CapeNature seeks to appoint dedicated conservationists who will contribute meaningfully to the conservation of biodiversity through protected area management with a strong emphasis on the marine and estuary environment and enforcement. The successful candidate will also support conservation efforts in line with CapeNature’s integrated catchment management approach where appropriate. Key responsibilities include compliance monitoring and law enforcement, eco-tourism, environmental education, stakeholder engagement, and contributing to integrated catchment management to help achieve the vision and goals of Protected Area Complexes.
The positions will report to the Senior Manager Marine and Coasts Operations based at Walker Bay
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation, restoration initiatives and effective protected area management.
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Ecological tasks: Carry out ecological projects as per the Marine Protected Area Ecological Matrix and any other biodiversity conservation related tasks as required for the effective management of Marine Protected Areas and Estuaries.
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Alien invasive species management: Carry out alien invasive species management in the dune systems adjacent to Protected Areas.
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Heritage tasks: Carry out identified functions related to historical, cultural, archaeological and palaeontological asset management in the Marine Protected Areas.
Assist with protected area conservation in ways that address biodiversity loss in key biodiversity areas.
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Planning: Take part in and contribute to the operational planning processes for the Marine Protected Areas and Estuaries.
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Quality control: Undertake quality control of integrated annual operations plan projects and/or other projects in field.
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Reporting: Prepare reports and carry out reporting on activities as required for MOA.
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Maintenance: Carry out minor infrastructure, vehicle, vessel and equipment maintenance functions as required for the Marine Protected Area.
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Partnerships and collaborative activities: Perform functions as required for collaborative activities throughout the Sea Scape and Phakisa Operations (MOA/U support and/or compliance and enforcement operations).
Contribute to conservation in promoting the biodiversity economy and enhancing biodiversity access and sustainable use.
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Job creation: Support the implementation of targeted biodiversity economic activities to promote job creation, work opportunities, and livelihood support. This will include inspection of legal fishers.
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Access: Manage access to Marine Protected Areas and estuaries for recreational, educational, training, research, traditional, cultural and spiritual purposes; manage volunteers and citizen scientists.
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Eco-tourism and visitor liaison: Support eco-tourism and visitor liaison activities as and when required for the Marine Protected Area. This may include carrying out inspections on legal operators.
Contribute to conservation action to advocate for a nature positive future through behavioural change and voluntary compliance.
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Environmental awareness: Carry out environmental awareness activities.
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Capacity building: Carry out capacity building activities.
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Compliance monitoring and law enforcement: Carry out compliance monitoring and law enforcement activities as per integrated workplans, compliance plans, joint operations plans, as well as any other proactive and reactive actions necessary for the effective management of Marine Protected Areas or Estuaries in terms of the Five Pillar Approach. Specific focus on rare, threatened or high value species or sensitive habitats will take precedent.
Take accountability for performance, governance, risk management and equality in the workplace.
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Health and safety: Participate in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) assessments and OHS toolbox talks and provide input for Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA); Ensure compliance with all Health and Safety standards and requirements.
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Incident preparedness and response, e.g. disasters (e.g. floods, oil spill, vessel grounding), disease outbreaks, marine wildlife strandings, and search and rescues: Carry out vessel-based activities linked to disaster management, incident response and rescue operations as required for the Protected Area.
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Administration: Carry out necessary administrative tasks.
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Training: Undergo relevant training as and when required. Ensure an understanding of the needs for the position and successful operations and participate in appropriate training and mentorship, e.g. WIOCOMPAS or FISHFORCE.
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Supervision: Undertake supervision of Conservation Assistants, contract staff, students and volunteers.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Qualifications and Experience
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Grade 12
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At least 5 years’ experience with an emphasis on protected areas and or estuary, coastal and the marine environment.
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A valid driver’s license with at least three years’ driving experience.
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Skippers Category C or higher with 5 years’ experience (Marine Field Ranger post)
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FCO, EMI, Peace Officer qualification
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A working knowledge of joint enforcement operations, specifically the National Environmental Management: Integrated Coastal Management Act and the Marine Living Resources Act.
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Computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, GIS).
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Knowledge and experience in ecological monitoring and law enforcement.
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Knowledge in firefighting and incident response.
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Bilingualism in two of the three official languages of the Western Cape.
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No criminal record.
Competencies
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Willingness to work weekend and irregular hours.
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Physical ability to perform Field Ranger duties, including the ability to swim and go to sea on a patrol vessel.
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Strong analytical, strategic and creative problem-solving skills.
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Knowledge and experience in working with the public, maintenance of infrastructure and law enforcement.
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Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects and tight deadlines.
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Good project planning and organizational skills.
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Ability to function independently (unsupervised) and within a team.
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Computer literacy plus advanced proficiency in MS-Office.
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Ability to work in a marine / aquatic environment.
Recommendation:
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National Diploma in Nature Conservation and/or Marine Science.
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Appropriate firefighting certificate.
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4x4 Driving skills and experience.
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ICS 100 certification.
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Use of GIS software.
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Ability to swim and be water safe.
AS A CONTRACT EMPLOYEE OF CAPENATURE, YOU WILL ENJOY:
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24 days of annual leave per annual leave cycle.
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Comprehensive benefits for death, critical illness or injury linked to the Pension Fund for CapeNature employees.
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Staff discounts of up to 50% on CapeNature accommodation at reserves across the Western Cape.
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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.
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Free access to CapeNature’s Wellness Partner for you and your immediate household which includes professional counselling, financial, legal and health related advice; and
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The opportunity to positively impact the environment and promote a sustainable future.
Remuneration negotiable within the range provided, depending on current remuneration package.”
Apply online at https://capenature.simplify.hr/
Closing date:
