Wetland Scientist/Practitioner Intern

Wetland Scientist/Practitioner Intern (Paarl, Western Cape)

Environmental Specialist Consulting Group (ESCG) (Pty) Ltd

Location:
Paarl, Western Cape

Position type:
Full-time, on-site internship

Experience:
0-2 years

Start date:
To be confirmed

Reports to:
Wetland Scientist

About the role:

Environmental Specialist Consulting Group (ESCG) is seeking a motivated early-career Wetland Scientist/Practitioner Intern to join our team in Paarl. This position is designed for early-career individuals who are eager to develop technical and field-based skills under mentorship. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience and support the assessment, classification, and delineation of wetlands and riparian systems across the Western Cape and beyond. This role combines field-based work under sometimes demanding conditions with desktop-based wetland assessments and geomorphic, hydrological, and ecological analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with wetland delineation and classification using national protocols (e.g., DWAF 2008; Job et al. 2018; Ollis et al
• Support in-field data collection, including soil, vegetation, and hydrological indicators for wetland boundary identification.
• Gain exposure and contribute to Present Ecological State (PES), Ecosystem Services (WET-EcoServices), and Ecological Importance and Sensitivity (EIS) assessments, including the application of the DWS Buffer Model.
• Conduct or assist with GIS mapping and spatial analysis to support wetland delineation, buffer zoning, and report visualisation.
• Process and analyse data from national databases (e.g., NFEPA), aerial imagery, orthophotos and other geospatial layers.
• Assist with field sampling of water and soils.
• Support and contribute to the preparation of wetland impact assessment reports aligned with NEMA (Act 107 of 1998) and the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998).
• Participate in mentorship sessions and training activities aimed at building practical skills in wetland geomorphology, hydrology, and ecology.
• Provide general project and fieldwork support, including logistics and data organisation.

Minimum Requirements:

• BSc Honours degree (minimum) in Environmental Science, Soil Science, Ecology, Geography, or a related field.
• Eligibility or intent to register with SACNASP as a Candidate Natural Scientist (within one year).
• Up to 2 years of relevant experience or strong academic exposure to wetland ecosystem studies or environmental assessments, or work in related fields.
• Basic knowledge or exposure to wetland assessment and mapping methodologies (Wetland Classification, WET-Health, WET-EcoServices, EIS, DWAF 2008).
• Basic understanding or exposure to identifying and interpreting soil and vegetation as wetness indicators, including the identification of hydromorphic soil characteristics and the identification of wetland plants, in the field.
• Understanding of geomorphic, hydrological, and ecological linkages within wetland systems.
• Willingness to work in challenging field conditions, often in remote wetland environments.
• Competent with GPS, GIS software (QGIS) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to field sites.

Desirable Skills and Advantages:

• Completed recognised wetland short courses such as Introduction to Wetland Delineation and Assessment or Tools for Wetland Assessments.
• Working knowledge of wetland assessment and mapping methodologies (WET-Health, WET-EcoServices, EIS, DWAF 2008).
• Demonstrated interest in wetland science, hydrology, or ecological restoration through dissertations, field projects, experience or volunteer work.
• Strong written communication and data interpretation skills

What We Offer:

• Mentorship to develop technical and field-based skills.
• Hands-on exposure to multidisciplinary projects.
• Opportunities for professional development and guidance towards SACNASP registration.
• A collaborative and purpose-driven working environment aimed at conserving and rehabilitating wetlands through sustainable development.
• Exposure to field-based and desktop wetland assessment methods.

How to Apply:

Send your CV, academic transcript, and a short motivation letter (max 1 page) to with the subject line:
"Wetland Scientist Intern - [Your Name]"
Application deadline:
10 December 2025.