JOB ADVERTISEMENT

Who we are:

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is proud to manage one of the most comprehensive and enduring datasets on any animal species. Recently, the Fossey Fund has expanded its research to include additional gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park, aligning with our strategic goal of achieving 100% research coverage within the next five (5) years. These data are essential for advancing scientific knowledge of gorillas and informing conservation strategies for this endangered species.

To support this effort, the Fossey Fund is seeking a Nursery Production & Data Entry Assistant who will support the production, propagation, and management of community-grown trees, focusing on native and agroforestry tree species. The role combines hands-on nursery experiments and operations, greenhouse seedling production, seedling grafting, and vegetative propagation with rigorous field monitoring and data management. The assistant will document tree growth and survival in communities, maintain detailed records, and contribute to ecological assessments and adaptive management. This position will be based at the Ellen DeGeneres campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, and in different sectors of Musanze and Nyabihu districts.

Position Title: Nursery Production & Data Entry Assistant

Main Duties/Responsibilities

• Coordinate seed sowing activities in nursery beds and transplant seedlings, ensuring optimal treatments, light, humidity, temperature, and soil conditions.
• Perform grafting, budding, cuttings, or other propagation techniques for selected tree species.
• Maintain nursery operations, including irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and pest/disease control.
• Coordinate field data collection including record survival, growth, threats, and biodiversity observations during field visits using notebooks and digital tools.
• Enter nursery and field data into electronic databases; ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Assist in planting surveys and monthly follow-up assessments in communities.
• Educate local communities on tree care, seed sowing, nursery management, and monitoring procedures, support consent processes.
• Prepare regular reports on nursery operations, seedling growth, tree survival, and field observations for the Data Coordinator.
• Maintain nursery and community biodiversity research and monitoring equipment, including electronic devices, data books, and other data collection materials.

Education and Professional Qualifications:

• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in forestry, agroforestry, or related field.
• Minimum 1–3 years of practical experience in nursery production, seedling propagation, or tree monitoring.
• Minimum 1–3 years of hands-on experience with native tree species, grafting, and greenhouse seedling management.
• Experience in field monitoring trees and biodiversity surveys.
• Experience with data entry and digital data collection tools (mobile apps, spreadsheets, or databases).

Skills & competencies

• Strong knowledge of agroforestry systems, native tree species, and nursery production techniques.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in both nursery operations and data collection.
• Ability to work independently and in teams in field and nursery environments.
• Proficiency with electronic devices and other digital data collection tools.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with communities.
• Problem-solving skills for nursery and field-related challenges.
• Commitment to environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

Performance indicators

• Healthy and well-maintained nursery seedlings ready for field planting.
• Accurate and timely entry of nursery and field data into the central database.
• Monthly monitoring reports submitted on time.
• Effective propagation and survival of native and agroforestry tree species.
• Proper documentation of field observations records.
• Active contribution to community engagement and adaptive management decisions.

Application Process:

All candidates interested in this opportunity are invited to submit the following documents:

• A cover letter setting out briefly the candidate’s motivation and suitability for the position, not more than 1 page,
• An Updated CV.
• The name, position, and contact number for three references,
• A copy of education and training certificates/diplomas/degrees
• A copy of relevant work certificates.
• A Copy of your national ID

Applications should be submitted no later than Friday, March 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Please click on the “Apply” button to complete your application.

Only short-listed candidates shall be contacted.

Felix NDAGIJIMANA

Rwanda Country Director