Research Assistant; Gurez

Position: Research Assistant (For Gurez)
Job Title:

Research Assistant / Community Organiser – Biodiversity & Indigenous Knowledge (Gurez)
(Primary location: Gurez Valley)

Salary Range:
₹35,000 – ₹45,000 per month  (commensurate with experience)

Qualification

Required:

Postgraduate degree  in Biodiversity / Botany / Environmental Science / Forestry / Rural Development / Anthropology / Social Work / Livelihood Studies or allied fields
Preference for  local Gurez candidates
Candidates from outside the region must be  willing to stay long-term in Gurez

Job Description:

Work closely with local communities, elders, healers, farmers, and artisans to document  indigenous knowledge, traditional practices, and cultural heritage  of Gurez.
Identify, map, and document  local biodiversity , including medicinal and herbal plants, wild edibles, and natural resources.
Support documentation of  traditional livelihoods, enterprises, and value-added practices  linked to bio-resources.
Facilitate community meetings, focus group discussions, and participatory rural appraisal exercises.
Maintain systematic records, case studies, photographs, and field notes following ethical documentation protocols.
Assist in exploring  livelihood enhancement and enterprise development opportunities  based on local knowledge and biodiversity.
Coordinate with project teams, researchers, and institutions for data sharing, reporting, and field validation.
Support awareness and capacity-building activities related to conservation, sustainable use of resources, and community rights.
Experience & Skills Preferred:
1–3 years experience in community-based research, biodiversity documentation, or rural/tribal development (fresh postgraduates with strong field exposure may also be considered).
Good understanding of  local ecology, traditional knowledge systems, and livelihoods .
Ability to work independently in  remote and high-altitude areas .
Local language proficiency and strong community engagement skills are highly desirable.