Camp and research coordinator for the Born To Be Wild Project; Tazekka National Park, Morocco

Since 2017, AAP Animal Advocacy & Protection has been working through close collaboration with the Moroccan government and other partners to bring an end to the poaching and illegal trade of Barbary macaque infants and reintroduce Barbary macaques to their natural habitat.

For more than two years, the Born To Be Wild Project (https://en.aap.eu/born-to-be-wild/) worked intensively on the socialization and preparation of the first 35 animals rescued in Morocco. A major milestone was reached in the autumn of 2025, when the first group of these Barbary macaques was released into their natural habitat. A few months later, in the spring of 2026, a second group was released.

Since their release, we have been using a combination of telemetry, behavioural observations, and non-invasive physiological health sampling to track the progress of these released macaques and compare this data to wild macaques.

We require a new camp and research coordinator to oversee the continuation of this project. This is an ideal role for someone looking to build a career in either behavioural or conservation research or management.

Key tasks:

We require a new camp and research coordinator to oversee the following:

• Behaviour data collection using Cybertracker software

• GPS collar tracking and movement data collection

• Mentoring incoming students or research assistants

• Managing the maintenance of the camp and its equipment through coordination with the local national park officials

• Report and feedback to a multinational team overseeing the post-release monitoring through online and in-person meetings

Key Skills

• Qualifications: A minimum of a BSc degree and preferably an MSc degree in biology, conservation, wildlife management or related field

• Languages: The candidate must be fluent in either French or English, and ideally both.

• Field skills: Previous primate or other wildlife field work, especially behavioural data collection and/or experience with telemetry and radio collar data.

• Physical: the field site is mountainous and following the macaques involves steep climbs in challenging conditions (snow in winter; extreme heat in summer), therefore, the candidate must be physically fit.

• Personal communication and management: The role will require a lot mentoring on incoming students and volunteers, as well as guiding the local eco-guards and assistants working with the project; therefore, the ideal candidate will demonstrate both managerial and pastoral experience and a multinational/multicultural setting.

• Practical skills: The field site is relatively remote, so the ideal candidate should be comfortable with basic equipment maintenance and dealing with the unexpected (e.g., flat tyres).

• Driving: A driving licence that will be valid in Morocco is essential; off-road driving experience will be highly valued.

• Data management: experience and competence with both Excel/Google Sheets and RStudio will be required to manage data and produce reports on project progress.

Salary/funding:

This is a paid role with accommodation paid for (this accommodation is basic but has electricity, which includes heating/cooling equipment and running water). The post includes travel costs to the site.

Term of Appointment:

1 year, starting ASAP and ideally in August 2026

Application Deadline:

Applications will be reviewed as they arrive and the advert will stay open until the position is filled – therefore we encourage early applications to avoid disappointment.

How to apply:

Please send a cover letter (one page) and a CV to [email protected]; please note that due to funding restrictions we can only hire individuals from the EU, and potentially the UK.