Job Description

CapeNature seeks to appoint a professional, competent, innovative and energetic candidate to fill the position of Ecological Coordinator, based at the Walker Bay Office in Hermanus.

The successful candidate will facilitate and coordinate the collection, quality assurance, interpretation and application of biodiversity-related data across Landscape South. The position supports terrestrial and marine biodiversity management, planning and informed decision-making through key processes, including State of Biodiversity reporting, Protected Area Management Plans (PAMPs), the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) and priority-species monitoring. The position requires extensive travel throughout the Overberg and Langeberg regions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage effective data, knowledge and information flow in order to produce quality data, information and intelligence to inform and facilitate strategic adaptive management.

Maintain and update landscape databases for all priority projects.
Conduct, facilitate & drive landscape monitoring.
Quality check, verify and submit biodiversity data.
Provide landscape feedback on tracking priority tasks.
Develop, review and update ecological monitoring and data collection protocols.
Provide ecological technical assistance and training.
Manage ecological filing systems and databases.

Provide ecological decision support for effective landscape conservation and ensure sound scientific analysis of data through coordination to guide management planning and assessment.

Contribute to the implementation of scientifically based monitoring programs and strategies for identified elements of biodiversity in and around landscape protected areas.
Provide ecological decision support to internal components and relevant external partners.
Check that data for approved ecological projects is processed and analyzed in collaboration.
Where relevant, assistance with all components of fieldwork for priority species monitoring projects.
Provide inputs into landscape Game Management Plan applications when required
Compile in collaboration Standard Operating Procedures, Standard Operating Guidelines, & ecological monitoring protocols.

Facilitate and lead integrated landscape and protected area planning and review

Play a pivotal role in the PAMP process (development, implementation and evaluation) in the landscape
Ensure that ecological matrices are compiled for all Landscape reserves and components.
Ensure that ecological matrices are regularly reviewed for all Landscape reserves and components and assist with compilation of related reports.
Contribute to ensuring that Protected Area Annual Plan of Operations and ecological matrices are aligned through integrated planning.
Contribute to the integration of the eco-matrix into the reserve Integrated Work Plans
Review and contribute to relevant ecological internal policies, guidelines, manuals and operating procedures regulating the management of biodiversity.
Contribute to the METT assessment process for protected areas.
Incorporate METT outcomes into the eco-matrix where relevant.

Build landscape intelligence knowledge and capacity and engage stakeholders and partners to support conservation management and ecosystem resilience through coordination and networking

Coordinate landscape ecological meetings in conjunction with the Landscape Conservation Intelligence unit.
Support relevant internal and external research projects.
Participate in scientific workshops and conferences.
Contribute to the custodianship agreement process for priority species.
Identify priority ecological projects that require intervention by providing infield training for priority monitoring projects in the Landscape.
Attend and participate in relevant meetings, forums, symposiums & peer learning events.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

An appropriate tertiary qualification in ecology and/or nature conservation (NQF level 7) and at least 5 years of relevant experience.
A thorough understanding of ecological theory, ecological processes and components of biodiversity.
Extensive experience conducting a range of fauna and flora fieldwork preferably in the Western Cape as well as the associated data processing and analysis.
Must be able to turn data into information and document this in reports etc. to inform conservation management.
Ability to motivate and mentor personnel to ensure maximum productivity and optimal development skills.
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and interface with a wide range of people
Ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, and independently.
Physically and mentally fit and willing and able to undertake strenuous fieldwork under varying climatic and terrain conditions.
Prepared to travel extensively and be away from home from time to time.
Must have a valid driver’s license, be competent in driving long distances and 4x4 vehicles.
Proficiency in two of the three official languages of the Western Cape and high competency in English writing.
Ability to work under pressure and deliver on outputs to the desired standard within the associated timeframes,
High competency in the use of Microsoft Office suite.
An excellent working knowledge of GIS.
No criminal record.

RECOMMENDATION

Knowledge of the Fynbos, Succulent Karoo & Marine biomes, and associated priority species of the Western Cape.
Enjoy working with data!
Knowledge of and the ability to interpret conservation policies, protocols and legislation.
Ability to follow and replicate systems and instructions.
A confident, committed, service-orientated, organized, and innovative predisposition.
Ability to solve problems, prioritize and cope with dynamic circumstances.
Excellent multi-tasking skills and ease of adaptability to change.
Calm demeanor with an ability to handle stress.
A flexible, understanding, team player, that is always willing to assist the LCI unit complete tasks (within skillset and ability).

Please Send your resume/CV