Floating Technician

African Parks Network; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 50 000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental conservation organization is seeking an experienced Floating Technician to support technology in its parks across South Africa. This role includes providing technical support, mentoring Park Technology Officers, and ensuring the operation of IT and communication systems in remote locations. The ideal candidate should have skills in IT support, radio networks, and cybersecurity, along with experience in managing solar power systems and data collection devices.

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting IT and communication equipment.
• Proficient in managing technology in remote areas.
• Ability to train and mentor staff on technical systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and training to Park Technology Officers.
• Ensure all IT and communication equipment are operational.
• Manage procurement and reporting for technology-related equipment.

Skills

IT support

Radio network management

Cybersecurity awareness

Solar power systems management

Data collection devices management

GIS applications

Education

Relevant technical diploma or degree

Tools

Microsoft 365

EarthRanger

ArcGIS

Job description

Overview

African Parks is looking for an experienced Floating Technician who will be responsible for supporting technology in all AP Parks in the region/country. This role will provide technical support, training and mentorship for Park Technology Officers (PT) while ensuring AP Technology SOPs are implemented and maintained. In supporting these PTs, this role must ensure the long-term success of technology at a country/regional level. The position requires a team player and a person who can live in and work in remote areas.

Technical

• Ensure that IT and communication equipment is fully operational all the time. This includes backbone network management, Wi-Fi access points and internet connection management (Starlinks or other ISPs) to ensure the best possible user experience where work applications are prioritized.
• Radio network management and repairs including repeaters, radio programming, and software management.
• LoRa network management, including gateways, connected devices, servers, and the coordination and management of tracking devices.
• Assist parks in preparing for installations by doing pre-installation checks and readiness assessments.
• Install, maintain and monitor solar power systems.
• Install, maintain and monitor security camera systems.
• Manage Field GPS and Emergency satellite communication systems.
• Management of data collection devices (rugged phones, trackers, camera traps), etc.
• EarthRanger management and sensor integration.
• ArcGIS management and integration (including data collection applications such as Survey 123, and Quick capture).

IT

• Microsoft 365 admin centre support.
• Provide general IT support.
• Anti-virus and Windows update management.
• Server support and data backup assurance.
• Implement Cybersecurity measures.
• Cybersecurity awareness and knowledge sharing.

Management and Training

• Mentoring and coaching the Park Tech Officer (PTO)
• Promote a strong regional tech team.
• Assist with the technology budgets and budgeting process of parks.
• Coordinate with relevant African Parks Network (APN) staff to ensure up to date standards and training materials are implemented and available.
• Train staff in the usage of communication and data collection devices such as Smartphones, Garmin GPS etc.
• Train and support staff that work with (conservation) technology applications and on-site software/equipment (EarthRanger, Esri applications, data tool, GIS, control room software).

Documentation and reporting

• Ensure up-to-date documentation on all installed equipment
• Ensure frequent and comprehensive reporting from the parks in the region.

Administrative and Reporting

• Manage procurement of technology related equipment and systems.
• Report on key metrics for all the parks in the region

Key Relationships

• Technology (Conservation Tech and IT) at Head Office, APN
• Regional Operations Manager (ROM) – Indirect Supervisor
• Park Technology Officers - Training, support and mentorship.
• Park managers and operations managers