Field Ranger (Level 4) - De Hoop Nature Reserve Complex at CapeNature

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation, restoration initiatives and effective protected area management.

• Ecological tasks: Carry out ecological projects as per the Protected Area Ecological Matrix and any other biodiversity conservation related tasks as required for the effective management of the Protected Area.
• Alien invasive species management: Carry out alien invasive species management in the Protected Area .
• Heritage tasks: Carry out identified functions related to historical, cultural, archaeological and palaeontological asset management in the Protected Area.

Assist with protected area conservation in ways that address biodiversity loss in key biodiversity areas.

• Planning: Take part in and contribute to the planning processes for the Protected Area
• Quality control: Undertake quality control of integrated annual operations plan projects and/or other projects in field.
• Reporting: Prepare reports and carry out reporting on activities as required.
• Maintenance: Carry out infrastructure, vehicle, vessel and equipment maintenance functions as required for the Protected Area.
• Partnerships and collaborative activities: Perform functions as required for collaborative activities throughout the Landscape (MOA/U support and/or compliance).

Contribute to conservation in promoting the biodiversity economy and enhancing biodiversity access and sustainable use.

• Job creation: Support the implementation of targeted biodiversity economic activities to promote job creation, work opportunities, and livelihood support.
• Access: Manage access to the Protected Area for recreational, educational, training, research, traditional, cultural and spiritual purposes; manage volunteers and citizen scientists.
• Eco-tourism and visitor liaison: Support eco-tourism and visitor liaison activities as and when required for the Protected Area.

Contribute to conservation action to advocate for a nature positive future through behavioural change and voluntary compliance.

• Environmental awareness: Carry out environmental awareness activities.
• Capacity building: Carry out capacity building activities.
• Compliance monitoring and law enforcement: Carry out compliance monitoring and law enforcement activities as per integrated workplans, compliance plans, joint operations plans, as well as any other proactive and reactive actions necessary for the effective management of the Protected Area.

Take accountability for performance, governance, risk management and equality in the workplace.

• Health and safety: Participate in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) assessments and OHS toolbox talks and provide input for Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA); Ensure compliance with all Health and Safety standards and requirements.
• Incident preparedness and response, e.g. fires, disasters (e.g. floods, oil spill, vessel grounding), disease outbreaks, marine wildlife strandings, and search and rescues: Carry out firefighting, disaster management, incident response and rescue operations as required for the Protected Area.
• Administration: Carry out necessary administrative tasks.
• Training: Undergo relevant training as and when required.
• Supervision: Undertake supervision of Conservation Assistants, contract staff, students and volunteers.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12
• At least 2 years’ experience with an emphasis on protected areas.
• A valid driver’s license with at least three years’ driving experience.
• A working knowledge of enforcement operations.
• Computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, GIS).
• Knowledge and experience in ecological monitoring and law enforcement.
• Knowledge and experience in firefighting and incident response.
• Bilingualism in two of the three official languages of the Western Cape.
• No criminal record.