Senior Wildlife Monitoring & Drone Operations Officer

Senior Wildlife Monitoring & Drone Operations Officer

ZEITZ Foundation

Engineering & Technology

Job descriptions & requirements
ZEITZ FoundationPosition: Senior Wildlife Monitoring & Drone Operations OfficerLocation: Segera Conservancy, Laikipia County, KenyaReporting To: Law Enforcement ManagerBackground: Founded in 2008, the ZEITZ Foundation is a non-profit organization registered in Kenya and Germany, committed to long-term conservation and sustainable development through a holistic balance of Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce (the 4Cs).Segera Conservancy applies innovative technology and field-based conservation approaches to support wildlife protection, monitoring, and ecosystem management.Purpose of the Job: To lead wildlife monitoring and conservation data management while providing safe, effective, and compliant drone/UAV operations in support of wildlife surveillance, monitoring, mapping, law enforcement, and emergency response.The position will serve as a key custodian of wildlife monitoring data and provide accurate, timely information and recommendations to management.Duties and Responsibilities
• Lead wildlife monitoring activities, particularly for rhinos and other priority species.
• Collect, verify, and maintain accurate wildlife monitoring data using EarthRanger, Kifaru, and other approved systems.
• Maintain individual wildlife identification records and photographic files.
• Conduct wildlife sightings, body-condition assessments, population monitoring, and habitat-use assessments.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly wildlife monitoring reports and provide relevant recommendations to management.
• Conduct authorized drone flights for wildlife monitoring, surveillance, mapping, habitat assessment, law enforcement, and emergency response.
• Undertake pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight checks in accordance with SOPs and applicable KCAA requirements.
• Maintain drones, batteries, accessories, flight logs, mission reports, and safety records in field-ready condition.
• Coordinate drone operations with ranger teams, the operations room, and conservation staff.
• Report incidents, hazards, equipment faults, and safety concerns immediately.
• Manage and securely maintain drone imagery, wildlife data, and other sensitive operational information.
• Prepare and maintain datasets suitable for GIS and spatial analysis.
• Train and provide technical guidance to field monitoring teams on wildlife data collection and relevant technology.
• Support conservation, law-enforcement, emergency-response, and other field operations as required.
• Perform any other relevant duties assigned by Management.
Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Management, Natural Resources Management, Conservation Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum Five (5) years' experience in wildlife monitoring, conservation, or a related field.
• Demonstrable experience and appropriate training/certification in drone/UAV operations (both night and day rating), in accordance with applicable Kenyan requirements.
• Good knowledge of wildlife ecology, monitoring techniques, and conservation practices.
• Experience in data analysis, GIS, or digital wildlife-monitoring systems is an advantage.
• Strong computer, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Valid driving licence and willingness to ride a motorcycle for field operations.
• Strong bushcraft and ability to work in remote field environments.
• Basic paramilitary/ranger training is an advantage.
• Valid Certificate of Good Conduct.
• Strong judgement, attention to detail, reliability, and commitment to safety and conservation.
How to ApplyInterested candidates should submit their CVs, Cover Letters, and copies of relevant certificates to recruitment@segera.com by 12th October 2026.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.ZEITZ foundation is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.