Biodiversity and Conservation Specialist

About the role

Nabat is a UAE-based climate technology startup focused on restoring and protecting natural ecosystems through advanced, precision-led solutions. Its work sits at the crossroads of ecology, environmental science, GIS, AI, and robotics, with a mission to enable science-backed ecosystem management at the scale and speed needed to respond to climate change, land degradation, deforestation, and biodiversity decline. The company’s platform combines ecosystem management software, precision aerial seeding drones, AI and ecological models, and restoration services, and is already being used to plant millions of mangroves across the UAE. The business is now expanding to support coastal, marine, and arid ecosystems worldwide.

The Biodiversity and Conservation Specialist will provide scientific direction for the planning, delivery, and interpretation of ecological surveys and restoration monitoring work. This position calls for strong expertise in ecological restoration, conservation framework development, survey design, statistics, technical writing, and effective communication, along with the ability to operate in challenging field settings.

The successful candidate should bring deep knowledge of terrestrial and coastal flora and fauna, together with practical experience in ecological statistics, so that all field and operational frameworks remain scientifically sound and feasible.

Key responsibilities

• Build statistically robust frameworks for ecological surveys tied to restoration and conservation objectives.
• Define sampling unit sizes, replication levels, and spatial layout to support valid ecological analysis.
• Use statistical methods to detect ecological change or effect.
• Make sure survey methods are defensible, repeatable, and suitable for regulatory review.
• Adjust sampling plans when necessary without undermining scientific rigor.
• Take evidence-based decisions in changing field conditions.
• Revise survey plans when access, weather, terrain, or environmental conditions require it.
• Preserve methodological integrity while keeping field operations efficient.
• Provide clear direction and leadership to field teams.
• Apply strong field identification skills for plant and animal species.
• Check species lists and confirm accurate taxonomic classification.
• Recognize indicator, invasive, protected, and priority species.
• Support habitat classification and ecosystem assessment.
• Set up structured data collection processes and QA/QC controls.
• Maintain accuracy, traceability, and consistency across datasets.
• Oversee ecological data consolidation, validation, and interpretation.
• Keep field notes and metadata complete and well organized.
• Prepare technical reports that are clear, concise, and well structured.
• Convert statistical findings and field observations into solid ecological conclusions.
• Communicate with regulators, clients, and multidisciplinary teams effectively.
• Present technical ecological ideas to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Remain effective in demanding environments such as heat, arid terrain, and coastal exposure.
• Maintain safety, organization, and performance standards during intensive survey campaigns.
• Stay physically and operationally ready for demanding field schedules.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or PhD in Ecology, Biology, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of applied ecological field experience, ideally with experience in the Gulf region.
• Proven capability in ecological survey design and applied statistics.
• Strong understanding of flora and fauna taxonomy.
• Background in terrestrial ecosystem restoration and conservation.
• Track record of producing high-quality technical reports.
• Advanced ability to design surveys.
• Solid statistical knowledge.
• Decisive, adaptable leadership style.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational ability.
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills.
• Basic Arabic knowledge is preferred.
• High resilience in difficult field environments.
• Sound scientific judgment.

Why join Nabat

This is an opportunity to join a well-funded early-stage technology company working at the intersection of geospatial AI, remote sensing, drone robotics, ecology, and agricultural science. The role also offers relocation to Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s safest and most livable cities, with an all-inclusive relocation package for the employee and family. The package includes work and residence visa sponsorship, flights, an orientation tour, help with school and housing searches, and hotel accommodation until a permanent home is secured. The position also offers the chance to contribute directly to solutions for climate change and ecosystem loss, while helping build meaningful partnerships.

Application note

Candidates should submit a CV and explain why their background makes them a strong fit for Nabat.