Connected Techology Fellow at Natural State

About the Role:

• We are seeking a tech-savvy and adaptable individual for a Tech Fellowship that focuses on the evaluation and implementation of proven and cutting-edge environmental and biodiversity monitoring systems. This role is pivotal in supporting conservation and restoration efforts in rural Kenya through the deployment and management of both experimental technologies and well-established to monitor ecosystems and biodiversity.
• The Kenyan landscapes, where the Wyss Academy for Nature collaborates with Natural State, serve as a testing and implementation ground for novel environmental monitoring solutions. These include advanced remote sensing technologies, such as high-resolution satellite imagery and LiDAR for habitat mapping and land-use change detection, as well as drone-based systems for localized biodiversity assessments.
• Additionally, sensor networks deployed in situ (e.g., IoT-enabled climate and soil monitoring devices) are integrated with AI-powered data analytics to enhance real-time environmental assessments. By2 combining these cutting-edge solutions, the initiative aims to create a comprehensive and scalable "package" for effective and long-term environmental and biodiversity monitoring that can be adapted to other landscapes globally.
• As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will collaborate with research institutions, technology providers, NGOs, and local stakeholders to gather critical data, inform ecological restoration practices, and build capacity for long-term monitoring.

Key Responsibilities:

• Exploring and Implementation of novel approaches to Monitoring Systems
• Explore and test experimental approaches for enhanced long-term monitoring (edge computing, acoustic and visual pattern recognition).
• Work together with the international team of the Wyss Academy and regional as well as international partners in developing and piloting new approaches.
• Assess and implement a combination of proven and state-of-the-art technologies for environmental monitoring, including biodiversity tracking and soil health assessment.
• Deploy, configure, and maintain tools such as acoustic sensors, camera traps, soil moisture sensors, and other monitoring devices.
• Synchronize local experience with the modern monitoring systems
• Synthesize data from various technologies to provide comprehensive insights into ecosystem dynamics and restoration progress.
• Ensure systems are operational, troubleshoot technical issues, and recommend both innovative and field-tested solutions to improve monitoring efficacy.
• Packaging remote sensing and in-situ monitoring approaches to gain Landscape monitoring insights.
• Configure and optimize IoT communication protocols such as LoRaWAN, MǪTT, CoAP, NB-IoT
• Collaboration with Research Teams and Stakeholders
• Work with research teams to design monitoring protocols, integrating both established and experimental methods.
• Partner with local communities to co-develop monitoring approaches that incorporate traditional knowledge.
• Share findings and insights through collaborative research efforts, presentations, and publications.
• Document IoT architectures, workflows, and troubleshooting guides
• Capacity Building and Training:
• Support and train local teams in the implementation, use and maintenance of the proven experimental technologies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance local ownership of evaluated monitoring systems.

Experience and Qualifications

• We are looking for an individual who is technically skilled, open to innovation, and grounded in practical application, with a passion for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Degree in Computer Science, Environmental Science, Ecology, Engineering or a related technical field.
• Experience or interest in deploying proven environmental monitoring tools (e.g., camera traps, soil sensors, acoustic devices), evaluating their performance in the field and analyzing data