SANCCOB
SANCCOB seeks to employ a full-time Marine Field Ranger, stationed on Dassen Island Nature Reserve, to support conservation operations on Dassen Island Nature Reserve and the mainland Ganzekraal Conservation Area. 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.
The successful candidate will also be responsible for administrative tasks and provide leadership and supervisory support to EPWP staff and visiting scientists through knowledge transfer and resource management. A high-quality standard will be maintained to uphold SANCCOB and CapeNature’s conservation mandates, carrying out conservation related duties that will contribute to the overall protection of the Endangered African penguin, Cape gannet and other seabirds, including marine and coastal ecosystems. The Marine Field Ranger will report to the Conservation Manager (On Reserve), Dassen Coastal Complex.
Key responsibilities
Carry out Field Surveys & Implement the ecological programme of work (terrestrial and aquatic, freshwater and marine):
• Conduct Ecological (biotic, abiotic, cultural-historical, weather etc.) data collection, monitoring and data capturing
• Infrastructure surveys (buildings, roads, fences, highsites etc.)
• DFFE: Oceans & Coasts Special Program implementation as per Integrated Work Plan and MOA/MOU on Dassen Island
• Assist with the implementation of seabird research projects
• Ecological Data management and compilation of monthly and quarterly data submissions and reports
• Rescue and Stabilisation of oiled, injured, sick and abandoned seabirds – especially African penguins on Dassen Island
• Participate in management effectiveness evaluations
Perform Supervisory and administrative duties
• Compilation of written reports
• Supervise and assist all local and international researchers
• Provide direct support to Management and assist with reserve planning, compilation of annual work plans and budget.
• Ensure sound asset and fleet management
• Prepare specifications required for purchases
• Prepare quarterly reports
Perform Legal Compliance and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) duties
• Implement OHS Policies and Guidelines
• Carry out patrol duties and man observation posts as and when required
• Provide Education/Extension to visitors and address unauthorised access to the nature reserves
• Maintain Illegal Activities and Crime Registers
• Attend court cases (represent CapeNature) as and when required
Infrastructure and Equipment
• Carry out minor repairs and maintenance to infrastructure and equipment
• Prepare specifications for the minor repair and maintenance of infrastructure and equipment
• Maintain the designated African penguin Sick Bay on Dassen Island and rehabilitation/response equipment. Elevate all needs to management in writing
Assist in Disaster Management and Alien Vegetation Management
• Maintain a level of preparedness and respond to all oiling incidents and disasters at Dassen Island following prescribed methods and protocol
• Assist accredited emergency services during emergency and rescue operations
• Implement invasive alien plant and weedy species eradication plans
• Ensure the application of herbicide to weedy species and undertake manual eradication of weedy species on Dassen Island
• Undertake Quality Control duties for special projects aimed at invasive species management, infrastructure or equipment upgrade/maintenance and fire protection
Competency Profile
Educational Requirements:
A relevant NQF Level 6 or equivalent certification in Nature Conservation.
Knowledge:
• Knowledge of environmental legislation such as the National Environmental Management Act, National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, Integrated Coastal Management Act, Marine Living Resources Act and the Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance
• Disaster management
• Property and asset management
• Knowledge of ecological processes and biodiversity management
• Experience in information management
• Experience with Microsoft Office software (Access, Excel, Word) required
• Knowledge of coastal, marine and island environments
• Knowledge of seabird monitoring techniques
• Seabird stabilisation and rehabilitation techniques
• Computer literacy plus advanced proficiency in MS-Office
• Use of GIS software
Personal Attributes:
• A passion for seabirds and the marine environment is essential
• Job specific health requirements
• Physical fitness to be able to perform activities
• Technical / mechanical ability
• Good project planning, coordination and organising skills
• Task and goal orientated
• Practical
• Able to work long and/or irregular hours, including weekends and public holidays
• Emotional maturity
• Ability to work and perform in isolation and in a team
• Self-Motivated
• Energetic
• Dynamic
• Willingness to learn/improve
Recommended:
• Completion of Fisheries Control Officer training
• Completion of WIO-COMPAS Level 1 certification
• Possession of a valid Peace Officer’s certificate or Environmental Management Inspectorate certification
• ICS certification / Fire Fighting qualifications
Other Requirements:
• A valid Code-B driver’s licence
• Available to travel locally and internationally at short notice
• Willing to receive identified and necessary vaccinations
• South African citizen or valid work permit
Please forward CV with at least 2 contactable references (max. 3 pages) and a letter of motivation to monica@sanccob.co.za
Closing date for applications on Friday, 17 March at 17h00.
Management will not accept telephonic applications and will only correspond with applicants selected for interviews.
To apply for this job email your details to info@africanconservation.org.