Conservation Technology Officer

About the role

The Conservation Technology Officer will support WCS Uganda’s law‑enforcement and carnivore monitoring programmes by designing, implementing and maintaining modern IT and communications solutions in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth Protected Area (QEPA). Working closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and other partners, you will ensure reliable radio, satellite and internet services that enable rapid decision‑making and effective wildlife protection.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain and upgrade LoRa, VHF, satellite (Thuraya) and Wi‑Fi networks, including lion satellite collars and solar power systems.
• Provide technical support for SERCA, EarthRanger, SMART and other conservation data platforms, overseeing data integration, security and SOP development.
• Lead the creation of a fully functional conservation technology and communications centre scalable to the whole park.
• Train QEPA staff and partners in GIS, mobile data collection, UAV operation and use of conservation software.
• Collect, manage and analyse operational law‑enforcement and ecological monitoring data to improve reporting and response.

Required profile

• Minimum five years of experience in field‑based IT, communications or GIS support for conservation or similar sectors.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with multi‑disciplinary teams and external agencies.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and capacity to develop and document standard operating procedures.

Required skills

• LoRa, radio and satellite communications (Thuraya, VHF).
• Satellite collar technology for wildlife tracking.
• GIS and mapping tools.
• SMART, EarthRanger, SERCA platforms.
• Mobile data collection applications.
• UAV (drone) operation.
• Solar power and Wi‑Fi networking.