Field Assistant – Silvofishery

Duration : 5 Months (November 2026 - March 2027)

The IPB Centre for Applied Research in Nature-based Solutions (I-CAN) is an applied research centre under IPB University that works to advance Nature-based Solutions through research, field testing, knowledge exchange, and collaboration with communities and other partners. One of I-CAN's key approaches is the Living Laboratory, where research and practical interventions are implemented and tested directly in real landscape settings. The Living Laboratory serves as a space for researchers, communities, government, and development partners to jointly generate evidence, monitor results, and refine approaches before they are considered for wider application.

In the mangrove landscape, I-CAN is developing silvofishery as part of this Living Laboratory approach. The activity combines mangrove management with sustainable aquaculture to explore how pond productivity, water and environmental management, and mangrove ecosystem functions can be improved together.

The silvofishery demonstration plot therefore serves not only as a production site, but also as a field-based learning and research platform. Its implementation will generate practical evidence on aquaculture performance, pond environmental conditions, mangrove management, operational feasibility, and potential economic benefits for local communities. The lessons generated will be used to refine the approach and inform its potential application in other suitable community-managed mangrove areas.

The Field Assistant will support the day-to-day implementation of Silvofishery in Lampung. The position will work closely with local communities and field workers to ensure that activities are implemented effectively, in accordance with agreed technical plans and schedules.

As a field-based role, the Field Assistant will also serve as an important communication link between the community and field implementation team and the I-CAN and FINCAPES project teams. The role requires regular coordination, clear communication of field progress and challenges, and the ability to support constructive collaboration with community members throughout the implementation process.

• Supervise the day-to-day implementation of silvofishery activities, from pond redesign
• Coordinate with field laborers and pond farmers, including assigning tasks, compiling daily work schedules, and ensuring work is carried out according to the agreed design and timeline
• Act as the primary contact to ensure smooth operational communication between field laborers, pond farmers, and the project management team

• Monitor and ensure that technical standards for pond redesign, fry stocking, and pond maintenance are met in accordance with targets
• Record pond performance data in the field, water quality observations, stocking density, and harvest yields
• Identify physical obstacles and field issues (e.g. dike damage, pests, or disease) and report them promptly to the project management team

• Support the procurement, allocation, and inventory management of silvofishery equipment and supplies, such as seedlings, fry, feed, tools, and construction materials
• Manage daily operational expenses and collect all transaction receipts to be submitted to the management/finance team
• Accurately complete attendance summaries for field laborers and daily activity logs
• Take and organize documentation of activities, along with brief descriptions, to serve as the basis for report preparation

• Minimum education bachelor's degree in fisheries and marine sciences, forestry or related field
• Fresh graduates are strongly encouraged to apply; internship or work experience in the field is a plus
• Candidates must have personal work devices (laptop and smartphone) to support smooth communication, reporting, and daily operations
• Proactive, responsive, and clear communication skills to support remote operational coordination
• Competent in performing basic administrative tasks, data collection, monitoring activity progress, and reporting using Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
• Able to adapt to field conditions, mobile at program sites, and possess strong problem-solving skills

Only short-listed candidates will be notified and contacted for further step of the process. Applications received after the deadline or incomplete applications will not be considered.