Biodiversity Monitor

-; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy company is seeking a Biodiversity Monitor to conduct operational monitoring of birds and bats at their facility in the Eastern Cape. The ideal candidate will possess a relevant Higher Certificate and have field experience in wildlife monitoring. Responsibilities include conducting surveys, operating a GPS, and collecting detailed data. The position requires excellent communication skills in English and the ability to work independently in outdoor environments. Preference may be given to candidates from designated groups.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be fluent in English with excellent verbal and written skills.
• Must have a valid driver's license with at least 2 years of driving experience.
• Previous field experience with birds and/or bats monitoring is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct operational bird and bat monitoring at the wind facility.
• Record data during surveys on foot, potentially up to 15 km per day.
• Operate tools to collect and record observations accurately.

Skills

Fluent English

Ability to identify local bird and/or bat species

Computer literacy (MS Word and Excel)

Field experience with bird and/or bat monitoring

Excellent writing, spelling, editing and proofreading skills

Education

Higher Certificate (N4/N5)

Matric Certificate/Grade 12

Tools

Camera

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Binoculars

Topographic maps

Job description

1. POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Biodiversity Monitor

Reports to: Biodiversity Monitor Supervisor, South Africa

Department: Operations and Maintenance

Period: Full Time Local Employment Agreement

Company: Biotherm Operations and Maintenance (an ENGIE SA company)

Location: ENGIE Southern Africa, Golden Valley Windfarm Facility, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

CLOSING DATE: 14th February 2026

2. BACKGROUND

ENGIE Southern African is seeking Biodiversity Monitor for the Golden Valley Wind Farm Facility near Golden Valley in the Eastern Cape Province. The primary responsibility of this position is to conduct operational bird and bat monitoring at the wind facility. The program is inclusive of bird and bat monitoring, fatality searches, searcher efficiency trials and carcass persistence trials, adhering to standardized protocols as trained, being part of a small field crew and keeping detailed datasheets. If required, this position may require the implementation of the Shut Down on Demand (SDOD) protocol. Preference would be given to candidates residing at Cookhouse/Somerset, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with environmental monitoring scope of work at Golden Valley Wind Farm Facility.
• Conduct bird and bat monitoring.
• Conduct surveys on foot (up to 15 km per day) in potentially adverse weather conditions and record data.
• Conduct visual surveys of bird flight activity and advise/alert a control room when specific bird species approach too close to wind turbines in accordance with a specific protocol.
• Search for dead or injured birds and bats on foot in amongst vegetation under wind turbines.
• Conduct bird observations for extended periods of time (up to 40 hours per week) to record behavior and flight patterns.
• Operate a camera and Global Positioning System (GPS) and record details of carcasses found, and observations made.
• Follow instructions from the Supervisor and collect precise and thorough data.
• Prepared to work in shifts that will result in working over the weekend when required.

5. EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Higher Certificate (N4/N5)
• Matric Certificate/Grade 12.
• Computer literate (especially MS Word and Excel), ability to work with electronic data collection protocols and data submission timing requirements;
• A valid driver's license, with at least 2 years driving experience.
• Candidates who have previous field experience with birds and/or bats monitoring will be preferred.
• Ability to identify local bird and/or bat species.
• Firefighting Certificate;
• First-Aid Certificate;
• Experience in the use of the camera, binoculars, topographic maps, GPS units, and other field equipment.

Additional information

• All applications need to be accompanied by the following supporting documents or will be automatically disqualified:
• Certified copy of ID
• Certificate copy of a driver's licence.
• Certificate copies of all qualifications (if applicable)
• Proof of residence

Language

• Fluent in English (verbal and written skills)
• Other languages would be a benefit (isiXhosa).
• Excellent writing, spelling, editing and proof reading skills

Behavioural Competencies

• Must be able to work independently and with others, and interact positively with project management and landowners;
• Must be able to follow instructions from Supervisor and collect data precisely and thoroughly;
• Candidates must be able to walk for extend periods of time and be able to handle exposure to extreme inclement weather conditions;
• Must be a good communicator, have the ability to maintain a positive attitude, and to accept guidance and constructive criticism;
• Have a passion for the environment;
• Energetic, fit and self-motivated;

6. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adheres to the Company Policies and Procedures and Ethics;
• Behaves in a responsible way;
• Lives the values of the Company.

ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd is committed to equality, employment equity, and diversity. In accordance with the employment equity plan of ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups. ENGIE Southern Africa

Business Unit: GBU Renewables & Flexible Power

Division: R&B AMEA - South Africa

Legal Entity: BioTherm Operations and Maintenance (RF) Proprietary Limited

Professional Experience: Junior (experience <3 years)

Education Level: High School Diploma/GED/A Levels

Company Name: ENGIE South Africa