Are you passionate about sustainable aquaculture and improving fish welfare? Fish Welfare Initiative India is currently hiring for a Field Survey Associate position in Maharashtra, offering an excellent opportunity for individuals fluent in Marathi, Hindi, and English to contribute to meaningful research in the aquaculture sector. This contractual role involves conducting surveys with fish farmers and helps advance the organization’s mission of improving the lives of fishes raised in aquaculture.
About Fish Welfare Initiative India
Fish Welfare Initiative India is a respected non-profit organization founded in 2021 as a sister organization to Fish Welfare Initiative. Based in India, the organization is dedicated to improving the welfare of fishes raised in aquaculture systems through scientific research, collaborative work with fish farmers, educational initiatives, and policy advocacy.
The organization operates with a holistic approach that aims to benefit not only the fishes but also the farmers, the environment, and society at large. Currently, Fish Welfare Initiative India is expanding its flagship program, the Alliance for Responsible Aquaculture, and deepening its understanding of welfare concerns in Indian aquaculture practices.
Mission: To improve the lives of fishes raised in aquaculture through research, farmer collaborations, education, and policy work, benefiting fishes, farmers, the environment, and society.
Job Overview and Opportunity
The Field Survey Associate position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to important research in the aquaculture sector while gaining valuable field experience. This role is ideal for candidates with strong communication skills who are comfortable working in rural settings and have a basic understanding of data collection and management.
As a Field Survey Associate, you will be at the forefront of gathering crucial data that will help shape the organization’s understanding of current aquaculture practices and inform future initiatives to improve fish welfare in India. This position allows you to make a direct impact on sustainable aquaculture practices while developing professional skills in field research, data collection, and rural community engagement.
| Position Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Field Survey Associate |
| Organization | Fish Welfare Initiative India |
| Location | Maharashtra, India |
| Position Type | Contractual (Need-based) |
| Reporting To | Manikanta, Senior Project Associate |
| Contact Information | Mobile: 8317680187 Email: manikanta@fishwelfareinitiative.org |
| Application Deadline | March 7th, 2025 |
Key Responsibilities
The Field Survey Associate will be responsible for conducting comprehensive surveys with Tilapia fish farmers in rural areas of Maharashtra. This role requires excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in field settings. The position involves regular travel to rural areas and direct interaction with local fish farmers.
Fieldwork Responsibilities
As a Field Survey Associate, you will visit Tilapia fish farmers in various rural locations throughout Maharashtra. Your primary responsibility will be to conduct detailed surveys, interacting with farmers in their local language (Marathi or Hindi) to gather accurate and comprehensive information about their aquaculture practices, challenges, and needs.
Data Collection and Translation
A critical aspect of this role involves meticulous data collection and management. You will be responsible for accurately recording survey responses, translating them from the local language (Marathi or Hindi) to English, and entering the translated data into Google Sheets or Google Forms. You will also need to take photographs during the survey process to document the farming conditions and practices.
Reporting and Coordination
Regular communication with the project team is essential in this role. You will submit compiled data and reports to the Senior Project Associate, ensuring timely and accurate submission of survey results. You will need to follow the organization’s guidelines and instructions throughout the process and provide regular updates on your fieldwork progress.
| Responsibility Area | Key Tasks |
|---|---|
| Fieldwork |
|
| Data Management |
|
| Reporting |
|
| Coordination |
|
Eligibility and Qualifications
Fish Welfare Initiative India seeks candidates with specific qualifications and skills to effectively perform the Field Survey Associate role. The position requires a combination of educational qualifications, language proficiency, technical skills, and personal attributes that enable successful fieldwork and data collection.
Educational Requirements
The minimum educational qualification for this position is 12th pass. While higher qualifications in fields related to agriculture, aquaculture, rural development, or social sciences may be beneficial, they are not mandatory for this role.
Language Proficiency
Strong language skills are essential for this position. Candidates must be fluent in both the local language (Marathi, Hindi) and English. This includes the ability to read, write, and speak these languages proficiently, as the role involves direct communication with farmers in their native language and translating the collected information into English.
Technical Skills
Basic proficiency in digital tools such as Google Sheets and Google Forms is required for this position. Candidates should be comfortable with data entry and basic digital documentation tasks. Familiarity with smartphone applications for data collection would be an added advantage.
Other Essential Skills
Successful candidates will possess strong communication and interpersonal skills necessary for effective interaction with farmers and team members. The ability to work independently in rural settings is crucial, as the role involves field visits with minimal supervision. Attention to detail and accuracy in data collection and entry are also vital for ensuring the quality and reliability of the research data.
| Qualification Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Education | Minimum 12th pass |
| Language Skills | Fluency in Marathi and Hindi (read, write, speak) Fluency in English (read, write, speak) |
| Technical Skills | Basic proficiency in Google Sheets and Google Forms |
| Other Essential Skills |
|
Work Details and Compensation
The Field Survey Associate position is contractual and need-based, designed to collect specific data within a defined timeframe. The role offers clear compensation and work parameters to help candidates understand the commitment required.
Nature of Work
This is primarily a field-based position, requiring travel to rural areas in Maharashtra to conduct surveys with Tilapia fish farmers. The work is contractual and need-based, meaning it is designed for a specific project with a predetermined duration and scope. The role requires spending significant time in rural settings, interacting directly with farmers, and collecting data on-site.
