Three (3) x Field Technicians, Spekboom Restoration Project
Technical and Carbon Team, Gqeberha (negotiable), South Africa
Job Title: Field Technician, Spekboom Restoration Project
Location: Gqeberha
Start Date: 01 February 2024
Reports to: Restoration Ecologist
Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure that will revitalize landscapes, combat climate change, and promote sustainable agriculture? Join NatCarbon Africa: a mission-driven, proudly African organisation dedicated to high-quality implementation of large-scale carbon, climate and biodiversity projects. We embrace the power of cutting-edge technology to enhance project execution. Community engagement lies at the heart of our projects, driven by a genuine commitment to meaningful and inclusive participation and co-benefits such as biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic upliftment.
NatCarbon Africa seeks three (3) x Field Technicians in the Technical and Carbon Team for the large scale Spekboom Restoration Project in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa. With our partner Imperative Global, our aim is to restore up to 100 000 hectares of degraded subtropical thicket biome. The Project will be planting spekboom (Portulacaria afra) on privately owned land to improve ecosystem functioning, improve agricultural productivity over time, promote biodiversity, improve soil filtration, water storage capabilities, and reduce soil erosion. The Project is estimated to permanently store large quantities of Carbon Dioxide over the Project life, thus positively contributing towards climate change mitigation.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Field Technicians will report directly to the Restoration Ecologist and will be responsible for planning, conducting and reporting on the projects’ in-field monitoring activities. These monitoring activities include vegetation surveys, biomass measurements, biodiversity assessments, carbon accounting and social surveys. The role will comprise of both desk-based and field-based work.
The positions will require regular travel to, and between, our field sites in the Eastern and Western Cape. The successful candidates should ideally be based in or near Gqeberha and must be willing to spend a significant portion of their time on-site, in the field.
RESPONSIBILITIES:Plan and conduct baseline assessments (social, carbon and biodiversity).
Plan and conduct regular vegetation surveys and monitor biomass plots, soil carbon and fauna across the project area.
Conduct camera trap inventories and surveys
Conduct social surveys/interviews
Assist with developing tools, frameworks, and templates to streamline data gathering and analysis.
Storage, management and analysis of ecological and /or scientific data
Provide regular reporting and analysis on data collected.
Participate in technical sessions, workshops, conferences and other relevant events.
Contribute towards research on Spekboom and ecosystem restoration that advances the field both academically and commercially.
Provide support to the Operations and Project Team in the field if required.
REQUIREMENTSA relevant tertiary qualification in ecology, forestry, botany, environmental science, conservation or other related fields.
At least 2 years’ previous work experience in a related field.
The successful candidate needs to be data driven and demonstrate a good knowledge of ecology and restoration practices.
Experience in ecological restoration is advantageous.
Must be able to identify thicket biome plant species.
Excellent communication skills, especially verbal and written skills in English in Afrikaans (isiXhosa advantageous).
Ability to create high quality written documents in English.
Ability to work independently and in a team.
Strong quantitative and statistics skills.
Data driven.
Capacity to solve complex project-related problems independently and receive general direction on new assignments.
Ability to manage targets and priorities and develop own goals.
Must be able to work effectively under pressure and with minimal supervision.
Advanced computer literacy a must.
Excellent knowledge of GIS, using GPS and other field monitoring equipment
Must be well organized and willing to work hard.
Physically fit.
Valid Driver’s Licence (with off road driving experience advantageous.
Demonstrate a high level of personal integrity and be passionate about making a positive difference to the world.
WORKING CONDITIONSFrequent travel within the Eastern and Western Cape anticipated, including to remote locations. Travel may on occasion cross weekends and holidays to accommodate schedules. Work hours may be irregular.
You will join a great team! We are …From diverse locations and backgrounds, but all experts in our respective fields, we bring together a wide range of cross-sector experiences, ideas, and skills.
Relentless in our pursuit of excellence and innovation, always pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo. But it’s not all work for us – we also believe in celebrating our successes, recognising individual contributions, and taking time to support each other’s growth and development.
At our core, explorers, constantly learning, evolving, and seeking new ways to deliver impactful solutions. We are not afraid to dream big, take risks, and step out of our comfort zones because we know that together, we are capable of achieving great things.
COMPENSATION
To help us attract and retain top talent, NatCarbon Africa pays employees competitively to the market, depending on experience. Salary is one component of NatCarbon Africa’s total compensation package which also includes health care and life insurance, contributions to each employee’s retirement plan, paid time off and funds to support professional development. We will recognize employees who go beyond expected performance with salary increases and/or promotions.
In return, we expect each employee to, at a minimum:Meet expectations in terms of work effort and performance;
Take the initiative to build the skills and knowledge needed to do their job effectively; and
Embody the values of NatCarbon Africa.
How to Apply
To apply, please send us the following:
Cover letter (not to exceed one page)
Resume/CV (not to exceed two pages)
*Please add app.bamboohr.com to your contact list to ensure you receive emails from us*
NatCarbon Africa provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination.
*Only applications received online via the NatCarbon website or LinkedIn Page will be considered*
