Remote Forest Ecologist

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Fully remote work

Advanced analytics software access

International research collaborations

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dedicated Remote Forest Ecologist to contribute to conservation and sustainable forestry in South Africa. You will apply GIS, remote sensing, and data analysis to understand forest ecosystems, focusing on biodiversity, health, and resilience.

The role offers full remote work with flexible hours, opportunities to collaborate internationally, and access to premier analytical software for impactful research and policy guidance.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD required in a relevant field.
• Experience in forest ecology research, especially in South Africa.
• Proficiency with GIS and remote sensing tools.
• Ability to analyze large datasets and develop predictive ecological models.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with ability to present complex scientific information.

Responsibilities

• Conduct remote analysis of forest ecosystems using GIS, satellite imagery, and other data sources to assess biodiversity and ecological health.
• Develop and implement models to predict forest health trends and the impact of climate change.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and scientific publications for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate virtually with field teams, researchers, and government agencies to integrate data and guide conservation strategies.
• Provide expert recommendations for sustainable forest management practices and reforestation projects.

Skills

GIS software

Remote sensing

Data analysis

Ecology knowledge

Scientific communication

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Forestry, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Remote Forest Ecologist to contribute to vital conservation and sustainable forestry initiatives across South Africa. This position is integral to understanding and managing our forest ecosystems, focusing on biodiversity, health, and resilience. You will leverage cutting-edge technology and data analysis to provide expert insights, influencing policy and practice from a remote setting. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced professional passionate about environmental stewardship and seeking a role that offers autonomy and significant impact within a forward-thinking organization dedicated to preserving natural resources for future generations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct remote analysis of forest ecosystems using GIS, satellite imagery, and other data sources to assess biodiversity and ecological health.
• Develop and implement models to predict forest health trends and the impact of climate change.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and scientific publications on forest ecology findings for internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Collaborate virtually with field teams, researchers, and government agencies to integrate data and guide conservation strategies.
• Provide expert recommendations for sustainable forest management practices and reforestation projects.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Forestry, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Proven experience in forest ecology research, with a strong understanding of South African forest types.
• Proficiency in GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) and remote sensing tools.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze large datasets and develop predictive ecological models.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting complex scientific information.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Fully remote work environment with flexible hours.
• Access to state-of-the‑art analytical software and cloud computing resources.
• Opportunities for professional development and participation in international research collaborations.
• Contribution to meaningful conservation projects that protect South Africa's natural heritage.