Oferta compartida por Cristina
Restoration EcologistTechnical & Carbon Team · Gqeberha, Eastern Cape (Hybrid)
Restoration Ecologist, Spekboom Restoration Project
Technical and Carbon Team, Gqeberha (negotiable), South Africa
Job Title: Restoration Ecologist, Spekboom Restoration Project
Location: Gqeberha
Start Date: 01 February 2024
Reports to: Technical and Carbon Director
Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure that will revitalize landscapes, combat climate change, and promote sustainable agriculture? Join NatCarbon Africa: a mission-driven, proudly African organisation dedicated to high-quality implementation of large-scale carbon, climate and biodiversity projects. We embrace the power of cutting-edge technology to enhance project execution. Community engagement lies at the heart of our projects, driven by a genuine commitment to meaningful and inclusive participation and co-benefits such as biodiversity conservation and socioeconomic upliftment.
NatCarbon Africa seeks an experienced Restoration Ecologist in the Technical and Carbon Team for the large scale Spekboom Restoration Project in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa. With our partner Imperative Global, our aim is to restore up to 100 000 hectares of degraded subtropical thicket biome. The Project will be planting spekboom (Portulacaria afra) on privately owned land to improve ecosystem functioning, improve agricultural productivity over time, promote biodiversity, improve soil filtration, water storage capabilities, and reduce soil erosion. The Project is estimated to permanently store large quantities of Carbon Dioxide over the Project life, thus positively contributing towards climate change mitigation.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Restoration Ecologist will report directly to the Technical and Carbon Director and will be responsible for leading and managing a team of field technicians. The role will comprise of both desk based and field based work. The successful candidate will assist with planning, conducting and managing all our field monitoring activities.
These activities will include suitability assessments of potential planting areas, vegetation surveys, baseline assessments, and biomass sampling, amongst others. The Restoration Ecologist will also be responsible for data control, management, and reporting.
The position will require regular travel to, and between, our field sites in the Eastern and Western Cape. The successful candidate should ideally be based in or near Gqeberha and must be willing to spend a significant portion of their time on-site, in the field.
RESPONSIBILITIES:Serve as NatCarbon’s expert on Spekboom and thicket restoration.
Manage, support, and train a team of Field Technicians.
Plan and conduct baseline assessments of all proposed planting areas.
Plan and conduct regular vegetation surveys and monitor biomass plots, soil carbon and fauna across the project area.
Develop tools, frameworks, and templates to streamline data gathering and analysis.
Undertake ecological oversight of project activities to ensure that project activities are implemented in accordance with the project design documents and best available science.
Provide regular reporting on restoration activities.
Support the audit process for the validation and verification of greenhouse gas removals.
Continually look for opportunities to strengthen capacity and build strategic partnerships.
Network with external and internal partners to exchange experiences and promote learning to ensure activities are best in class.
Participate in technical sessions, workshops, conferences and other relevant events.
Contribute towards research on Spekboom and ecosystem restoration that advances the field both academically and commercially.
Provide support to the Operations and Project Team in the field if required.
REQUIREMENTSPost graduate degree in restoration ecology, ecology, forestry, botany, or related fields.
At least 5-10 years’ previous work experience in a related field.
The successful candidate needs to be data driven and demonstrate a good knowledge of ecology and restoration practices.
Strong leader.
Must be well organized and willing to work hard.
Excellent communication skills, especially verbal and written skills in English in Afrikaans (isiXhosa advantageous).
Ability to create high quality written documents in English.
Strong quantitative and statistics skills.
Data driven.
Experience in ecological restoration advantageous.
Experience working on nature-based carbon projects is advantageous.
Capacity to solve complex project-related problems independently and receive general direction on new assignments.
Ability to manage targets and priorities and develop own goals.
Must be able to work effectively under pressure and with minimal supervision.
Working knowledge of GIS, using GPS and/or other field monitoring equipment
Valid Driver’s Licence (with off road driving experience advantageous.
Demonstrate a high level of personal integrity and be passionate about making a positive difference to the world.
WORKING CONDITIONSFrequent travel within the Eastern and Western Cape anticipated, including to remote locations. Travel may on occasion cross weekends and holidays to accommodate schedules. Work hours may be irregular.
You will join a great team! We are …
From diverse locations and backgrounds, but all experts in our respective fields, we bring together a wide range of cross-sector experiences, ideas, and skills.
Relentless in our pursuit of excellence and innovation, always pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo. But it’s not all work for us – we also believe in celebrating our successes, recognising individual contributions, and taking time to support each other’s growth and development.
At our core, explorers, constantly learning, evolving, and seeking new ways to deliver impactful solutions. We are not afraid to dream big, take risks, and step out of our comfort zones because we know that together, we are capable of achieving great things.
COMPENSATION
To help us attract and retain top talent, NatCarbon Africa pays employees competitively to the market, depending on experience. Salary is one component of NatCarbon Africa’s total compensation package which also includes health care and life insurance, contributions to each employee’s retirement plan, paid time off and funds to support professional development. We will recognize employees who go beyond expected performance with salary increases and/or promotions.
In return, we expect each employee to, at a minimum:Meet expectations in terms of work effort and performance;
Take the initiative to build the skills and knowledge needed to do their job effectively; and
Embody the values of NatCarbon Africa.
How to Apply
To apply, please send us the following:Cover letter (not to exceed one page)
Resume/CV (not to exceed three pages)
*Please add app.bamboohr.com to your contact list to ensure you receive emails from us*
NatCarbon Africa provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination.
*Only applications received online via the NatCarbon website or LinkedIn Page will be considered*
