The Cape Leopard Trust
The Cape Leopard Trust Boland Project is looking for two conservation interns to take part in an intensive pilot field project to survey and remove illegal wire-snares. This pilot project forms part of a conservation and monitoring project run by the CLT Boland Project in the Cape Winelands and Overstrand regions. These internship opportunities are temporary positions (6 – 8 weeks), with the potential of being extended. Interns are expected to have a high level of physical fitness and have the ability and inclination to hike on average 5-15km/day, 4 days/week with a backpack. Interns will be trained to collect, record and analyse data through the combined CyberTracker and SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) platforms and will work in a team of two.
Requirements:
- A suitable minimum qualification (either diploma or BSc) in biological sciences, nature conservation, ecology or any related field in environmental sciences
- Previous field work experience desirable
- Valid and clean driver’s license (manual transmission)
- Knowledge of and ability to identify mammals in the region
- Competent with using handheld GPS unit
- Fluency in English or Afrikaans
- The ability to work well in a team, with good people skills
- Diligent with fine attention to detail and meticulous record keeping skills
The position will entail:
- Daily foot patrols (9am to 4pm) on participating farms bordering Protected Areas, as well as the edge habitat of Protected Areas, in search of illegal wire-snares (4 days per week)
- Liaising with farm owners/managers
- Recording relevant data on snares and wildlife encountered on patrols
- Removal of snare material from the field
- Alerting project coordinator of live, trapped animals and assist, were necessary, with release or call-out of CapeNature or SPCA Wildlife unit
- One office day per week, devoted to data download and analysis as well as compiling and submission of weekly progress and status reports to the project coordinator
Remuneration:
Interns will receive a monthly stipend of R5000. Incumbents will be expected to work ±30 hours/w, 5 days/w.
Application:
Please submit:
- Short cover letter describing your interest and why you are suited for the internship
- CV (2 pages max) with three contactable references
Send to Anita Wilkinson at anita@capeleopard.org.za. Please put “Snare Patrol Intern Application” in subject line of email. Closing date: Wednesday, 6 February 2019 by 5pm
Availability for interview: 11 or 12 February 2019 (shortlisted candidates only)
Available to start: 18 February 2019 (internship position ends 12 April 2019)
Please note that no accommodation is included in the internship offer. Preference will be given to candidates living close to the study area, or who are willing to travel with own transport. If you have not received a response within 4 working days of the closing date, please assume your application was not successful.
The Cape Leopard Trust is guided by the principles of employment equity. Information on our organization is available on our website: www.capeleopard.org.za. The Cape Leopard Trust reserves the right not to make an appointment to the position as advertised.