Principal Forest Ecologist - Conservation and Management

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Retirement fund contribution

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Principal Forest Ecologist to lead scientific direction for conservation, management, and restoration of forest ecosystems across Gauteng properties. The role requires advancing ecological strategies, carrying out critical research, and advising on sustainable forest management.

Successful candidate will lead a team, develop monitoring programs, and contribute to policy development while advancing biodiversity in the Pretoria region and beyond.

Qualifications

• PhD in Forest Ecology or closely related field with specialization in forest ecosystems.
• Minimum 10 years of post-doctoral research and practical forest ecology experience.
• Proven expertise in forest inventory, monitoring techniques, and ecological modeling.
• Excellent scientific writing and publication record.
• Ability to lead teams and collaborate with government, NGOs, and academia.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead long-term ecological monitoring programs for forest ecosystems.
• Conduct research on forest biodiversity, health, structure, and ecosystem services.
• Design and oversee forest restoration and rehabilitation projects.
• Develop forest management plans considering climate change adaptation.
• Provide expert ecological advice to land managers and stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor a team of ecologists and field technicians.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Contribute to policy and advocacy for forest conservation in South Africa.
• Manage project budgets, grants, and reporting compliance.

Skills

Leadership

GIS & Remote Sensing

Scientific Writing

Stakeholder Collaboration

Ecological Modeling

Education

PhD in Forest Ecology

Tools

GIS

Remote Sensing

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading environmental conservation organization with extensive landholdings in Gauteng, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Forest Ecologist. This senior role will lead the scientific direction for the conservation, management, and restoration of forest ecosystems across their properties. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of forest dynamics, biodiversity, and ecological processes, coupled with a passion for practical conservation outcomes. You will be responsible for developing and implementing innovative ecological strategies, conducting critical research, and advising on sustainable forest management practices. This is a key position within the organization, offering the opportunity to make a substantial impact on forest health and biodiversity in the Pretoria region and beyond. This role requires a blend of scientific rigor, strategic thinking, and leadership to guide our conservation efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term ecological monitoring programs for forest ecosystems.
• Conduct research on forest biodiversity, health, structure, and function, including species interactions and ecosystem services.
• Design and oversee forest restoration and rehabilitation projects, employing best-practice ecological principles.
• Develop and update forest management plans based on sound ecological science, considering climate change adaptation.
• Provide expert ecological advice to land managers, conservation staff, and external stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor a team of ecologists, researchers, and field technicians.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
• Contribute to policy development and advocacy related to forest conservation in South Africa.
• Manage project budgets, grant applications, and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Forest Ecology, Ecology, Biology, or a closely related field with a specialization in forest ecosystems.
• Minimum of 10 years of post-doctoral research and practical experience in forest ecology and conservation science.
• Proven expertise in forest inventory, monitoring techniques, and ecological modeling.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex ecological research projects and teams.
• Strong understanding of South African forest types, biodiversity, and conservation challenges.
• Experience with GIS and remote sensing for ecological applications.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills, with a record of publications.
• Ability to foster collaboration and build partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities in complex conservation scenarios.
• Willingness to conduct fieldwork in various forest types across Gauteng and potentially other provinces.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, a generous retirement fund contribution, and opportunities for professional growth through workshops, conferences, and further research.
• This role provides a unique opportunity to lead significant conservation initiatives within the Pretoria area and contribute to the ecological well-being of South Africa's natural heritage.