CapeNature’s Biodiversity Intelligence Unit is seeking a dynamic fauna ecologist to generate the robust science that underpins our conservation decisions.  If you thrive equally in the field with camera traps and in the office analysing datasets, and you want your work to directly influence species recovery, protected area expansion and biodiversity management, we want to hear from you.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

KRA 1: Manage, develop and integrate knowledge, planning, and monitoring systems.

• Contribute to fauna chapters within the both the annual Western Cape State of Conservation Report and the five-yearly Western Cape State of Biodiversity Report.
• Collate, quality-check and upload all current year fauna surveillance and monitoring datasets to relevant databases by internal cut-off dates.
• Ensure that current and accurate taxonomic information is provided in the revision of:
  • State of Biodiversity Reports
  • Conservation Action Plans and Biodiversity Management Plans.
  • Protected Area Management Plans.
  • Catchment to Coast Strategies.

KRA 2: Manage, develop and integrate legislation, policies, strategies and systems.

• Best available science embedded into policies, procedures, protocols, strategies and plans, including:
  • Western Cape Biodiversity Legislation
  • CapeNature Policies.
  • Biodiversity Governance Position Statements.
• Ensure current and accurate scientific information informs Biodiversity and Environmental Legislation.

KRA 3: Generate impact through the enablement, development and integration of leading-edge technologies, practice, policy, science, and innovation.

• Produce monitoring reports.
• Contribute to/lead peer-reviewed scientific publications.

KRA 4: Manage, engage and collaborate with strategic partners and fora.

• Represent CapeNature’s mandate and interests on Committees, Forums, Working Groups and Meetings deemed relevant.

KRA 5: Manage, develop and deploy biodiversity capability and capacity.

• Contribute to and deliver stakeholder capacity building and awareness about healthy natural ecosystems, habitats and landscapes, and ecosystem services.
• Mainstream optimal procedures, practices and processes for effective biodiversity monitoring and surveillance.
• Contribute to the updating of Standard Operating Protocols and Guidelines.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Natural Science degree in the field of Conservation Science, Ecological Science, Biological Science or Zoological Science (NQF 7
• Three (3) years wildlife research/monitoring experience, including data processing and analysis and report writing.
• Excellent formal report and scientific writing skills in English. Applicants are required to upload a self-authored report/thesis/publication.
• In possession of a valid unendorsed Code EB unendorsed driver’s license with own vehicle. Must be willing to regularly travel extensively throughout the Western Cape Province and elsewhere as required.
• Knowledge of Fynbos, Succulent Karoo and associated priority fauna of the Western Cape.
• No criminal record.

COMPETENCIES

• Demonstratable project management and organizational skills. Applicants are required to upload an example of a completed project or plan for which they were they were responsible.
• 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 Excellent written and verbal communication and inter-personal skills.
• Proficiency in statistical analyses.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of the ecology, fauna, and flora of the Western Cape and the primary threats to its biodiversity.
• Advanced interpersonal and communication skills.
• Advanced problem solving, analytical, strategic, and critical thinking skills.
• An active learning, innovative and problem-solving approach to job, with good organisation skills.
• Ability to work to a detailed schedule and meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships colleagues, peers, and professional associations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Natural Science degree in the field of Conservation Science, Ecological Science, Biological Science or Zoological Science (NQF 8).
• Five (5) years’ post qualification experience as practicing ecologist/ scientist in biodiversity surveillance, monitoring, and research.
• Proficiency in at least two of the three official languages of the Western Cape.
• South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) accreditation.
• Expertise in camera-trap or acoustic-monitoring analytics.
• Remote sensing/GIS scripting (R/Python) or drone survey skills.
• Experience in off-road / 4 x 4 driving.
• Enjoy working with data and new analytical technologies.
• Proficiency in using a full-featured GIS Software Package/s (e.g., QGIS or ArcGIS).

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.

AS AN EMPLOYEE OF CAPENATURE, YOU WILL ENJOY:

• 24 days of annual leave per annual leave cycle
• Comprehensive benefits for death, critical illness or injury linked to the Pension Fund for CapeNature employees
• Staff discounts of up to 50% on CapeNature accommodation at reserves across the Western Cape
• Opportunities for career progression and development through internal and external training interventions, and academic growth through the internal CapeNature Bursary Programme subject to Bursary Policy guidelines
• Free access to CapeNature’s Wellness Partner for you and your immediate household which includes professional counselling, financial, legal and health related advice; and
• The opportunity to positively impact the environment and promote a sustainable future.

Apply online via https://capenature.simplify.hr/

Closing Date:  1 April 2026