**RESEARCH ECOLOGIST**

A well-established fast-growing group of companies, with an equal opportunity policy,

has the following vacancy at their Game Reserve

RESEARCH ECOLOGIST

The Private Game Reserve is situated in the Waterberg area in the Limpopo province.

It is an 8 500 hectare, big five property and has an opportunity for a research ecologist to join a team of professionals

who are involved in the day-to-day management of the reserve.
The position will be based on the Private Game Reserve and will report to the Ecologist.
Qualifications and requirements:
The successful applicant must have the following:
A minimum B-tech in Nature Conservation/Game Ranch Management.
A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar position.
Contactable references
Valid RSA Drivers lisence
Valid RSA ID
Duties to be undertaken will include, but not limited to the following:
1. Conduct research pertinent to the reserve’s ecological management (Vegetation & Wildlife), in order to promote progression of ecological management interventions.
2. Present and conduct research projects pertinent to the reserve and the current conservation trends.
3. Have the capacity to work with external researchers from academic institutions on current conservation practices and species-specific research projects.
4. Assist with compilation of reports and ecological management recommendations.
5. Proficient in GIS, specifically Q GIS in creating various ecological and research maps.
6. Strong research ability as well as the ability to constantly re-evaluate techniques and improvement on techniques in conjunction with the reserve ecologist.
7. Excellent understanding of the Microsoft office software package as well as strong scientific report writing capabilities.
8. Deal with unforeseen reserve scenarios with urgency and after hours when required.
9. Efficiently conduct administrative duties relevant to the position.
10. Maintain a safe and tidy work environment.
11. Setting an example for general workers in all aspects of leadership and management, including timekeeping, using initiative, maintaining an organized workspace, professional conduct with colleagues
12. Any other duties relevant to the post as requested by line manager and/ or reserve manager.
Key Performance Indicators
1. Sound knowledge regarding the conservation and management of veld, habitat and ecosystem functioning in South Africa.
2. A high level of competence in ecological surveys on both vegetation and wildlife as well as
combining both.
3. Competence in collecting data and the capturing of collected data.
4. Demonstrated capacity to work as part of a team as well as supervising small, results driven teams.
5. Monthly, weekly reporting on the timelines of research projects.
6. Communication skills upwards as well as downwards, which means keeping channels of communication open during work hours (and after hours when Duty Manager).
7. Good timekeeping and setting positive example for team members.
8. Punctual and methodical.
Offered:
Salary negotiable within reason & dependent on experience and qualifications
5% Provident - forms part of CTC package (compulsory membership)
50% Medical aid contribution for individual only.
The remuneration will be discussed at the interviews or upon individual requests
Live-In Accommodation

**Salary market related**

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Education**:

- Bachelors (preferred)

**Experience**:

- Q GIS - Map research maps: 5 years (preferred)
- Q GIS ecological maps: 5 years (preferred)
- Ecology - Big 5 Reserve: 5 years (preferred)
- Game Reserve Ecologist: 5 years (preferred)