Field Technician: Biodiversity at NRF National Research Foundation

National Research Foundation; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization is seeking a highly skilled Ecological Manager for its Grasslands Node. The role involves managing ecological and biodiversity observation programs, designing monitoring initiatives, and leading data management efforts in challenging field conditions. Candidates should possess a Master's degree, extensive experience in ecological research, and a passion for teaching and mentoring.

Qualifications

• 10 years of relevant experience in ecological field observations, data management, and analysis.
• At least 4 years of operational experience in biodiversity fieldwork and data analysis.
• Expertise in grassland ecology, herbarium curation, and ecological data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage long-term ecological and biodiversity observation programs.
• Design and implement biodiversity monitoring initiatives.
• Provide technical support on ecological observations to staff and collaborators.

Skills

Ecological field observations

Data management

Ecological data analysis

Programming in R

Programming in Python

Statistical modeling

GIS analysis

Interpersonal skills

Education

Masters Degree / NQF 9

Tools

QGIS

SAGA

Google Earth Engine

Job description

Position Summary:
The Grasslands Node, established in 2011, is one of seven within SAEON. Its research sites and long-term observations support interdisciplinary research on how climate change and human activities affect grasslands and their services, with a focus on social-ecological systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage long-term ecological and biodiversity observation programs at the Grasslands Node’s LTER sites.
• Design, plan, and implement biodiversity monitoring initiatives to enhance ecological research, emphasizing social-ecological system dynamics.
• Provide technical and scientific support on ecological observations to SAEON staff, students, visiting scientists, and collaborators.
• Ensure accurate data collection following SOPs; develop new SOPs as needed.
• Create and implement data management protocols for biodiversity and hydrometeorological data, ensuring proper archiving and metadata documentation.
• Perform data quality control, statistical analyses, and interpret ecological datasets to identify trends and implications.
• Conduct remote sensing analysis using GIS platforms (QGIS, SAGA) and coding in R, Python, Java (Google Earth Engine).
• Develop decision-support tools like dashboards and policy briefs.
• Manage spatial datasets and oversee dataset archiving, including publishing DOIs via the SAEON Open Data Portal.
• Participate in SAEON forums to improve SOPs and data pipelines.
• Co-develop research and funding proposals aligned with the Node’s goals.
• Support science engagement, outreach, stakeholder interaction, and student development programs.
• Contribute to scientific publications and conference presentations.
• Build relationships with stakeholders to maximize societal impact.
• Support operational functions like supply chain, asset, and logistics management.
• Mentor and train students and interns in plant identification, sampling, coding, and statistics.
• (Co)-supervise the SAEON Grasslands Node Biodiversity Technician.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters Degree / NQF 9

Minimum Experience:

• 10 years of relevant experience in ecological field observations, data management, and analysis.

Additional Experience:

• At least 4 years of operational experience in biodiversity fieldwork and data analysis.
• Experience working in remote locations and with dangerous game for extended periods.
• Off-road driving experience.

Knowledge:

• Expertise in grassland ecology, sampling, herbarium curation, and ecological data analysis.
• Proficiency in data management, programming (R, Python, SQL), and statistical modeling.
• Knowledge of health and safety, data visualization, and scientific reporting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Additional Notes:

• The candidate must be physically fit for fieldwork in challenging conditions and willing to work away from home for extended periods.
• Passion for teaching and contributing academically is desirable.

Applicants should submit a CV, motivation letter, and references via the NRF portal.