Raptor Breeding and Management Specialist (Relocate to Senegal)

About the roleWe are seeking a hands-on Raptor Breeding & Management Specialist to establish, manage, and scale a bird-based ecosystem across large plantation operations in Saint-Louis Region, Senegal, West Africa. This is an execution-focused, on-site role responsible for breeding barn owls and other predatory birds using artificial incubation systems, raising and training birds, and releasing them into plantation environments. The role will ensure birds remain, adapt, and reproduce naturally within the farm ecosystem while maintaining their health, housing, and long-term population stability.The position will support:Rodent control in oil palm plantations using barn owlsTargeted and controlled management of problematic bird species (e.g., quelea) in rice fields and other food crops using ecological and non-destructive methodsDevelopment of a self-sustaining, low-intervention avian systemSuccess in this role will be measured by:Successful setup and operation of breeding and incubation systemsHigh survival and retention rates of released birdsNatural reproduction and population stability on-siteMeasurable reduction in rodent and crop pest pressureRaptor Breeding & Incubation (Hands-on)Operate and manage artificial incubation systems for barn owls and other selected species, including egg collection, storage, incubation, and hatchling care with proper brooding practicesMaintain optimal incubation and rearing conditions, including temperature, humidity, and hygiene standardsBird Rearing & Population DevelopmentRaise chicks to maturity using appropriate feeding protocols and behavioral conditioning techniquesPrepare birds for release into plantation environments and ensure the development of self-sustaining populationsRelease & Field EstablishmentExecute structured on-ground release of birds and monitor survival rates, territory establishment, and adaptation to hot, dry local climate conditionsContinuously adjust release strategies based on field performance and observed outcomesHabitat, Nest Boxes & Shelter ManagementInstall and maintain barn owl nest boxes, raptor perches, and shelters designed to be heat-resistant, predator-safe, and optimally positioned across plantation areasMonitor occupancy, usage, and effectiveness of all installed structuresBird Retention & Behavioral ConditioningImplement techniques to ensure birds remain within plantation boundaries and consistently return to nesting structuresApply controlled feeding strategies and soft-release methods to minimize migration and bird lossHealth, Nutrition & CareMonitor bird health on a daily basis and manage feeding (natural and supplemental), disease prevention, and parasite controlHandle injured or weak birds and coordinate veterinary care when requiredPest Control Application (Oil Palm & Crops)Utilize barn owls primarily for rodent control in oil palm plantationsSupport rice and food crop systems by implementing targeted and controlled measures to manage problematic bird species (e.g., quelea), while maintaining ecological balance and avoiding large-scale bird eradicationMonitoring & Record KeepingMaintain detailed records on breeding cycles, hatch rates, mortality, survival, and nest box occupancyTrack and assess impact on rodent populations and crop damageField Operations & Team TrainingTrain field workers in basic bird handling, nest box maintenance, and monitoring practicesDevelop simple, practical SOPs for daily operations and work closely with plantation teams for effective implementationQualifications & RequirementsEducationBachelor’s degree or diploma in Zoology, Wildlife Biology, Avian Science / Ornithology, Veterinary Science, or a related fieldExperienceMinimum 5–10 years of hands-on experience in breeding and handling birds, preferably barn owls or other raptorsProven experience in artificial incubation, chick rearing, and managing birds in field or farm environmentsExperience working in hot, dry, or challenging climates is highly preferred, and prior exposure to agricultural or plantation environments is an advantageSkillsStrong hands-on capability with a practical, execution-focused approach (not an advisory role)Experience operating incubators and hatchery systems, along with bird handling, care, and field release techniquesAbility to work independently in remote plantation locations with strong observation, problem-solving, and decision-making skillsBasic record-keeping, monitoring, and reporting capabilityKnowledgeGood understanding of bird behavior, breeding cycles, predator-prey relationships, and basic farm ecosystem dynamicsAwareness of ethical and sustainable wildlife management practicesKnowledge of quelea or similar crop-damaging bird species is an added advantage