Conservation Officer – Off Reserve (Level 8), Vanrhynsdorp Office, LHSKT Stewardship at CapeNature

Job Description

• This position is suited to a dedicated conservationist who seeks to contribute meaningfully to the conservation of biodiversity through protected area expansion and biodiversity stewardship and extension services as part of the Lesley Hill Succulent Karoo Trust Stewardship Project by providing conservation services and stewardship extension support in the Matzikama Landscape Unit in Landscape West.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Completion of Stewardship Processes:

• To provide information to key landowners and managers in respect of relevant conservation stewardship options and facilitate and provide support for the negotiations and development of subsequent stewardship agreements in order to secure priority Succulent Karoo habitats.
• Consolidate negotiations for stewardship agreements
• The compilation of Management Plans for stewardship sites
• Support Landscape Operation with the evaluation of identified conservation areas as Other Effective Area Based Conservation Measures (OECMs)

 Maintain Stewardship sites

• Preparation and compilation of stewardship site assessments for potential stewardship sites.
• Attend and participate in the stewardship site review process.
• Identify and implement appropriate technical assistance projects for landowners in recognition of stewardship agreements.
• Carry out audits for stewardship sites & compile annual APO’s.

Provide Extension Support & Resource Tools

• Attend and participate in relevant Conservation Management and Stewardship meetings, Forums, Symposiums & Peer Learning Workshops and Knowledge Exchanges.
• Attend meetings with partners & stakeholders
• Implement awareness interventions through presentations at landowner groupings
• Capacity building and technical advice through extension support
• Assist with the planning and implementation of resources tools to equip stewardship site owners and managers
• Liaise with other extension officers from NGO’s and Departments in the landscape and combine efforts or adapt existing resource material or develop new material

Monitoring, control and compliance

• Ensure compliance with relevant policies and legislation.
• Report writing, finance and asset management.
• Manage information systems and relevant databases.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A formal three-year qualification in the field of Natural Resource Management or Biodiversity Conservation.
• At least two years’ appropriate experience.
• A valid 08 driver’s license and a willingness to travel extensively in the Landscape
• Advanced computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Power Point and GIS).
• Good interpersonal and communication skills in at least two of the official languages spoken in the rural areas of the Western Cape.
• Sound report writing and presentation skills
• No criminal record

COMPETENCIES:

• Highly motivated and service oriented with the ability to work efficiently while unsupervised as well as the ability to build and maintain partnerships.
• High levels of personal responsibility and accountability.
• Project management at a local scale.
• Proven ability to prioritise actions and manage time efficiently.
• Added advantage will be knowledge of Succulent Karoo ecology
• Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• High level of physical fitness to perform inspections in rugged terrain.