Conservation Assistant (Level 2), Grootvadersbosch 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 Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve.

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibility Area 1: Nature Conservation and Integrated Catchment Management

• Help with field tasks related to nature conservation, monitoring, and surveillance.
• Support the annual operations and work plan.
• Assist in carrying out ecological programs, monitoring, surveillance, data collection, and record-keeping.
• Help verify alien invasive plant densities, inspect firebreaks.
• 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 standby duties as per rosters and respond quickly to call-outs and incidents.

Key Responsibility Area 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.
• Follow CapeNature’s customer care principles at all times.
• Help with guest check-in and check-out procedures.
• Assist with search and rescue operations according to protocols.
• Support environmental education and awareness programs.
• Perform Environment Control Officer duties for film/photo shoots and events.

Key Responsibility Area 3: Maintenance of Infrastructure and Equipment

• Keep the terrain clean, neat, and tidy at all times.
• Help protect structures at offices and eco-tourism areas.
• Manage stores and assets.
• Identify maintenance needs and help create schedules for:
  • Office buildings, stores, accommodation, camping, picnic areas, ablutions, and pools.
  • Roads, trails, walkways, and boardwalks.
  • Fences, gates, booms, access structures, and other infrastructure like water systems.
  • Tools, equipment, vehicles, gardens, terrain, and signage.
• Follow the maintenance schedule as required.

Key Responsibility Area 4: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Administration, and Human Resources

• Take part in OHS assessments, toolbox talks, and provide input for risk assessments.
• Follow OHS procedures and standards.
• Help identify and reduce risks in the work environment.
• Assist with getting quotes for purchases related to duties.
• Help with administrative tasks and follow CapeNature protocols.
• Assist in preparing fire logs and reports when needed.
• Occasionally supervise contract staff and students.
• Train contract staff and students as required.
• Attend meetings as directed by management.
• Carry out transport duties.

Key Responsibility Area 5: Law Enforcement and Compliance Monitoring

• Assist with patrols according to compliance plans and rosters.
• Report unauthorized activities or non-compliance with access conditions.
• Check permits and inspect at entrance points and within the reserve.
• Take part in law enforcement operations and man observation points.
• Help respond to incidents of non-compliance or unauthorized activities.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

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

Competencies

• Knowledge of nature-based tourism and conservation.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including weekends, public holidays, and standby duties.
• Physical fitness to work long hours outdoors in strenuous 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 area with limited connectivity at times.

Recommendations/Added Advantages

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