Marine Field Ranger: Dassen Island Nature Reserve

**Key responsibilities**

**Carry out Field Surveys & Implement the ecological programme of work (terrestrial and aquatic, freshwater and marine)**:

- Conduct Ecological (biotic, abiotic, cultural-historical, weather etc.) data collection, monitoring and data capturing
- Infrastructure surveys (buildings, roads, fences, highsites etc.)
- DFFE: Oceans & Coasts Special Program implementation as per Intergrated Work Plan and MOA/MOU on Dassen Island
- Assist with the implementation of seabird research projects
- Ecological Data management and compilation of monthly and quarterly data submissions and reports
- Rescue and Stabilisation of oiled, injured, sick and abandoned seabirds - especially African penguins on Dassen Island
- Participate in management effectiveness evaluations

**Perform Supervisory and administrative duties**
- Compilation of written reports
- Supervise and assist all local and international researchers
- Provide direct support to Management and assist with reserve planning, compilation of annual work plans and budget.
- Ensure sound asset and fleet management
- Prepare specifications required for purchases
- Prepare quarterly reports

**Perform Legal Compliance and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) duties**
- Implement OHS Policies and Guidelines
- Carry out patrol duties and man observation posts as and when required
- Provide Education/Extension to visitors and address unauthorised access to the nature reserves
- Maintain Illegal Activities and Crime Registers
- Attend court cases (represent CapeNature) as and when required

**Infrastructure and Equipment**
- Carry out minor repairs and maintenance to infrastructure and equipment
- Prepare specifications for the minor repair and maintenance of infrastructure and equipment
- Maintain the designated African penguin Sick Bay on Dassen Island and rehabilitation/response equipment. Elevate all needs to management in writing

**Assist in Disaster Management and Alien Vegetation Management**
- Maintain a level of preparedness and respond to all oiling incidents and disasters at Dassen Island following prescribed methods and protocol
- Assist accredited emergency services during emergency and rescue operations
- Implement invasive alien plant and weedy species eradication plans
- Undertake Quality Control duties for special projects aimed at invasive species management, infrastructure or equipment upgrade/maintenance and fire protection

**Competency Profile**

**Educational Requirements**:
A relevant NQF Level 6 or equivalent certification in Nature Conservation.

**Knowledge**:

- Knowledge of environmental legislation such as the National Environmental Management Act, National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, Integrated Coastal Management Act, Marine Living Resources Act and the Nature and Environmental Conservation Ordinance
- Disaster management
- Property and asset management
- Knowledge of ecological processes and biodiversity management
- Experience in information management
- Experience with Microsoft Office software (Access, Excel, Word) required
- Knowledge of coastal, marine and island environments
- Knowledge of seabird monitoring techniques
- Seabird stabilisation and rehabilitation techniques
- Computer literacy plus advanced proficiency in MS-Office
- Use of GIS software

**Personal Attributes**:

- A passion for seabirds and the marine environment is essential
- Job specific health requirements
- Physical fitness to be able to perform activities
- Technical / mechanical ability
- Good project planning, coordination and organising skills
- Task and goal orientated
- Practical
- Able to work long and/or irregular hours, including weekends and public holidays
- Emotional maturity
- Ability to work and perform in isolation and in a team
- Self-Motivated
- Energetic
- Dynamic
- Willingness to learn/improve

**Recommended**:

- Completion of Fisheries Control Officer training
- Completion of WIO-COMPAS Level 1 certification
- Possession of a valid Peace Officer’s certificate or Environmental Management Inspectorate certification
- ICS certification / Fire Fighting qualifications

**Other Requirements**:

- A valid Code-B driver’s licence
- Available to travel locally and internationally at short notice
- Willing to receive identified and necessary vaccinations
- South African citizen or valid work permit