecologist [Your name]” along with a CV and cover letter. Applications close on 15th December, 2025.
About Us: The Upstream Ecology Foundation (UEF) is a not-for-profit organisation located amidst the vibrant Nilgiris District in Southern India. We are committed to ecological restoration of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve (NBR), ensuring a sustainable living for biodiversity as well as communities that live within the biosphere. Working upwards from the plant level, our mission is to preserve and restore biodiversity, ecosystem services, develop more sustainable land use systems and to manage natural resources, mitigate climate change, and control invasive species of flora. We are poised to strengthen local action in the NBR with a spectrum of approaches and solutions, developed over 12 years of research and practice.
We look forward to your responses!