Field Ranger

NatCarbon Africa; Jansenville; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

NatCarbon Africa in Jansenville, Eastern Cape, South Africa, invites a Field Ranger to join the Spekboom Restoration Project. Reporting to the Conservation Officer, you will monitor wildlife and manage natural resources within designated conservation areas, conduct patrols on foot or by vehicle, and support research and data collection while adhering to project protocols.

The role involves fence checks, day and night patrols, occasional travel across the Eastern and Western Cape, irregular

Qualifications

• A degree or relevant qualifications in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Wildlife management or related field preferred.
• Track and sign/trailing qualification and experience will be advantageous.
• First aid certification and wilderness survival training are recommended.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular patrols to monitor wildlife.
• Assist in mitigation strategies to prevent herbivory.
• Support conservation research, wildlife surveys, and ecological assessments.
• Collect data on wildlife sightings, plant species, and ecological observations.
• Maintain field equipment, vehicles, and communications gear.
• Collaborate with conservation staff to protect biodiversity and manage resources.
• Attend meetings and training as needed.
• Perform administrative duties and ensure policy compliance.
• Make recommendations to supervisor based on field observations.

Skills

Strong communication

Reporting skills

Computer literate

Map reading

Direction sense

Analytical thinking

Independent worker

Team player

Physical endurance

Education

Degree in Ecology/Conservation

Job description

Field Ranger, Spekboom Restoration Project

Department: Operations

Location: Jansenville, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Reports to: Conservation Officer

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure that will revitalise landscapes, combat climate change, and promote sustainable agriculture?Join NatCarbon Africa: a mission-driven, proudly African organisation dedicated to high-quality implementation of large-scale carbon, climate, and biodiversity projects. We embrace the power of innovative technology to enhance project execution. Community engagement lies at the heart of our projects, driven by a genuine commitment to meaningful and inclusive participation and co-benefits, such as biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic upliftment.

NatCarbon Africa seeks a Field Ranger in the Operations Department for the large-scale Spekboom Restoration Project in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa.

With our partner, Imperative Global, our aim is to restore up to 100,000 hectares of degraded subtropical thicket biome. The Project entails planting Spekboom Portulacaria afra on privately owned land to improve ecosystem functioning and agricultural productivity over time, promote biodiversity, improve soil filtration, enhance water storage capabilities, and to reduce soil erosion. The Project is estimated to permanently store large quantities of Carbon Dioxide over the Project life, thus positively contributing towards climate change mitigation.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Conservation Officer, the Field Ranger plays a crucial role within our organisation in the management of wildlife, natural resources, and ecosystems within designated conservation areas. Field Rangers are responsible for monitoring and managing wildlife populations and assisting with research efforts related to conservation. They patrol various areas on foot or in vehicles, ensuring the security of protected areas and supporting broader environmental protection goals. They will assist in fence checks, day and night patrols and surveillance, and must ensure all tasks are adhered to as per the individual task description, specifications and protocols.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Conduct regular patrols in assigned areas to monitor wildlife.
• Assist in applying mitigation strategies to prevent herbivory from damage-causing animals.
• Participate in conservation research projects, providing support for wildlife surveys and ecological assessments.
• Collect data on wildlife sightings, plant species, and other ecological observations, ensuring that records are accurately maintained.
• Maintain field equipment, vehicles, and communication tools in good working order.
• Work closely with other conservation staff to ensure the protection of biodiversity and sustainable management of natural resources.
• Attend meetings and training as needed.
• Perform administrative duties as needed.
• Ensure all NatCarbon Africa policies and procedures are implemented.
• Make recommendations to supervisor based on observations in the field.

General:

• Embrace a culture of continuous learning by adapting to evolving job responsibilities, driven by NatCarbon Africa’s commitment to innovation, personal growth, and shifting operational priorities
• Some travel within the Eastern and Western Cape may be required, including to remote locations, with occasional weekend or holiday work to accommodate schedules. Work hours may be irregular.

• This outline of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. The employer reserves the right to assign additional duties or responsibilities at any time, provided they are reasonably aligned with the scope of the role or necessitated by operational requirements. The functions and responsibilities detailed within this job description may be subject to modification at the employer’s discretion, based on evolving operational requirements, while remaining consistent with the parameters of the employee’s position

Skills:

• Strong communication and reporting skills.
• Computer literate.
• Map reading skills and good sense of direction.
• Strong analytical, strategic and creative thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in remote or challenging environments and endure physically demanding conditions.
• Must be dynamic, independent, energetic and high-spirited individual
• Ability to thrive in a challenging environment managing multiple tasks and tight deadlines.

Qualifications:

• A degree or relevant qualifications in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Wildlife management or related field preferred.
• Track and sign/trailing qualification and experience will be advantageous.
• First aid certification and wilderness survival training are recommended.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Practical experience in conservation field work in the areas of ecology, wildlife management and/or damage causing animals.

• Previous experience in wildlife conservation, forestry, or a related field is desirable.
• Knowledge of local wildlife, tracks and signs, ecosystems, and conservation laws.
• No criminal record.
• Commitment to conservation-focused approaches.

• Valid driver’s license, PrDP and 4x4 driving experience - advantageous.

• Sober habits.
• Knowledge of the Fauna and Flora of the Eastern Cape.
• Field Rangers work in various weather conditions and remote areas.
• The role may require working irregular hours.
• The role may require night patrols and surveillance.

Working Conditions

• Frequent travel within the Eastern and Western Cape anticipated, including to remote locations. Travel may on occasion cross weekends and holidays to accommodate schedules. Work hours may be irregular
• You will join a great team!We are:
• From diverse locations and backgrounds, but all experts in our respective fields. We bring together a wide range of cross-sector experiences, ideas, and skills
• Relentless in our pursuit of excellence and innovation, always pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo. But it is not all work for us – we also believe in celebrating our successes, recognising individual contributions, and taking time to support each other’s growth and development
• At our core, explorers, constantly learning, evolving, and seeking new ways to deliver impactful solutions. We are not afraid to dream big, take risks, and step out of our comfort zones because we know that together, we can achieve great things

Compensation

To help us attract and retain top talent, NatCarbon Africa pays employees competitively to the market, depending on experience. Salary is one component of NatCarbon Africa’s total compensation package which also includes health care and life insurance, contributions to each employee’s retirement plan, paid time off and funds to support professional development. We will recognise employees who go beyond expected performance with salary increases and/or promotions.

In return, we expect each employee to, at a minimum:

• Meet expectations in terms of work effort and performance.
• Take the initiative to build the skills and knowledge needed to do their job effectively; and
• Embody the values of NatCarbon Africa.

NatCarbon Africa provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination.