Security Officer

NatCarbon Africa; Jansenville; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable environmental organization in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, seeks a Security Officer for the Spekboom Restoration Project. The role involves safeguarding project sites during high-activity phases, ensuring the safety of personnel and assets, and collaborating with local communities. Candidates should have significant experience in security roles, strong observational skills, and a commitment to community engagement. This position offers competitive pay and requires a proactive individual who can adapt to varying work conditions.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Health care and life insurance

Paid time off

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years experience as a security officer.
• Experience in crowd control for large groups (e.g., 1,000 workers) is desirable.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate in remote areas.

Responsibilities

• Conduct security patrols during high activity periods.
• Monitor entry points to ensure authorized access.
• Respond to security incidents using de-escalation techniques.
• Document and report suspicious activities or security breaches.

Skills

Strong observational and situational awareness

Effective communication skills

Calm under pressure

Physical fitness and stamina

Basic report writing skills

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Security Management, Criminology or related field

PSIRA registration at Grade C or higher

Tools

Basic surveillance equipment

Job description

Security Officer, Spekboom Restoration Project

Department: Operations

Location: Jansenville, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Reports to: Security Manager

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure that will revitalise landscapes, combat climate change, and promote sustainable agriculture? Join NatCarbon Africa: a mission‑driven, proudly African organisation dedicated to high‑quality implementation of large‑scale carbon, climate, and biodiversity projects. We embrace the power of innovative technology to enhance project execution. Community engagement lies at the heart of our projects, driven by a genuine commitment to meaningful and inclusive participation and co‑benefits, such as biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic upliftment.

NatCarbon Africa seeks a Security Officer in the Operations Department for the large‑scale Spekboom Restoration Project in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa.

With our partner, Imperative Global, our aim is to restore up to 100,000 hectares of degraded subtropical thicket biome. The Project entails planting Spekboom (Portulacaria afra) on privately owned land to improve ecosystem functioning and agricultural productivity over time, promote biodiversity, improve soil filtration, enhance water storage capabilities, and reduce soil erosion. The Project is estimated to permanently store large quantities of Carbon Dioxide over the Project life, thus positively contributing towards climate change mitigation.

Position Summary:

The Security Officer, reporting to the Security Manager, will be responsible for providing comprehensive security services at farm sites in the rural Eastern Cape where spekboom planting, harvesting, and maintenance activities occur. This role involves safeguarding personnel, equipment, and project areas, particularly during high‑activity periods with up to 1,000 workers on‑site and during off‑hours, including weekends and holidays. The Security Officer will ensure a safe and secure environment, mitigate risks such as theft, vandalism, or unauthorised access, and support the project’s operational continuity. The position requires a vigilant, proactive individual with strong situational awareness and the ability to work effectively in a rural, community‑based setting.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Site Security During Planting Operations

• Conduct security patrols and surveillance at farm sites during active planting periods, where up to 1,000 workers may be present, to prevent unauthorised access, theft, or vandalism.
• Monitor entry and exit points to ensure only authorised personnel, including workers, supervisors, and approved visitors, access the sites.
• Protect project assets, including fencing, cuttings, tools, and equipment, from theft or damage during high‑traffic operations.
• Respond promptly to security incidents, such as trespassing or disputes, using de‑escalation techniques and coordinating with the Security Manager for resolution.
• Ensure the safety of all personnel on‑site, including workers, community members, and project staff, by enforcing safety and security protocols.

Weekend and Holiday Site Monitoring

• Perform regular patrols and inspections of farm sites during weekends, holidays, and off‑hours to secure unattended areas and prevent unauthorised activities.
• Monitor critical infrastructure, such as fencing and storage facilities, to detect and address vulnerabilities like breaches or tampering.
• Use security equipment, such as torches, radios, or basic surveillance tools, to maintain visibility and communication during low‑light or remote patrols.
• Document and report any suspicious activities, security breaches, or environmental hazards (e.g., damaged fencing) to the Security Manager promptly.
• Coordinate with local authorities or private security firms, as directed by the Security Manager, to address serious incidents during off‑hours.

Risk Mitigation and Incident Response

• Conduct routine risk assessments to identify potential security threats, such as livestock intrusion, poaching, or community disputes, and recommend preventive measures.
• Assist in implementing security protocols, including access control measures, visitor logs, and worker identification processes, to maintain order during large‑scale planting activities.
• Respond to emergencies, such as medical incidents or conflicts, by providing first‑line support and alerting relevant authorities or project management.
• Maintain accurate incident logs and provide detailed reports to the Security Manager on all security‑related events, including near‑mises and resolved issues.

Community Engagement and Collaboration

• Build positive relationships with local communities to foster trust and cooperation, ensuring security measures align with community needs and cultural sensitivities.
• Communicate effectively with community members and workers to address concerns related to site security, such as trespassing or livestock management.
• Support the Security Manager in liaising with traditional leaders, community organisations, or local law enforcement to resolve security‑related disputes.
• Participate in community‑based security initiatives, such as joint patrols or awareness campaigns, to enhance site safety and community buy‑in.

Compliance and Reporting

• Adhere to all organisational security policies, occupational health and safety regulations, and South African legal requirements for security operations.
• Maintain accurate records of patrols, incidents, and observations, submitting regular reports to the Security Manager for review and action.
• Participate in security briefings and training sessions to stay updated on protocols, risk management strategies, and project‑specific security needs.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and project guidelines, avoiding actions that could disrupt spekboom planting or restoration efforts.

General:

• Embrace a culture of continuous learning by adapting to evolving job responsibilities, driven by NatCarbon Africa’s commitment to innovation, personal growth, and shifting operational priorities.
• Some travel within the Eastern and Western Cape may be required, including to remote locations, with occasional weekend or holiday work to accommodate schedules. Work hours may be irregular.
• This outline of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive. The employer reserves the right to assign additional duties or responsibilities at any time, provided they are reasonably aligned with the scope of the role or necessitated by operational requirements. The functions and responsibilities detailed within this job description may be subject to modification at the employer’s discretion, based on evolving operational requirements, while remaining consistent with the parameters of the employee’s position.

Skills:

• Strong observational and situational awareness skills to detect and respond to potential security threats in dynamic environments.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with workers, community members, and authorities in a respectful and professional manner.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, with proven de‑escalation and conflict resolution skills.
• Physical fitness and stamina to conduct patrols and work extended hours, including weekends and holidays, in rural outdoor settings.
• Basic report‑writing and record‑keeping skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Cultural sensitivity and fluency in English, with proficiency in isiXhosa or Afrikaans preferred for effective community engagement.
• Commitment to teamwork, reliability, and integrity in a mission‑driven organisation focused on sustainability and community development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Security Management, Criminology, Risk Management, or a related field.
• Relevant certifications such as PSIRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority) registration at Grade C or higher are advantageous.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a security officer, preferably in rural or agricultural settings, with exposure to large‑scale operations or community‑based projects.
• Experience in crowd control or managing security for large groups (e.g., 1,000 workers) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with rural Eastern Cape environments, including knowledge of local security challenges such as livestock theft or land disputes, is an advantage.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate in remote areas with limited infrastructure.

• Proven track record in handling stock theft prevention, community liaison, and multi‑site operations.
• Understand and navigate local regulatory issues in the regions in which the company operates.
• Understand and utilize data analysis and performance metrics associated technology.

Working Conditions

• Frequent travel within the Eastern and Western Cape anticipated, including to remote locations. Travel may on occasion cross weekends and holidays to accommodate schedules. Work hours may be irregular.
• You will join a great team! We are:
• From diverse locations and backgrounds, but all experts in our respective fields. We bring together a wide range of cross‑sector experiences, ideas, and skills.
• Relentless in our pursuit of excellence and innovation, always pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo. But it is not all work for us – we also believe in celebrating our successes, recognising individual contributions, and taking time to support each other’s growth and development.
• At our core, explorers, constantly learning, evolving, and seeking new ways to deliver impactful solutions. We are not afraid to dream big, take risks and step out of our comfort zones because we know that together, we can achieve great things.

Compensation

• To help us attract and retain top talent, NatCarbon Africa pays employees competitively to the market, depending on experience. Salary is one component of NatCarbon Africa’s total compensation package which also includes health care and life insurance, contributions to each employee’s retirement plan, paid time off and funds to support professional development. We will recognise employees who go beyond expected performance with salary increases and/or promotions.
• In return, we expect each employee to, at a minimum:
• Meet expectations in terms of work effort and performance.
• Take the initiative to build the skills and knowledge needed to do their job effectively; and
• Embody the values of NatCarbon Africa.

How to Apply

To apply, please send us the following:

• Cover letter (not to exceed one page).
• Resume/CV (not to exceed three pages).

Please add app.bamboohr.com to your contact list to ensure you receive emails from us.

NatCarbon Africa provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination.

Only applications received online via the NatCarbon website or LinkedIn Page will be considered.