Field Operations Manager

Wildlife Conservation Society Visit website

Full-time Expires In -1 month Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth Protected Area Duty Station - Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth Protected Area Diploma 5 years experience Logistics Procurement Environment & Natural Resources Administrative

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Job Details

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) is seeking a full-time Field Operations Manager reporting to the Sector Manager and managing Logistics, Procurement and Infrastructure staff, based in Ishasha, Queen Elizabeth Protected Area, Uganda. Scope is Country-level, coordinating with Deputy Director/Warden-In-Charge, Department Leads, Uganda Country Team and APAMU, with travel between Sector Headquarters and Country Office and to the regional office in Kigali as needed. The role is responsible for day-to-day operational running of Ishasha by overseeing procurement, supply chain, field team management (including fence maintenance and bush clearing teams), transportation and infrastructure development in a remote, challenging protected area environment. The position requires ability to plan, coordinate and execute logistical operations under difficult conditions while ensuring alignment with WCS SOPs and values, and establishing a robust logistical framework for operational sustainability and infrastructure resilience. Apply through BrassRing by September 2nd, 2026; applications reviewed on rolling basis.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Develop and implement annual plans and budgets for all operations aligned with the park's five-year strategic plan and annual work plan; advise heads of department and supervisors to resolve operational challenges efficiently and ensure full adherence to WCS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); coordinate with UWA QEPA staff and prepare regular operational reports including monthly KPI summaries and progress reports.
Oversee procurement processes in line with WCS SOPs ensuring efficiency and accountability; develop and maintain reliable supply chains for critical equipment, materials and consumables; work with Finance Manager to align procurement with financial policies and budgets; recruit and manage procurement and supply chain staff.
Oversee construction and maintenance of Sector Headquarters and key park infrastructure ensuring operational readiness, required specifications, security and sustainability; develop long-term infrastructure maintenance plan and recruit/oversee maintenance staff.
Develop and implement logistics plan ensuring timely supply of food, water, fuel, medical supplies and other consumables; oversee equipment storage, deployment and regular stock inventories; establish storage and stockpiling solutions and emergency reserves for critical supplies; arrange travel and accommodation for visiting WCS regional/global staff and official visitors.
Oversee bush clearing teams for habitat management, visibility and access; oversee fence maintenance teams ensuring boundary fence is maintained and breaches promptly repaired; coordinate logistical and operational support for ecological monitoring and wildlife collaring operations including transport, equipment and field support; ensure field teams are appropriately equipped, trained and supported.
Oversee acquisition and deployment of vehicle fleet tailored to operational terrain; implement vehicle maintenance schedules, establish workshop facilities, ensure safety and operational SOP compliance, and recruit/oversee drivers and maintenance staff with appropriate training.
Ensure infrastructure and logistical systems integrate security considerations per Ishasha Security Plan; ensure staff training in safety, security and first aid; work with Law Enforcement Advisor and UWA counterparts for secure storage of equipment, firearms and sensitive materials; implement risk mitigation for supply chain and infrastructure vulnerabilities and coordinate emergency responses per security plan.

Qualifications, Skills and Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in logistics, construction, road maintenance, fleet management and procurement in remote and challenging locations.
Tertiary qualification in construction, logistics, conservation management, business management or a closely related technical field — essential; relevant professional certifications in project management, logistics and/or fleet/mechanical management — desirable.
Ability to work well with local teams and willingness to provide mentorship; excellent organizational skills with ability to multi-task and practical can-do attitude.
Good knowledge and understanding of operations technical areas outlined above; practical skills in vehicle maintenance, construction, electrical installations, building maintenance and other civil engineering tasks highly desirable.
Experience in wildlife fence construction and maintenance – desirable; experience providing logistical or field support to ecological monitoring or wildlife research activities (e.g., collaring, telemetry) – desirable.
Experience working with international organizations, non-profits or private sector and proven ability to work in multicultural environment.
Willingness to live and work in remote location with high resilience and problem-solving ability; good written and oral communication; fluency in English; interest in conservation and commitment to WCS mission.
Additional requirement: Travel within country and to regional office in Kigali as needed.