Compensation
The position offers a payment of Rs. 7,000 for completing 50 surveys, which includes travel allowance. This compensation is designed to cover both the professional services provided and the travel expenses incurred during the survey process. The payment structure is outcome-based, focusing on the successful completion of the required number of surveys rather than hourly or daily rates.
Duration and Location
The anticipated duration of work is approximately 10 days, assuming a completion rate of 5 farmer surveys per day. This timeline may vary based on factors such as travel distances, farmer availability, and data collection complexity. The work location is throughout various rural areas of Maharashtra where Tilapia fish farming is practiced.
| Work Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Nature of Work | Field-based, contractual, need-based |
| Compensation | Rs. 7,000 for 50 surveys (includes travel allowance) |
| Expected Duration | Approximately 10 days (based on 5 surveys per day) |
| Work Location | Various rural areas in Maharashtra |
| Survey Target | 50 Tilapia fish farmers |
Benefits of Working with FWI India
Working as a Field Survey Associate with Fish Welfare Initiative India offers several benefits beyond the direct compensation. This position provides valuable experience and opportunities for personal and professional growth in the sustainable aquaculture and non-profit sectors.
Professional Development
This role offers significant opportunities for professional development in field research, data collection, and rural engagement. The experience gained working with an international non-profit organization can be valuable for future career opportunities in development, research, or the aquaculture sector. The position provides hands-on experience in conducting structured surveys and managing field data.
Contribution to Sustainable Aquaculture
By participating in this research, you will contribute directly to improving fish welfare and sustainable aquaculture practices in India. The data collected will help inform programs and policies that benefit both fish and farmers, making a positive impact on the sector. This role allows you to be part of meaningful work that addresses environmental and animal welfare concerns.
Networking Opportunities
Working with Fish Welfare Initiative India provides opportunities to connect with professionals in the sustainable aquaculture sector, both locally and internationally. The position involves interaction with various stakeholders, including farmers, researchers, and other team members, expanding your professional network.
How to Apply
The application process for the Field Survey Associate position is straightforward. Interested candidates should follow these steps to submit their application before the deadline of March 7th, 2025:
- Prepare your resume highlighting relevant skills, experience, and educational qualifications.
- Send your resume to manikanta@fishwelfareinitiative.org
- Use the subject line: “Application for Field Survey Associate – Maharashtra“
- Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline of March 7th, 2025.
- Be prepared for potential follow-up communication regarding your application.
Important: Make sure to submit your application before the deadline of March 7th, 2025. Applications received after this date may not be considered.
Career Growth Opportunities
While the Field Survey Associate position is contractual and need-based, it can serve as an excellent stepping stone for various career paths in the sustainable development, research, and aquaculture sectors. The skills and experience gained in this role are transferable to many other positions in related fields.
Professionals who begin with field research roles like this often progress to positions such as Project Coordinator, Research Associate, Program Manager, or Field Supervisor in various development organizations. The experience working with farmers and rural communities is highly valued in agricultural extension, rural development, and community engagement roles.
The data collection and management skills developed in this position are relevant to research positions in academic institutions, think tanks, and other non-profit organizations. For those interested in the aquaculture sector specifically, this experience provides valuable insights into the practical challenges and opportunities in fish farming, which can be leveraged for roles in aquaculture development, extension services, or private sector positions.
Aquaculture Sector in Maharashtra
Maharashtra has a growing aquaculture sector, with Tilapia fish farming becoming increasingly popular due to the species’ adaptability and market demand. The state government has been promoting aquaculture as a sustainable livelihood option for rural communities, offering various schemes and support programs for fish farmers.
The aquaculture sector in Maharashtra faces various challenges, including water management issues, disease control, and market access. Organizations like Fish Welfare Initiative India play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by promoting best practices, conducting research, and supporting farmers in adopting welfare-friendly and sustainable aquaculture methods.
Working as a Field Survey Associate in this context provides a unique opportunity to understand the ground realities of aquaculture in Maharashtra and contribute to the sector’s sustainable development. The data collected through these surveys will help identify specific challenges and opportunities, informing targeted interventions to improve both fish welfare and farmer livelihoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is prior experience in aquaculture required for this position?
No, prior experience in aquaculture is not mandatory for this position. While familiarity with agricultural or aquacultural practices would be beneficial, the organization values strong communication skills, language proficiency, and the ability to work effectively in rural settings more highly for this specific role.
Will training be provided before starting the fieldwork?
Yes, the selected candidate will receive guidance on the survey methodology, data collection process, and reporting requirements before beginning the fieldwork. This ensures that all surveys are conducted consistently and that the data collected meets the organization’s quality standards.
Is transportation provided for field visits?
The compensation package of Rs. 7,000 includes a travel allowance to cover transportation expenses. Candidates are expected to arrange their own transportation to the survey locations, with the costs being covered by this allowance.
Can this contractual position lead to permanent employment?
While this specific position is contractual and need-based, performing well in this role may lead to consideration for future opportunities with Fish Welfare Initiative India as they expand their programs and operations in Maharashtra and other regions of India.
What is the typical day like for a Field Survey Associate?
A typical day involves traveling to rural areas, meeting with Tilapia fish farmers, conducting surveys in the local language, documenting farming practices through photographs, and entering the collected data into digital formats. The work day may vary in length depending on travel distances and the number of surveys completed.