Biomonitoring Officer

Bushwise; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation organization in South Africa seeks a dedicated individual to collect biological data and manage volunteers. The role involves supervising the Volunteer Bio-monitoring Programme and ensuring the safety of volunteers in the field. Candidates should possess FGASA Level 1 certification and have relevant guiding and conservation experience. This position promises a dynamic work environment, strong responsibilities, and the opportunity to contribute significantly to ecological research and conservation efforts.

Qualifications

• FGASA Level 1 certification is mandatory.
• Six months' guiding experience in a lodge setting required.
• Code B, E or EB drivers Licence necessary.
• Valid Public Drivers Permit (PrDP) required.
• Valid First Aid Qualification is a must.
• LEDET or DEAT guide registration required.

Responsibilities

• Collect and report biological data for the Research Ecologist.
• Assist in running the Volunteer Bio-monitoring Programme.
• Maintain safety and security of volunteers and students.
• Ensure compliance with deadlines and high administrative standards.

Skills

FGASA Level 1

Understanding of wildlife monitoring

Strong writing and communication skills

4x4 driving skills

Competent in wildlife monitoring software

Education

Diploma or qualification in related field

BSc degree or advanced diploma in related field

Tools

Cyber tracker

EarthRanger

Job description

Job Purpose The successful candidate will be responsible for collecting biological data to contribute to the information required by the Research Ecologist, whilst hosting and involving volunteers and/or students. In addition, this position will assist in running the Volunteer Bio-monitoring Programme and camp operations on the Reserve. This position reports directly to the Bio-monitoring Manager and will liaise with the Research Ecologist on a regular basis. The incumbent is required to work without supervision and must therefore be self-motivated, responsible and of general sober habits.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Undertaking general long-term monitoring and contributing to research
• Assist the Research Ecologist in all aspects of wildlife, vegetation and environmental data collection and monitoring, including focal species and maintaining the white rhino identikits
• Accurate and detailed reporting to the Research Ecologist via the Bio-monitoring Manager
• Supervision and ensuring the safety and security of volunteers and students in the camp and out in the field
• Comfortable working in a dynamic research environment interacting with researchers, scientists and Reserve Management
• Assist with running the Bio-monitoring Camp
• Maintain a high level of administration and achieve related deadlines

Requirements

Minimum:

• FGASA Level 1
• Six months' guiding experience in a lodge setting
• Code B, E or EB drivers Licence
• Valid Public Drivers Permit (PrDP)
• Valid First Aid Qualification
• LEDET or DEAT guide registration
• Diploma or qualification in related field
• One year conservation/monitoring/research experience

Ideal:

• FGASA Trails Guide qualification
• Firearm Competency Certificate – Rifle for business purposes
• Advanced Rifle Handling
• Two years conservation/monitoring/research/guiding experience
• BSc degree or advanced diploma in related field Experience: Guiding in a dangerous game environment
• Knowledge and skills related to the monitoring of mammals and vegetation in a Savannah ecosystem
• 4x4 driving skills
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Competent in appropriate software designed for the collection of wildlife monitoring data (e.g. Cyber tracker and EarthRanger)
• General ecological knowledge as these competencies supports conservation management