Marine Conservation Project Officer

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Marine Conservation Project Officer in Mossel Bay to develop, implement, and monitor coastal conservation projects.

The role combines fieldwork with office duties, supporting biodiversity protection, habitat restoration, and community engagement across the Western Cape.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in marine conservation project management or implementation.
• Proven experience in ecological surveys and data analysis.
• Strong understanding of Western Cape marine ecosystems, threats, and conservation strategies.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and oversee marine conservation projects from inception to completion.
• Conduct field surveys and research to monitor marine species and habitats.
• Develop and implement habitat restoration and pollution reduction strategies.
• Coordinate and lead volunteer teams for fieldwork activities and monitoring.
• Engage with local communities, stakeholders, and government agencies to promote marine conservation.
• Prepare detailed project reports, scientific findings, and grant proposals.
• Manage project budgets and resources effectively.
• Contribute to conservation policies and action plans.
• Stay updated with the latest research and best practices in marine conservation.
• Represent the organization at meetings, workshops, and conferences.

Skills

Project management

Ecological surveys

Data analysis

Scientific software

Stakeholder engagement

Report writing

Field work

Education

Master's degree in Marine Biology or related field

Tools

R / Python / GIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems, is seeking a highly skilled and passionate Marine Conservation Project Officer to join their team in Mossel Bay . This role is instrumental in developing, implementing, and monitoring projects aimed at conserving the rich marine biodiversity of the Western Cape coastline. You will work on critical initiatives such as coastal clean-ups, habitat restoration, species monitoring, and community engagement programs. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific background in marine biology or conservation, coupled with practical project management experience. This hybrid role requires a blend of fieldwork and office-based tasks, offering a dynamic work experience. You will be at the forefront of efforts to protect the fragile marine environment of South Africa and contribute significantly to sustainable ocean practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and oversee marine conservation projects from inception to completion.
• Conduct field surveys and research to monitor marine species and habitats.
• Develop and implement strategies for habitat restoration and pollution reduction.
• Coordinate and lead volunteer teams for fieldwork activities, including clean-ups and monitoring.
• Engage with local communities, stakeholders, and government agencies to promote marine conservation.
• Prepare detailed project reports, scientific findings, and grant proposals.
• Manage project budgets and resources effectively.
• Contribute to the development of conservation policies and action plans.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and best practices in marine conservation.
• Represent the organization at relevant meetings, workshops, and conferences.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Marine Biology, Conservation Biology, Oceanography, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in marine conservation project management or implementation.
• Proven experience in conducting ecological surveys and data analysis.
• Strong understanding of marine ecosystems, threats, and conservation strategies, particularly in the Western Cape .
• Excellent project management, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in relevant scientific software and data management tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work effectively both in the field (often in challenging conditions) and in an office setting.
• Passion for marine conservation and a commitment to the organization's mission.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within the region.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive annual salary of , commensurate with qualifications and experience. As a hybrid position, you will enjoy a balanced work environment, combining hands-on fieldwork in the beautiful coastal areas around Mossel Bay with focused work in the office. Our client provides opportunities for professional growth, training, and the chance to collaborate with leading experts in marine conservation. You will be part of a dedicated team committed to preserving vital marine ecosystems for future generations in South Africa . Make a tangible impact on the health of our oceans.