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.