Field Project Officer - Sri Lanka

Field Project Officer

Earth Systems

Based around the Hatton and Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Full time

Make a Big Difference with Earth Systems!

Earth Systems is a global leader in environmental science and engineering, with offices in Australia, China, Lao PDR, Senegal, Rwanda, and the UK. We have opened a Colombo office in Sri Lanka in 2025 and are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious Field Project Officer who is dedicated and passionate about their work.

The company develops and implements innovative and effective environmental, water, energy and sustainability solutions, providing specialist advice and hands-on capabilities in a diverse range of environmental management areas. Ecological assessment is a key aspect of many Earth System’s projects.

About the Project

The Tea Shade Development and Ecological (TSHADE) Restoration Project aims to enhance ecosystem productivity and resilience across tea plantation landscapes in Sri Lanka through the establishment of additional shade trees and complementary restoration activities.

Restoration activities will be undertaken across existing tea fields, riparian zones, buffer areas, low-productivity lands, and other areas managed by regional plantation companies and smallholder tea farmers.

About the role

Earth Systems is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Field Project Officer to support the implementation, monitoring, and quality assurance of restoration activities under the TSHADE Restoration Project in the Nuwara Eliya region.

The successful candidate will work closely with NIPM, TRI, regional plantation companies, nursery operators, field teams, NGOs and local communities to ensure high-quality implementation of tree planting and restoration activities. The role involves field verification, GIS-based data management, stakeholder engagement, nursery development support, and the maintenance of robust project records and reporting systems.

This position is based in the Hatton, Nuwara Eliya region and requires regular travel to tea estate plantations and rural communities and will play a critical role in ensuring that project activities are implemented to a high standard and that accurate field data are collected and maintained.

Reporting To

Earth Systems will employ the Field Project Officer and will report directly to the Colombo Office and work closely with global technical team leaders and implementation partners.

Primarily supporting project activities, working with NIPM, TRI, and regional plantation companies as the project progresses. Working with travel to tea estates and surrounding communities.

Key Responsibilities

Project Implementation and Quality Assurance

• Conduct QA/QC of tree planting and restoration activities undertaken by the implementation partner.
• Verify planted trees and update field records using QField.
• Monitor plantation health and undertake survival assessments.
• Support nursery development, plantation scaling, and restoration site establishment.
• Assist with feasibility assessments, site planning, and implementation reviews.

Community Engagement and Coordination

• Facilitate site identification, boundary mapping, and assessment.
• Support community engagement working with plantation companies and smallholder farmers.
• Organize and facilitate meetings, workshops, training sessions, and project reviews.
• Maintain effective coordination with district teams and project stakeholders.

GIS, Data Management and Reporting

• Update spatial data and project records using QGIS and QField.
• Ensure accurate data collection, consolidation, and reporting.
• Maintain plantation records, nursery registers, and agroforestry activity logs.
• Prepare field notes, case studies, meeting minutes, and monthly progress reports.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation, including maps, training records, and field photographs.
• Support Earth Systems in preparing feasibility assessments, implementation reviews, and other project reporting requirements.

Key Selection Criteria

• Successful completion of G.C.E. Advanced Level
• Completed a vocational qualification in Agriculture, Plantation Management, Forestry, or a related discipline, consisting of a minimum two-year programme, that is:
  • At least National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 5; and
  • Issued by a Technical or Vocational Training Institute recognized by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) of Sri Lanka.
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant field experience in forestry, restoration, plantation management, agroforestry, environmental projects, or related sectors.
• Experience working with tea plantations, smallholder farmers, or rural communities.
• Demonstrated experience in field-based monitoring, survival assessments, and quality control of plantation activities.
• Experience facilitating stakeholder meetings, training sessions, and community engagement activities.
• Practical experience using GIS and mobile field data collection tools is preferred.

Other Skills and Experience:

The following skills and experience will be highly regarded:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in Tamil and English.
  • Working knowledge of Sinhala is required.
• Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality data collection and transparent reporting.
• Training or certification in GIS, GPS surveying, monitoring and evaluation, or project management.
• Ability to prepare clear written reports and maintain accurate records.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Sri Lankan vehicle licence. Access to a motorcycle or vehicle is required.
• Ability to work in rugged terrain and outdoor environments.
• Flexibility to participate in occasional weekend or after-hours community meetings and training events.

Benefits

• Work on innovative and impactful environmental project.
• Active engagement in sustainability initiatives.
• Exciting and adventurous fieldwork opportunity.

Terms and Conditions

This is a full-time locally recruited position based around the Hatton and Nuwara Eliya region of Sri Lanka.

Earth Systems offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications, skills, and experience. The appointment will initially be for six months, with the possibility of extension subject to performance, continued relevance of the position, and project funding availability.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and why you are a great fit for this role.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Earth Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.