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CAPENATURE
 



MAINSTREAM SPECIALIST LEVEL (10) 
- Biodiversity Capabilities 
- Head Office, Bridgetown
CapeNature
Cape Town, Western Cape
Permanent
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Closing Date 05 March 2024
 
Job Details
Division: Biodiversity Capabilities
Business Unit: Biodiversity Intelligence
Minimum experience: Mid-Senior
Company primary industry: Environmental Services
Job functional area: Operations
Salary: R679 582 - R679 582 per annum
 
Job Description
CapeNature seeks to appoint a professional, competent, innovative, and energetic candidate to its Mainstream Specialist position. The ideal candidate should have well developed interpersonal, communication and writing skills coupled with a high level of professionalism. The Mainstream Specialist is responsible for the generation of knowledge and systems for the assessment of and reporting on biodiversity, the implementation of Strategic Adaptive Management Models through the development of plans, systems, and strategies for the conservation of biodiversity in the Western Cape.
The Mainstream Specialist works to ensure that biodiversity conservation knowledge and planning systems are integrated into landscape and protected area management via strengthening intergovernmental cooperation mechanisms, maximising the potential of strategic partnership projects, and supporting efficient uptake of conservation intelligence outputs within and external to CapeNature.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
 
KRA 1: Gather, process, and develop the integration of spatial and related knowledge, planning and monitoring products and systems to advance the practice of biodiversity conservation and integrated catchment management.
  • Lead and contribute to the development of an annual Western Cape State of Conservation Report.
  • Lead the development of the five yearly Western Cape State of Biodiversity Report.
  • Lead and mainstream within CapeNature a common understanding of Biodiversity Management and Action Plans.
  • Contribute to the updating of the five yearly Western Cape Biodiversity Spatial Plan.
  • Contribute to development of five early Western Cape Protected Areas Expansion Strategy.
  • Contribute to the implementation of Annual Landscape Stewardship Plans.
 
KRA 2: Provide ecological decision support for effective landscape conservation and ensure sound scientific analysis of data through coordination to guide management planning and assessment.
  • Lead the development and dissemination of CapeNature Biodiversity Governance Position Statements, aligned with international best practice guidelines and multilateral environmental agreements.
  • Lead and contribute to the development and maintenance of Standard Operating Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures in CapeNature.
  • Contribute to Western Cape policy development and decision-making.
 
KRA 3: Generate impact through the enablement, development and integration of leading-edge information, technologies, practice, policy, science, and innovation.
  • Mainstream leading edge, professional, formal scientific research (internally and externally), technical reports, memoranda, assessments and publications, peer reviewed scientific publications, presentations, and presentations at appropriate Provincial/National/International Biodiversity Conservation Conferences to advance the practice of biodiversity conservation.
  • Develop and deliver biodiversity conservation mainstreaming products and capacity building interventions for specific stakeholder groups.
  • Contribute to the research, development, and implementation of Strategic Adaptive Management Models for biodiversity, conservation, and integrated catchment management.
  • Contribute to and mainstream the implementation of an effective web-based integrated conservation and biodiversity data management system with strategic partners, biodiversity research entities and other biodiversity institutions (locally, nationally, and globally) for CapeNature.
 
KRA 4: Engage and collaborate with strategic partners for advancing, securing, and enabling the development and deployment of biodiversity conservation capabilities.
  • Lead and support the development, deployment, and integration of Biodiversity Capabilities products into Conservation Operations and Landscape Conservation Management.
  • Represent CapeNature’s mandate and interests on appropriate National and Provincial Forums.
  • Mainstream and support the prioritisation of strategic partnerships and finalisation of MOUs.
  • Facilitate the development of appropriate external funding proposals and implement externally funded projects when applicable.
 
KRA 5: Develop and implement biodiversity capability, capacity and the integration of innovation and technology.
  • Lead the mainstreaming and uptake of optimal procedures, practices and processes for effective biodiversity monitoring and surveillance.
  • Lead, develop, contribute to, and deliver stakeholder capacity building and awareness about healthy natural ecosystems, habitats and landscapes, and ecosystem services.
 
REQUIREMENTS:
  • Natural Science degree in the field of Conservation Science, Ecological Science, Biological Science or Zoological Science (NQF 7 preferably 8) with at least three years’ professional post qualification experience.
  • Demonstrable project management and organizational skills.
  • Good understanding of systematic conservation planning.
  • Good understanding of the ecological systems and processes of the Western Cape.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and inter-personal skills.
  • Substantial experience and/or training in facilitation, leading workshops, and negotiation.
  • Proficiency in at least two of the three official languages of the Western Cape.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
  • A valid driver’s Code 8 license.
  • Self-motivated and requiring a minimal amount of supervision and technical management; and
  • Comfortable working in a team with a willingness and patience to capacitate colleagues and stakeholders.
 
COMPETENCIES
  • Good oral and written communication skills, including a friendly and helpful disposition, to provide a professional and effective support function to colleagues and other clients.
  • Experience in and understanding of the Western Cape land-use planning and decision-making legislation, policies, procedures, guidelines, and stakeholder participation, and how conservation planning products are used, including the challenges likely to be faced in implementation.
  • An active learning, innovative and problem-solving approach to job, with good organisation skills.
  • Ability to work to a detailed schedule and meet deadlines and keep a detailed log of work-related activities for reporting purposes.
  • Good computer literacy, including the MS Office suite, digital file management and the ability to operate the relevant GIS software efficiently.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships colleagues, peers, and professional associations.
 
