WILDOCEANS Programme: WILDTRUST (https://wildtrust.co.za/) is a South African not-for-profit, public benefit, non-governmental organisation, with a vision of “a thriving and resilient world” and implements its work through two programmes: WILDLANDS (focused on terrestrial systems) and WILDOCEANS (focused on coastal and marine systems). The primary interlinked
goals of WILDOCEANS to deliver impact towards a thriving resilient world are: 1) To protect and restore marine biodiversity, and 2) To build resilience for coastal communities. Strategic cross-cutting elements to enhance sustainability and impact, underpin our work: future leader development, science and knowledge generation, support to decision-makers and management authorities, coastal community support, ocean awareness and communication, and advocacy and campaigning.
WILDOCEANS is looking for a dynamic early career ecologist/botanist with an MSc degree, to be based in Durban. Essential qualities for this position include a strong work ethic and the ability to work both independently and effectively. The candidate for this position will work across two projects, 1) uThukela Marine Protected Area Ecosystem-based Adaptation Project and 2)
the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area Ecosystem-based Adaptation project. Both projects aim to build socio-ecological resilience to climate change impacts through ecosystem-based adaptation approaches by restoring degraded ecosystems, enhancing resilience to climate change, and improving livelihoods for local communities, while seeking to create a sustainable
future. Key interventions include establishing sustainable MPA management and restoring critical ecosystems such as estuaries, river riparian systems, coastal forests, and freshwater wetlands while enhancing community resilience and building knowledge and capacity for ecosystem-based adaptation. This initiative addresses urgent climate change impacts and provides a valuable
case study for informing policy and action globally.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:
Reporting to the WILDOCEANS Coastal Biodiversity Scientist, the candidates’ responsibilities and duties will include:
• Coordinating, organizing, and participating in fieldwork, monitoring, and project meetings within various ecosystems, including estuaries, river riparian systems, coastal forests, swamp forests and freshwater wetlands.
• Managing and analyzing data collected from field surveys and monitoring efforts in these ecosystems.
• Contributing to report preparation and scientific publications related to the project.
• Preparing and delivering written and oral presentations to communicate research findings and project progress.
• Interacting and communicating effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and conservation organizations.
• Support the coordination, development and implementation of surveys and long-term monitoring programs to track changes in ecosystem health and biodiversity over time.
• Providing and interpreting relevant information to the communications and education awareness teams to support outreach and engagement efforts.
• Participating in mentoring and training interns working on aspects of the project and related WILDOCEANS projects.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
• MSc degree, in biology/ecology/biodiversity conservation
• 1-2 years of relevant field experience (i.e. in biodiversity or ecology of coastal vegetation, forests and grasslands, wetlands, riverine systems, and estuarine zones) including both field surveys, laboratory/data analysis.
• Driver’s licence.
REQUIRED SKILLS
• Highly responsible, self-motivated, and dependable individual.
• Strong communication, coordination, and organizational abilities.
• Data management and analysis capabilities, with GIS proficiency an advantage.
• Excellent speaking and writing skills are essential.
• Proficiency in the use of MS Office Suite
TO APPLY:
Submit a covering letter with a 2–3-page CV, and at least 3 references to wildoceansapplications@wildtrust.co.za by 22 March 2024. Certificates must be available on request but not included in the original application. The WILDTRUST reserves the right to vary the requirements or conditions and not to fill these positions. Should you not receive a response within a month after
the closing application date, kindly consider your application unsuccessful. We offer competitive salaries based on qualifications and experience
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)