Ecologist.

Environmental / Ecological Trust in Southern part of Sabi Sand Game Reserve - Mpumalanga.

A tertiary qualification in environmental or conservation management.

Extensive knowledge of ecological matters as they pertain to the management of conservation areas in South Africa,

e.g. fauna & flora management practices, large mammal management, fire prevention practices, environmental best practices etc.

Attention to detail.

The ideal candidate will have a hands-on attitude to dealing with a myriad of ecological activities.

The maturity to interact with all stakeholders, i.e. Trustees, Game Reserve Management,

Kruger National Park Section Rangers, Game Lodge management and guides in a collaborative manner that resolves crisis’ in a win-win fashion.

The Ecologist resides on the farm in the Game Reserve and needs to be available on a 24/7 basis.

Key Responsibilities:

The Ecologist is responsible for ensuring that the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is relevant to current environmental practices

and that all stakeholders adhere to its operating procedures.

He/she is also responsible for the ecological well-being of the neighbouring concession in the Kruger National Park.

Habitat Management

Plan and implement ongoing road maintenance. Remove trees and branches that fall on roads.

Monitor, service and repair game water reticulation equipment, i.e. 4 dams with 2 solar and 2 electric pumps.

Ensure dams are kept to optimal levels throughout the year.

Ensure that an appropriate fire prevention and fighting plan is in place and that regular training and simulation exercises take place with the Game Lodge / Reserve.

Ensure that an alien plan is in place which involves the removal of alien plants at the right time each year.

Manage the annual Sabie and Sand River (during concession period) cleanup which occurs at the end of the dry season

and is done to remove all plastic and refuse which washes downstream during each summer season.

Ensure that a bush thinning project is in place and implemented.

Ensure that an erosion control project is in place which is relevant and implemented.

Maintain river crossing upgrades.

Monitor daily climate trends (temp, rainfall).

Carry out biomass assessments.

Complete a fix-point photographic survey twice annually.

Monitor water quality standards by quarterly analysis.

Ensure appropriate manpower delegation to the above-mentioned projects.

Procurement and maintenance of equipment and tools, i.e. 3 tractors, a TLB, 4 bakkie sakkie’s, 4 chainsaws, 2 brush cutters, 3 pumps, 2 bakkies. 2. Game Management Monitor

and coordinate all game-health issues, e.g. snares, injuries, disease with SSW.

Compile applications for various permits, e.g. ivory, impala culling, and rhino horn.

Conduct an annual game census (drive count).

Compile monthly statistics on critically important species.

Security Respond and follow up on any trespassing. Co-ordinate security concerns with SSW. Ensure operating procedures and curfews are abided by. Ensure access (boom gate) registers are kept.

Ensure off-road driving by Game Lodge guides complies with tenant operating procedures, e.g. vehicle tracking devices, mapping, ground checking.

Ensure vehicle density numbers and movements on Reserve comply, e.g. number of vehicles on game drives, number of traversing vehicles

and ensure that game drives comply with best practice.

Oversee guides use of the property is compliant with special attention to sensitive ecological areas, times of driving, speeding.

Maintain, upgrade and replace fence around footprint (2.8 km).

Game Management

Monitor and coordinate all game-health issues, e.g. snares, injuries, diseases.

Compile applications for various permits, e.g. ivory, impala culling, and rhino horn.
Conduct an annual game census (drive count).
Compile monthly statistics on critically important species

Security

Respond and follow up on any trespassing.

Co-ordinate security concerns.

Ensure operating procedures and curfews are abided by.

Ensure access (boom gate) registers are kept.

Salary market related & Highly negotiable including accommodation and company benefits.