General Assistant (8020769) at University of the Western Cape/Universiteit van Wes-Kaapland

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is the proud owner of the 34-hectare Cape Flats Nature Reserve which was proclaimed as a Provincial Heritage Site in 1978. The Cape Flats Nature Reserve Unit is responsible for the management of the reserve and operates in three spheres of activities: Environmental Education, Indigenous Horticulture and Nature Conservation.

Applicants are invited to apply for the General Assistant position within the Cape Flats Nature Reserve with a focus on veld management. The applicants should be physically fit and willing and able to undertake labour intensive work in the nature reserve. The applicants should also be capable of interacting with the students, lecturers, researchers, student volunteers and the general public. Compliance with Environmental Laws, Occupational Health and Safety and the University of the Western Cape’s policies is important.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key responsibility areas:

• Veld, plant and animal management in a nature reserve and nursery.
• Alien plant eradication through mechanical removal and herbicide application.
• Maintenance and construction of pathways, fire breaks, infrastructure and fencing in the nature reserve.
• Safe operation and maintenance of vehicles and machinery e.g. chainsaw, weed-eater / brush-cutter, power tools, etc.
• Manage storerooms and maintain equipment/tools.
• Conduct road and fence patrols.
• Assist with plant identification, indigenous (fynbos) plant propagation and nursery maintenance.
• Assist researchers and assist in community and school’s programs;
• Assist overseeing student volunteers.
• Assist with the annual faunal survey and be comfortable in the reserve at night.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 with a minimum of two years’ working experience in a nature reserve.
• Experience in veld maintenance, species identification and handling (fauna and flora).
• Experience in identifying and clearing of invasive alien plants and herbicide usage.
• Experienced power tool operator (chain saw, brush-cutter, etc.).
• A valid Code EB driverʼs license.
• Physically fit and able to perform labour intensive work.
• Willing to work irregular hours when needed (weekends and public holidays).
• Comfortable in nature and able to work individually or as part of a team.

Required competencies: 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Added advantage and preferences:

•  Working experience in a nursery.