PARA ECOLOGIST – 3 POSITIONS
Closes: Wednesday, 29 November 2023 Job type: Fixed Term contract ending 31 March 2025 Salary: R171 537.00 plus 37% in lieu of benefits Location: Pretoria and Howick (PTA) Ref no: BRAM/007/2023; (HWK) Ref no: BRAM/008/2023 Pretoria x 2; Howick, KwaZulu-Natal x 1 The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated individual to Survey targeted emerging invasive alien species, clear small localised populations where possible and assist in the development of distribution maps, dossiers and risk analyses of these species.
Requirement This position requires a Grade 10 job specific qualification or equivalent qualification at NQF 2 with 4 years working experience in the relevant field OR Grade 12 job specific qualification or equivalent qualification at NQF 4 with 3 years working experience. A higher education qualification at NQF 5 would be an added advantage.
The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: in-depth understanding of national and global biodiversity conservation; Knowledge about legislation pertaining to biodiversity conservation, Knowledge on the management of organisational finance; Project management knowledge and skills; Knowledge about Government, Human Resources, procurement and financial management policies; good spoken and written communication skills; ability to learn how to use basic computer programmes; good interpersonal relations, taking initiative, organisational and administrative skills; and willingness to travel extensively for fieldwork. The possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience is essential.
Key Performance Responsibilities include:
Assist with surveying of high-risk sites and for targeted invasive alien species within the region;
Clear manageable populations of targeted invasive alien species;
Assist with developing Terms of Reference (TORs), submissions to Supply Chain Management (SCM), training of clearing contractors, monitoring and data collection when large populations of target species are discovered;
Provide support to contract managers, taxon specific researchers and regional co-ordinators - compile distribution maps, dossiers and assist with collecting information for risk analyses and information products on targeted invasive alien species and pathways;
Ensure that the team vehicle and all field equipment is maintained in a safe and clean condition and assistance with regional administration; and
Ensure compliance with all Health and Safety procedures, notably road safety and driver responsibilities.
Application procedure: 1) An application form must accompany the CV together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for this position, and certified qualifications confirming that the minimum qualifications are met (applicants lacking evidence of meeting minimum qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered). 2) A competency test may be conducted as part of the selection process. 3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and if possible e-mail addresses of at least three referees. 4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number shall result in your application not being considered. Personal Information will be processed by SANBI for purposes of assessing your suitability for the advertised position. SANBI may also share your personal information including special personal information with service providers or third parties, both within the Republic of South Africa and in other jurisdictions, to carry out verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, background and reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. In this regard, by virtue of your application, you acknowledge that SANBI’s authorized verification agent(s) and service providers will access your personal information including special personal information to conduct background screening, verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. For more information, kindly refer to SANBI’s website.
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups. Contact Ms Lehlohonolo Mbele on 012 843 5217 for any queries for purposes of clarity. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications are to be submitted via an e-mail to recruitmentpta@sanbi.org.za Postal applications must be addressed to: Deputy Director: Human Resources Operations South African National Biodiversity Institute Private Bag X101 Pretoria 0001 Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates must consider their applications unsuccessful.