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EASTERN CAPE PARKS AND TOURISM AGENCY (ECPTA)
 
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ECOLOGIST (5 Year Fixed Term Contract)
Centre: Head Office (East London)
Band: C – Upper
 
Purpose
Reporting to the Stewardship Manager, the Ecologist will support the Protected Areas Expansion in the Eastern Cape. Furthermore, the Ecologist will facilitate protected area expansion networks and provide ecological advice and support the management thereof in line with the National Environmental Management Act, National Protected Areas Act, 2003 and any other relevant environmental management legislation.
 
Requirements
  • MSc Degree in Natural Sciences or relevant equivalent.
  • Minimum of 5 (five) years’ experience in an ecological role within conservation and or protected areas planning.
  • Valid driver’s license.
  • Registration with SACNASP.
  • GIS skills.
 
Competencies / Skills required
  • Ability to provide key technical and ecological advice to landowners/management authorities (stewardship).
  • Excellent knowledge of the relevant conservation and land use planning.
  • Good experience in protected areas planning
  • Sound knowledge of protected area declaration processes.
  • Understanding of relevant environmental legislation.
  • Experience in data analysis and management.
  • Sound knowledge of planning principles.
  • Excellent research and report-writing skills.
  • Good experience in GIS and mapping.
  • Socio-ecological experience.
  • Good communications skills.
  • Planning and organizing skills.
  • 4×4 driving skills.
 
Key Performance Areas
  • Ecological research: Determine research priorities and monitor trends and identify emerging ecological trends.
  • Biomonitoring: Design biological and biophysical monitoring programmes.
  • Advisory services: Provide routine ecological advice for protected area expansions to external stakeholders and Landowners. Carry out ecological assessments and assess potential sites for protected areas expansion. Coordinate site visits and provide technical support to protected area planning processes. The development of protected areas management plans. Support landowners to implement management plans by providing appropriate ecological extension support.
  • Stakeholder engagement and management: Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders e.g., landowners, provincial/national departments, non-profit organisations, researchers, communities, municipalities and ecological experts.
  • Budget planning and monitoring: Manage the approved budget as per the project plans and schedules.
  • People Management: Manage subordinates by assigning work/duties and assessing progress and Ensure Policy implementation of HR policies and strategies (leave management, EE etc.).

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In line with the Employment Equity Policy of the Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency, preference will be given to suitable candidates from the designated groups. (Where applicable).
 
Closing Date:  2 October 2023
 
Please forward your application to:
  • recruitment@ecpta.co.za, please specify the position you are applying for.
  • Please submit a comprehensive CV. Applications received after the closing date and/or those submitted to an address not listed above will not be considered.
  • If you do not receive a response within 30 days, please consider your application as unsuccessful.
 
The ECPTA reserves the right not to fill any advertised position.