Priority Species Monitor - Vaalwater at CLS Human Capital Specialists

Job Purpose
The successful candidate will be responsible for monitoring and researching specific animals
and animal behaviour on the Reserve by coordinating, collecting and analysing priority species
data. In addition, this position will assist in managing the Volunteer Biomonitoring Programme,
staff, operations and facilities on this 36,000 hectare, Big 5, Game Reserve. This position
reports directly to the Biomonitoring Manager and will liase with the Research Ecologist on a
regular basis. The incumbent is required to work without supervision and must therefore be
self-motivated and responsible.

REQUIREMENTS
Minimum education (essential):

• An advanced Diploma or BSc in related field
• FGASA Level 1 (should you not have Level 1, it can be completed in 4 months after appointment)
• First Aid Level 1
• Public Drivers Permit (PDP)
• LEDET Registration to be able to guide

Minimum education (desirable):

• MSc (Zoology/Botany/Ecology) or similar
• FGASA Trails Guide (lead) qualification with SASSETA Unit Standards
• Advanced Rifle Handling (FGASA Level 3 DG SKS)
• Firearm competencies
• First Aid Level 2

Minimum applicable experience (years):

• 2 years conservation/research, guiding or reserve management experience. Previous biological monitoring experience.

Minimum applicable experience (desirable):

• 5 years conservation/research, guiding or reserve management experience. Previous priority species monitoring experience in a Big 5 reserve.

Required nature of experience:

• Knowledge and skills related to the monitoring of large mammals
• Vegetation ecology
• General ecology in as far as these competencies support conservation management
• Data gathering, collating and analysis and competency in appropriate software
• Strong communication skills
• People management
• Strong report writing skills and collaboration with Biomonitoring Manager and Research Ecologist

Duties and Responsibilities

• Comfortable working in a dynamic research environment interacting with fellow researchers, scientists and Reserve Management
• Undertaking general research and long-term monitoring within a Big 5 reserve
• Assisting with research and monitoring programme developments
• Assist the Research Ecologist in all aspects of data collection and monitoring (with a focus on priority species) including but not limited to: rhino, cheetah, lion, elephant and other priority species populations and maintain individual identikits.
• Responsible for collating and analysing the data resulting from the monitoring and for reporting on the findings to the Research Ecologist.
• In conjunction with Biomonitoring Manager and Research Ecologist, prepare monthly workplans based on data gaps to ensure ongoing detailed priority species data required for management.
• Supervision of volunteers and students in the camp and out in the field
• Responsible for assisting in ensuring the safety and security of volunteers and students while in the camp and out in the field.
• Responsibility for ensuring that the volunteers/students are enthused by organising a diverse array of Reserve activities for them to be involved in.

Other

• The successful candidate shall be required to relocate to the Reserve, near Vaalwater, where he/she will be provided accommodation
• Short-listed applicants will be required to undergo a management and security evaluation as part of the screening process
• Mapping of the location of priority species and predator kills, amongst others
• It will be advantageous if the individual can speak a combination of English, Afrikaans, Northern Sotho/Pedi, Tswana
• Accurate and detailed reporting to the Research Ecologist
• Maintain a high level of administration
• Achieve deadlines for administrative tasks
• Required to work from the Research Student Camp and throughout the Reserve in addition to travelling to meetings within the Reserve and at major centres off the Reserve as and when required.