The position is suited to a dedicated conservationist who will contribute meaningfully to the conservation of biodiversity through protected area management, compliance and enforcement, eco-tourism, access and stakeholder awareness with a special focus on the marine environment. The successful candidate will also assist with terrestrial functions.

 

The position will report to the Conservation Manager on Reserve.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation and restoration initiatives

• The Protected Area is managed according to a management plan and prioritized action plans.
• Assist with implementation of Annual Plan of Operations.
• Priority landscapes and seascapes are protected, restored and conserved.
• Implementation of the ecological matrix and implemented catchment strategy.
• Priority ecological infrastructure areas are restored and protected. This includes

- Estuarine management.
- Marine Protected Area management.
- Invasive alien Species (Flora and Fauna) control and
- Fire management.

 

Assist with protected area conservation in ways that address biodiversity loss

• The legal mandate is implemented through compliance and enforcement actions.
• Implementation of the Landscape Compliance plan through joint operations.
• Actions to improve the conservation status of priority species and ecosystems are implemented.
• Functional partnerships addressing biodiversity loss are developed and maintained.
• Supervisory and Administrative duties. This includes:

     - Supervision of EPWP teams.
     - Daily, weekly, and monthly administration, including reporting.
     - Assist with control and management of assets.
     - Assist with the maintenance of infrastructure and equipment.
     - Assist with the updating of the infrastructure register.
     - Perform standby duty.
     - Fire management duties by assisting during fires and with firebreak maintenance.
     - Assist with minor repairs and maintenance and the transport of staff.

• Fire management duties by assisting during fires and with firebreak maintenance.
• Assist with minor repairs and maintenance and the transport of staff.

 

 Promote the biodiversity economy and enhance biodiversity access

• Assist with contractor development and work opportunities through environmental programs (Integrated Catchment Management).
• Assist with natural resource projects such as the Groenvlei Carp project.
• Assist with gate guard duties and receiving tourists.

 

Advocate for behavioral change and promote voluntary compliance.

• Participate in local community involvement through Protected Area Advisory Forums and Estuary forums.
• Protected area ecological and human well-being is promoted through a landscape environmental
• interpretation and awareness plan.
• Assist with stakeholder engagements.
• Maintain and develop partnerships.
• Implementation of the Landscape Compliance Plan through joint operations with other partners and law enforcement patrols.

 

Assume overall accountability pertaining to performance, governance and risk management

• Compliance with relevant Occupational Health and Safety legislation, policies and standards in the workplace.
• Compliance with corporate policies, strategies and standards.

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12
• At least 3 years’ experience with an emphasis on estuary, coastal and the marine environment.
• A valid driver’s license with at least three years driving experience.
• A working knowledge of enforcement operations, the Integrated Coastal Management Act and the Marine Living Resources Act.
• A 15- Nautical mile skippers license with at least 3 years of proven experience.
• Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, QGIS).
• Knowledge and experience in ecological monitoring and law enforcement.
• Knowledge and experience in Fire Fighting with Crew Boss level or higher qualification.
• Bilingualism in two of the three official languages of the Western Cape.
• No criminal record.

 

Competencies

• Willingness to work irregular hours, after hours, and perform standby duties.
• Good written, verbal, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Physical fitness to be able to perform strenuous activities.
• Analytical and a technical mindset.
• Administrative skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and to manage multiple projects and tight deadlines.
• Good project planning and organizing skills.
• Ability to function independently and within a team.

 

Recommendation:

• A relevant tertiary diploma in Conservation management.
• Peace officer qualification.
• Appointed Fisheries Control Officer.
• Appointed as an Environmental Management Inspector.
• The successful candidate must be able to swim.

  

Apply online at https://capenature.simplify.hr/

 

Closing date: 4 October 2024