Bursary Description
CapeNature seeks to appoint a dynamic individual to undertake reserve operations at the Rocherpan Nature Reserve. The candidate 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 Rocherpan Nature Reserve & MPA. The Field Ranger will also be responsible for supervisory and administrative tasks and will report to the Conservation Officer (On Reserve).
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Carry out Field Surveys (terrestrial and marine)
- Ecological (biotic, abiotic, cultural-historical, weather etc.) data collection
- Infrastructure surveys (buildings, trails, roads & firebreaks)
- Ecological and Management monitoring
- Assist with research projects
- Ecological data management
2. Perform Law Enforcement duties
- Carry out patrol duties, observations and law enforcement (on and off reserves)
- Education/extension work, issue warnings and fines if appropriate
- Maintain patrol register
- Attend court cases (represent CapeNature) from time to time
- Provide support to Conservation Off-Reserve & the Biodiversity Crime unit
- Assist SAPS, DFFE and Traffic department with road blocks
3. Perform Supervisory and administrative duties
- Direct support to Management – assist with reserve planning (IWP & IAPO)
- Supervise EPWP staff and oversee contractors.
- Train and mentor other staff, students and contractors
- Complete log sheets, claim forms, quotes & requisitions
- Monthly administration, meeting minutes
- Weekly checklists
4. Infrastructure and Equipment
- Carry out minor repairs and maintenance
- Maintain vehicles and equipment
- Assist with Stores Management
- Erosion control & Rehabilitation work
- Transport of staff /contractors /equipment
5. Assist in Fire and Alien Vegetation Management
- Act as IC, Section Chief or Crew Boss during fires
- Perform weekly standby duties for tourism an during fire season
- Alien Vegetation Identification; determine densities; identify appropriate control methods
- Manual Alien Clearing
6. Quality Assurance
- Act as Environmental Control Officer
- Carry out Quality Control duties
- Assist with risk assessments and quality assurance audits, including Occupational Health & Safety checks
7. Perform Community Conservation duties
- Assist with Environmental Awareness, Capacity Building and Youth Development
- Assist with Community Based Natural Resources Management / People and Parks
- Assist with Local Economic Development initiatives on/off Reserves
- Assist with Volunteer management
- Client care
- Assist with Tourism activities
- Issue visitor permits and perform tourism standby duties
- Provide visitors with information and interpretation
- Apply basic First Aid
- Assist with emergency calls and search & rescue operations
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Qualifications and Experience
- National Diploma in Nature Conservation, Game & Wildlife Management or Environmental Management
- A valid driver’s license
- Computer literacy (Microsoft packages: MS Word, Excel, MS Teams, Outlook; Mapping package e.g. QGIS)
- Knowledge and/ or experience in working with tourists or clients
- Working knowledge and experience with maintenance of infrastructure (Buildings, roads and trails)
- Working knowledge and experience with compliance
- Working knowledge and experience with basic fire fighting
- No criminal record
Competencies & Job Requirements
- Willingness to work weekend shifts and irregular hours as per a roster
- Physical ability to perform field ranger duties in harsh environmental conditions
- Strong analytical, strategic and creative problem solving skills
- Ability to deal with conflict
- Ability to function independently and within a team
Recommendations/Added advantages:
- Possession of a valid Peace Officer’s certificate, EMI certification or a type of enforcement experience
- Chainsaw & Brush cutter operator certificates
- 4X4 driver training
- EB or EC1 License
- First Aid level 2
- Fishery Control Officer appointment
AS A PERMANENT EMPLOYEE OF CAPENATURE, YOU WILL ENJOY:
- 24 days of annual leave per annual leave cycle;
- A hybrid working system permitting remote work within limitations, where applicable.
- 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.
Kindly Note:
Only suitable candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.
CapeNature reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise a post should it be deemed necessary within its sole discretion.
Apply online at https://capenature.simplify.hr/
Closing date: 7 November 2024