About the role

We 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 owls
Targeted and controlled management of problematic bird species (e.g., quelea) in rice fields and other food crops using ecological and non-destructive methods
Development of a self-sustaining, low-intervention avian system

Success in this role will be measured by:

Successful setup and operation of breeding and incubation systems
High survival and retention rates of released birds
Natural reproduction and population stability on-site
Measurable reduction in rodent and crop pest pressure

Raptor 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 practices
Maintain optimal incubation and rearing conditions, including temperature, humidity, and hygiene standards

Bird Rearing & Population Development

Raise chicks to maturity using appropriate feeding protocols and behavioral conditioning techniques
Prepare birds for release into plantation environments and ensure the development of self-sustaining populations

Release & Field Establishment

Execute structured on-ground release of birds and monitor survival rates, territory establishment, and adaptation to hot, dry local climate conditions
Continuously adjust release strategies based on field performance and observed outcomes

Habitat, Nest Boxes & Shelter Management

Install and maintain barn owl nest boxes, raptor perches, and shelters designed to be heat-resistant, predator-safe, and optimally positioned across plantation areas
Monitor occupancy, usage, and effectiveness of all installed structures

Bird Retention & Behavioral Conditioning

Implement techniques to ensure birds remain within plantation boundaries and consistently return to nesting structures
Apply controlled feeding strategies and soft-release methods to minimize migration and bird loss

Health, Nutrition & Care

Monitor bird health on a daily basis and manage feeding (natural and supplemental), disease prevention, and parasite control
Handle injured or weak birds and coordinate veterinary care when required

Pest Control Application (Oil Palm & Crops)

Utilize barn owls primarily for rodent control in oil palm plantations
Support 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 eradication

Monitoring & Record Keeping

Maintain detailed records on breeding cycles, hatch rates, mortality, survival, and nest box occupancy
Track and assess impact on rodent populations and crop damage

Field Operations & Team Training

Train field workers in basic bird handling, nest box maintenance, and monitoring practices
Develop simple, practical SOPs for daily operations and work closely with plantation teams for effective implementation

Qualifications & Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree or diploma in Zoology, Wildlife Biology, Avian Science / Ornithology, Veterinary Science, or a related field

Experience

Minimum 5–10 years of hands-on experience in breeding and handling birds, preferably barn owls or other raptors
Proven experience in artificial incubation, chick rearing, and managing birds in field or farm environments
Experience working in hot, dry, or challenging climates is highly preferred, and prior exposure to agricultural or plantation environments is an advantage

Skills

Strong 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 techniques
Ability to work independently in remote plantation locations with strong observation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Basic record-keeping, monitoring, and reporting capability

Knowledge

Good understanding of bird behavior, breeding cycles, predator-prey relationships, and basic farm ecosystem dynamics
Awareness of ethical and sustainable wildlife management practices
Knowledge of quelea or similar crop-damaging bird species is an added advantage

Raptor Breeding and Management Specialist (Relocate to Senegal)