Bursary Description
CapeNature seeks to appoint two dynamic individuals to undertake reserve operations and assist with the natural resource management programme and integrated catchment management. The candidates will be responsible for ecological data collection and data management, monitoring, quality assurance, infrastructure and equipment maintenance, environmental education, and law enforcement and compliance monitoring at the Cederberg Wilderness Area, Matjiesrivier section. The Field Rangers will also be responsible for supervisory and administrative tasks and will report to the Conservation Officer (On Reserve).
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Protected Area Management
- Assist Conservation Officer with the implementation of actions related to the Protected Area Management Plan, Eco-Matrix, Annual Performance Plan and Integrated Annual Plan of Operations.
- Assist with Monitoring and Protection of Fauna and Flora
- Assist with Monitoring and Protection of Cultural Historic Sites
- Assist with Monitoring and Maintenance of Trails, Tracks and Footpaths
- Assist with Monitoring and Management of Services (water, sewerage, refuse)
2. Integrated Catchment Management (Fire and Aliens)
- Implement Alien Clearing tasks on the reserve
- Implement density verification process and mapping of alien vegetation
- Implement firefighting duties, including standby as per protocols
- Cutting and inspections of firebreaks
- Implement fuel load management (stack burns and chipping)
- Completion and submission of monthly reports
3. Corporate Governance and Compliance (Finance, Admin, HR, Compliance and OHS)
- Assist Conservation Officer with EPWP, student and contractor supervision
- Assist with monitoring and reporting staff performance
- Implement safe work protocols, attend to OHS issues
- Identify and report risks
- Complete administration linked with OHS position
- Implement Compliance and Enforcement tasks, including Observation Posts, Patrols, Inspections, road blocks, response to call outs
- Issuing of permits and ensuring permit checks are completed
- Compile and submit require weekly and monthly reports
- Ensure tracking tools are up to date
4. Tourism, Access and Stakeholder Engagement
- Assist Tourism Liaison Officer with monitoring and maintenance of Tourism Facilities and structures
- Provide high level of customer service when dealing with clients / visitors
- Assist with regular patrols and permit checks to ensure access is optimally managed and illegal tourism activities are prevented
- Assist with monitoring and reporting on non-tourism access (Research, Residents, Volunteers, Contractors etc.).
- Implement Environmental Awareness and Capacity Building Plan activities
- Assist with Community upliftment projects
5. Maintenance (Vehicles, Infrastructure, Equipment)
- Ensure effective maintenance and use of tools and equipment
- Ensure effective maintenance of tourism and operational infrastructure (trails, tracks, roads, water systems, sewerage systems)
- Ensure effective maintenance of CapeNature buildings
- Ensure effective vehicle monitoring, cleaning and proper use
- Ensure effective and safe use of tools, equipment, machinery and vehicles to ensure safe practice in the workplace
- Report maintenance needs timeously
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Qualifications and Experience
- National Diploma in Conservation, Game Ranch Management or Environmental Management
- A valid driver’s license
- Computer literacy (Microsoft Packages -Word and Excel)
- At least 1year conservation work experience (Alien Clearing, Footpath clearing, Fire fighting, Environmental Awareness, Monitoring)
- Knowledge and experience in working with tourists or visitors
- Knowledge and experience in maintenance of infrastructure
- Knowledge and experience in compliance
- No Criminal Record
Competencies & Job Requirements
- Willingness to work weekend shifts and irregular hours as per a roster
- Willingness to stay in remote areas, including camping out in the mountains for long periods.
- Practically minded and good ability to problem solve
- Physical ability to perform field ranger and fire fighting duties
- No criminal record
- Ability to deal with conflict
- Strong analytical skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast paced environment and meeting tight deadlines
- Ability to function independently and within a team
- Must be able to live and work in a remote environment with little to no internet and phone connectivity
Recommendation/Added Advantage:
- Possession of a valid Peace Officer’s certificate, EMI certification or a type of enforcement experience
- Chainsaw & Brush cutter operator experience or certificates
- 4X4 driver training or experience
- EB or EC1 License
- PDP
- First Aid level 2
AS A PERMANENT EMPLOYEE OF CAPENATURE, YOU WILL ENJOY:
- 24 days of annual leave per annual leave cycle;
- Comprehensive benefits for death, critical illness or injury linked to the Pension Fund for CapeNature employees;
- Staff discounts of up to 50% on CapeNature accommodation at reserves across the Western Cape;
- Opportunities for career progression and development through internal and external training interventions, and academic growth through the internal CapeNature Bursary Programme subject to Bursary Policy guidelines;
- Free access to CapeNature’s Wellness Partner for you and your immediate household which includes professional counselling, financial, legal and health related advice; and
- The opportunity to positively impact the environment and promote a sustainable future.
Apply online at https://capenature.simplify.hr/
Closing date 19 December 2024