Conservation Technology Engineer

African Parks; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation organization is seeking a Conservation Technology Engineer based in Randburg, South Africa. This role focuses on deploying and managing technology systems for conservation operations, including IoT device implementation. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management skills and collaborate effectively with various teams to ensure high-quality deliverables. Responsibilities include conducting technology audits and providing technical support to stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity to make an impact in conservation through technology.

Qualifications

• Experience in IoT technology implementation and support.
• Proven skills in project management and execution.
• Ability to write and verify technical documentation and reports.

Responsibilities

• Research, evaluate and deploy IoT devices for conservation.
• Plan and manage technology projects and trials.
• Assist with compliance audits and data extraction.

Skills

Project management

Interdisciplinary team collaboration

Technical support

Data analysis

Compliance documentation

Education

Degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Azure

IoT devices

Network monitoring tools (e.g. Unifi, PRTG)

Job description

The African Parks Conservation Technology Engineer is a head-office based position, responsible for supporting conservation technology in all AP Parks.

The engineer’s role will be to deploy new technologies, and to consolidate technology metrics for head office. New technologies have to be looked at from the design phase through to the practicality and scalable deployments. Projects will need to be setup to manage resources and ensure high quality deliverables. For day-to-day technology use, different technology metrics will have to be monitored and reported on to ensure compliance and efficiency.

The position requires an inter-disciplinary team player that can work with people from various AP departments as well as regional and park colleagues.

Technical

• Research, evaluate and deploy IoT devices to benefit conservation operations. These technologies have to be practical and integrate into existing systems.
• Maintain centralized technology systems and integrations (data pipelines, Azure systems including Linux machines, LoRa, Unifi, Ubiquiti, Spidertracks, WPS, Camera Trap management, Weather Station data pipelines) to support conservation technology sensors in the field.
• Research and deploy IoT devices to benefit conservation and operations.
• Technical Support on the following systems:
  • Microsoft Azure environment
  • LoRa server and pipelines
  • Dockers and related software suites
  • Network managing and monitoring tools (e.g. Unifi, Ubiquiti, PRTG)
  • EarthRanger integrations, flow and reporting

Projects

• Plan and execute park technology projects. This includes trials for new technology, as well as upgrade projects, etc. This will require project management skills, and a meticulous nature. Projects could include IoT devices, as well as drones for conservation, operations optimization, etc.

Compliance and Audits

• Assist parks with technology audits and consolidate metrics at a head office level.
• Manage, optimize and extract data from the network and technology monitoring tools (VRM, UISP, PRTG, etc.)
• The candidate will be required to write and verify training material, quality and compliance documentation, and technology reports. Ensure monthly checklists and reports are submitted and stored centrally, and produce the dashboards for HO reporting. These reports have to be provided regularly and on time.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work with stakeholders to establish priorities for CT
• Training and assessments of regional and park technology personnel on conservation technology.
• Creating, maintaining and updating training material and admin Toolkit based on SOPs and best practices.
• Represent AP at international conferences

Direct Stakeholders

• Conservation Technology Manager
• Regional Technology Managers
• Park Technology Officers - Training, support and mentorship.
• Law Enforcement Team
• Business Intelligence Team
• Geospatial department
• Community department

Indirect stakeholders

• Technology users
• Regional management
• Park management
• Peripheral Technology suppliers and services
• Audit and risk team