Field Ranger (Level 4) - Rocherpan Nature Reserve & MPA at CapeNature

• CapeNature seeks to appoint a dynamic individual to undertake reserve operations at the Rocherpan Nature Reserve. The candidate will be responsible for ecological data collection and data management, monitoring, quality assurance, infrastructure and equipment maintenance, environmental education, and law enforcement and compliance monitoring at the Rocherpan Nature Reserve & MPA. The Field Ranger will also be responsible for supervisory and administrative tasks and will report to the Conservation Officer (On Reserve).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Carry out Field Surveys (terrestrial and marine)

• Ecological (biotic, abiotic, cultural-historical, weather etc.) data collection
• Infrastructure surveys (buildings, trails, roads & firebreaks)
• Ecological and Management monitoring
• Assist with research projects
• Ecological data management

Perform Law Enforcement duties

• Carry out patrol duties, observations and law enforcement (on and off reserves)
• Education/extension work, issue warnings and fines if appropriate
• Maintain patrol register
• Attend court cases (represent CapeNature) from time to time
• Provide support to Conservation Off-Reserve & the Biodiversity Crime unit
• Assist SAPS, DFFE and Traffic department with road blocks

Perform Supervisory and administrative duties

• Direct support to Management - assist with reserve planning  (IWP & IAPO)
• Supervise EPWP staff and oversee contractors.
• Train and mentor other staff, students and contractors
• Complete log sheets, claim forms, quotes & requisitions
• Monthly administration, meeting minutes
• Weekly checklists

Infrastructure and Equipment 

• Carry out minor repairs and maintenance
• Maintain vehicles and equipment
• Assist with Stores Management
• Erosion control & Rehabilitation work
• Transport of staff /contractors /equipment

Assist in Fire and Alien Vegetation Management 

• Act as IC, Section Chief or Crew Boss during fires
• Perform weekly standby duties for tourism an during fire season
• Alien Vegetation Identification; determine densities; identify appropriate control methods
• Manual Alien Clearing

Quality Assurance

• Act as Environmental Control Officer
• Carry out Quality Control duties
• Assist with risk assessments and quality assurance audits, including Occupational Health & Safety checks

Perform Community Conservation duties

• Assist with Environmental Awareness, Capacity Building and Youth Development
• Assist with Community Based Natural Resources Management / People and Parks
• Assist with Local Economic Development initiatives on/off Reserves
• Assist with Volunteer management

Client care

• Assist with Tourism activities
• Issue visitor permits and perform tourism standby duties
• Provide visitors with information and interpretation
• Apply basic First Aid
• Assist with emergency calls and search & rescue operations

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications and Experience

• National Diploma in Nature Conservation, Game & Wildlife Management or Environmental Management
• A valid driver’s license
• Computer literacy (Microsoft packages: MS Word, Excel, MS Teams, Outlook; Mapping package e.g. QGIS)
• Knowledge and/ or experience in working with tourists or clients
• Working knowledge and experience with maintenance of infrastructure (Buildings, roads and trails)
• Working knowledge and experience with compliance
• Working knowledge and experience with basic fire fighting
• No criminal record

Competencies & Job Requirements

• Willingness to work weekend shifts and irregular hours as per a roster
• Physical ability to perform field ranger duties in harsh environmental conditions
• Strong analytical, strategic and creative problem solving skills
• Ability to deal with conflict
• Ability to function independently and within a team

Recommendations/Added advantages:

• Possession of a valid Peace Officer’s certificate, EMI certification or a type of enforcement experience
• Chainsaw & Brush cutter operator certificates
• 4X4 driver training
• EB or EC1 License
• First Aid level 2
• Fishery Control Officer appointment