Kindly note that it is encouraged to become a member of the CapeNature Pension Fund. In the event that you are an existing member of a Medical Aid, you are required to provide a copy of such membership registration before the commencement of your employment with CapeNature.
 
To apply, please visit the careers page on the CapeNature Website.
 
Apply online via  https://capenature.simplify.hr/
 
Closing Date:  5 March 2024
 
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CONSERVATION MANAGER ON RESERVE (LEVEL 10) 
- Knersvlakte Nature Reserve (Vanrhynsdorp Office)
CapeNature
Vanrhynsdorp, Western Cape
Permanent
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Closing Date 22 February 2024
 
Job Details
Division: Conservation Operations
Business Unit: Landscape West
Minimum experience: Mid-Senior
Company primary industry: Environmental Services
Job functional area: Operations
Salary: R679 582 - R679 582 per annum
 
Job Description
This position is suited to a dedicated conservationist who would like to contribute meaningfully to the conservation of biodiversity through protected area management, protected area expansion, compliance and law enforcement, support for eco-tourism and access, environmental learning and stakeholder relations within the Matzikama Landscape Unit, specifically responsible for Knersvlakte Nature Reserve.
The successful candidate will report to the Landscape Manager, West Landscape.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Enhance biodiversity resilience through targeted ecosystem conservation and restoration initiatives
  • Targeted conservation and restoration initiatives and interventions informed by knowledge and management best practice are implemented.
  • Protected Area is managed according to a management plan and prioritized action plans.
  • Priority landscapes are protected, restored and conserved.
  • Conservation operations are optimized through planned METT actions and interventions.
  • Priority ecological infrastructure areas are restored and protected.
 
Lead landscape conservation and stewardship in ways that address biodiversity loss.
  • Biodiversity legal mandate is implemented through compliance and enforcement actions.
  • Protected area expansion planning priorities and associated conservation intelligence are implemented.
  • Actions to improve the conservation status of priority species and ecosystems are implemented.
  • Functional partnerships addressing biodiversity loss are developed and maintained.
  • Landscape ecological and human well-being is promoted through a landscape environmental interpretation and awareness plan.
 
Promote the biodiversity economy, and enhance biodiversity access and sustainable use
  • Job opportunities are created through implementation of Natural Resource Management programmes.
  • Contractor development and work opportunities are enhanced through environmental programmes implemented (Integrated Catchment Management, Expanded Public Works).
  • Biodiversity economy activities are implemented in identified nodes.
  • Livelihood support is established for local communities.
 
 Advocate for behavioural change and promote voluntary compliance
  • Local community involvement in Protected Area management is established.
  • Stakeholder engagement is enhanced through targeted interventions.
  • Compliance plans for all On Reserve components are in place.
  • Biodiversity permits are issued within legislated time frames.

Assume overall accountability for ensuring performance, governance and risk management
  • An enabling environment is created for formal partnerships to mitigate risks to biodiversity.
  • Management structures are in place and infrastructure is fit for purpose.
  • All relevant Occupational Health and Safety legislation, policies and standards are in place and adhered to.
  • Governance is enhanced by adherence to corporate policies and standards.
  • Performance is enhanced through effective and efficient staff performance.
 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • National Diploma in Nature Conservation / equivalent qualification at NQF 6 in a Nature Conservation field
  • Strong ability to lead with at least 5 years’ management experience in the Conservation Sector
  • Appointed as Environmental Management Inspector. (EMI)
  • Proven track record of managing a protected area and sound interpersonal, communication and people management skills
  • Experience in Alien Vegetation Management
  • Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills
  • Exceptional ability to work effectively within teams (as a leader and as team member)
  • Proven written and communication skills
  • Exceptional financial management skills
  • Thorough working knowledge of MS Office with QGIS (or equivalent) advantageous
  • A valid EB (08) driver’s license, willingness to travel regularly and ability to drive on 4x4 terrain
  • Physical fitness to perform duties in rugged mountainous terrain
  • Bilingualism in at least 2 of the official languages of the Western Cape
  • No criminal record.
 
RECOMMENDATIONS:
  • Post-graduate Degree in Nature Conservation, Natural Sciences and/or Sustainable Development will be advantageous.
  • Project Management experience in landscape conservation, world heritage site management, disaster management and/or landscape partnerships will be advantageous.

Competencies
  • Effective people management skills
  • Strong analytical and strategic skills
  • Financial management
  • Strong leadership skills
  • Exceptional ability to work effectively within teams (as a leader and as team member)
  • Managerial and Project Management experience
  • High levels of personal responsibility and accountability
  • Sound interpersonal, communication and people management skills
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects and tight deadlines
  • Good project planning and organizing skills
  • Ability to function independently and within a team
  • High competency in computer literacy and report writing skills
  • Physical fitness to perform duties and inspections
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Competency in conflict resolution
  • Understanding of Environmental Legislation
 
 
GENERAL:
No accommodation available
Kindly note that it is compulsory to become a member of the CapeNature Pension Fund. If you are an existing member to a Medical Aid you are required to provide a copy of such membership before the commencement of your employment with CapeNature.
Note that a valid driver’s license is essential as this post offers an excellent opportunity to travel and view the biodiversity that we need to conserve for a sustainable future.
 
Apply online: https://capenature.simply.hr/
 
Closing date: 19 January 2024
 
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