Riverine Rabbit Programme Senior Field Officer

Position title: Senior Field Officer.

Department: Riverine Rabbit Programme (RRP).

Purpose of the position: To manage the RRP’s Habitat Management and Stewardship Project and various projects relating to riparian habitat rehabilitation and supervision of the Karoo indigenous nursery based in Loxton (Northern Cape).

Qualification: Minimum M.Sc in Ecology, Botany, Conservation Biology OR an equivalent, relevant qualification and at least 2-3 years postgraduate experience in the working environment.

Competencies required:

• Experience with conservation stewardship including negotiating stewardship agreements, drafting and implementing biodiversity management plans and working with landowners in general, to improve conservation practices.
• A solid understanding of the conservation challenges in arid areas, knowledge of arid ecology is important.
• A proven track record in habitat rehabilitation/restoration research and field work.
• Experience propagating indigenous plants will be an advantage.
• Experience in presenting results of conservation research to landowners, as well as publishing in peer-reviewed publications.
• A high level of competency with Microsoft Office. Competency in GIS software packages (ArcGIS 9.x, and/or ArcView 3.x.) will be advantageous.
• High degree of self-motivation and pro-activity, excellent administrative skills, excellent organisation skills, and the proven ability to work under pressure.
• The ability to develop strong relationships with the private sector, conservation/environmental organisations, governmental agencies, staff and volunteers.
• Excellent report-writing skills for a variety of audiences including the general public, conservation practitioners and the scientific

Interpersonal skills:

• Self-motivated, disciplined, innovative and energetic.
• Staff management and supervisory skills
• Excellent communication and networking skills.
• Fluency in at least English and Afrikaans.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of team.

Key performance areas:

The EWT-RRP Senior Field Officer reports to the EWT-RRP Manager and is responsible for the management and implementation of the EWT-RRP’s Riparian Habitat Rehabilitation and Stewardship Project by: planning and implementing habitat rehabilitation sites; negotiating stewardship agreements with landowners; drafting and assisting in the implementation of such agreements and biodiversity management plans; assisting with field work for the Riverine Rabbit in the region; managing the EWT-RRP nursery; managing and directing the project in line with the EWT Strategic Objectives; liaising and networking within the general public and the broader conservation community both in South Africa and the region; and assisting with the project’s fundraising strategies.

This post is based in Loxton (Northern Cape). The Endangered Wildlife Trust is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are requested to submit a CV, and a brief motivation as to why and how they would see themselves as the EWT-RRP Senior Field Officer.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence. Closing date: 16h30 on 26th August 2011.

To apply please e-mail your CV and application to the Human resources Manager Alison Jänicke alisonj@ewt.org.za or mail to:The Endangered Wildlife Trust, Private Bag X11, Modderfontein, 1645,Gauteng or fax to 086 636 5823.