Lead Field Technician, Spekboom Restoration Project

NatCarbon Africa; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

NatCarbon Africa seeks a Senior Field Technician for the Spekboom Restoration Project in the Eastern and Western Cape. You will lead a small field team, coordinate monitoring activities, and mentor Junior Field Technicians in vegetation surveys, biomass measurements, and biodiversity assessments.

The role combines hands-on data collection with leadership, maintaining data integrity and adapting methodologies as needed. Travel across the Eastern and Western Cape is expected.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in ecology, forestry, botany, environmental science, conservation, or related fields.
• An MSc in related fields is advantageous.
• Minimum 2–5 years’ experience in ecological monitoring, restoration, or related fieldwork.
• Proven experience leading or supervising small teams in a technical or fieldwork context.
• Proficiency in GIS, GPS, and other field monitoring equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate and mentor a team of Junior Field Technicians for field monitoring activities.
• Plan and implement daily, weekly, monthly schedules.
• Supervise data collection, ensure quality and timely delivery within budget.
• Oversee field logistics (vehicle, equipment) and coordination with operations.
• Conduct vegetation surveys, biomass measurements, biodiversity monitoring, and survival surveys.
• Develop and test field methodologies and pilot emerging technologies.
• Provide technical guidance to inform adaptive management decisions.
• Contribute to technical reports and project documentation.
• Support the Project Team and participate in relevant field events.
• Frequent travel within the Eastern and Western Cape; irregular hours.

Skills

Leadership

English communication

Organisational skills

Data management

Attention to detail

Independent work

Outdoor fitness

Initiative

Education

Bachelor's degree in Ecology/Environmental Science

MSc advantageous

Tools

GIS software

GPS devices

Data analysis tools

Job description

NatCarbon Africa seeks a Senior Field Technician for the Spekboom Restoration Project in the Eastern and Western Cape. You will lead a small field team, coordinate monitoring activities, and mentor Junior Field Technicians in vegetation surveys, biomass measurements, and biodiversity assessments.

The role combines hands-on data collection with leadership, maintaining data integrity and adapting methodologies as needed. Travel across the Eastern and Western Cape is expected.