Conservation Assistant (Level 2), Vrolikjheid Nature Reserve Jobs

Job Description

CapeNature seeks a dynamic and committed individual to help with daily nature conservation and eco-tourism operations. This includes administrative duties, as well as maintenance and repair of infrastructure, equipment, and eco-tourism products at Vrolikjheid Nature Reserve.

Responsibilities

KRA 1: Nature Conservation and Integrated Catchment Management

• Help with field tasks for nature conservation, monitoring, and surveillance.
• Support annual operations and work plan tasks.
• Assist in implementing ecological programs, including monitoring, surveillance, data collection, and record keeping.
• Help with verifying alien invasive plant densities, inspections, firebreak assessments, and inspections.
• Carry out firefighting duties according to standards and protocols.
• Identify risks, threats, and hazards, and report them to management.
• Assist with managing fauna and flora on the reserve, including indigenous, invasive, and exotic species.
• Help restore degraded areas ecologically.
• Perform stand-by duties as per rosters and respond quickly to call-outs and incidents.

KRA 2: Eco-Tourism, Environmental Education, and Awareness

• Provide visitors with information about the nature reserve, its fauna, flora, and access conditions.
• Assist with gate guard duties when needed.
• Monitor and manage visitor behavior, and report any incidents.
• Ensure CapeNature’s customer care principles are followed.
• Help with guest check-in and check-out procedures.
• Assist with search and rescue operations according to protocols.
• Support stakeholder engagement officers and field rangers in environmental education and awareness programs.
• Perform Environment Control Officer duties for film/photo shoots and events.

KRA 3: Maintenance of Infrastructure and Equipment

• Keep the terrain clean, neat, and tidy at all times.
• Undertake or assist with protecting structures for offices and eco-tourism areas.
• Manage stores and associated assets.
• Identify maintenance needs and help develop schedules for maintenance and repairs, including:
  • Office buildings, stores, accommodation units, camping and picnic areas, ablutions, and pools.
  • Roads, trails, walkways, and boardwalks.
  • Fences, gates, booms, access structures, and other items like water systems.
  • Tools and equipment.
  • Vehicles.
  • Gardens and terrain.
  • Signage for operations and visitor information.
• Implement the maintenance schedule as required.

KRA 4: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Administration, and Human Resources

• Take part in OHS assessments, toolbox talks, and provide input for Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments (HIRA).
• Ensure compliance with OHS procedures and standards.
• Assist with identifying and reducing risks and threats in the work environment.
• Help obtain quotes for purchases related to duties.
• Assist with administrative duties as needed, and follow CapeNature protocols.
• Help prepare fire logs and reports when required.
• From time to time, supervise contract staff and students.
• As needed, train contract staff and students.
• Attend meetings as required by management.
• Undertake transport duties.

KRA 5: Law Enforcement and Compliance Monitoring

• Assist with patrols as per compliance plans and duty rosters.
• Report unauthorized activities or non-compliance with access permits.
• Conduct permit checks and inspections at entrance points and within the reserve.
• Participate in law enforcement operations and man observation points.
• Assist in responding to incidents of non-compliance or unauthorized activities.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12.
• At least two years of related experience.
• A valid Code B driver’s license, at least two years old from the date of issue.
• Computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel, Internet, and online platforms).
• No criminal record.

Competencies

• Knowledge of nature-based tourism and nature conservation.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including weekends and public holidays, and perform stand-by duties.
• Physical fitness to spend long hours outdoors, often in tough conditions, including patrols, search and rescue, firefighting, and clearing invasive species.
• Ability to repair and maintain equipment and infrastructure.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Supervisory skills.
• Conflict management skills.
• Professional communication skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Ability to live and work in a remote environment with limited connectivity at times.

Recommendations/Added Advantages

• Experience in tool and equipment operation, repair, and maintenance with accredited certificates.
• Power tool repair and maintenance experience.
• General infrastructure repair and maintenance.
• Stores management experience.
• First Aid Certificate.

Method of Application

Interested and qualified candidates should apply through CapeNature’s official channels.

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